What’s your burning bush?

Sunsets get me to slow down. Sunsets get me reflecting on the Creator of those sunsets. Sunsets might just be my burning bush.

Where do you feel you have those special moments with God? Wherever it is, LISTEN!

“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”

When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!”

And Moses said, “Here I am.”

“Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” ” (Exodus 3:1-5 NIV)

He delights in YOU

With the recent snow in the mountains, I started looking up “SNOW” in the bible. Found this passage, and had to share it with you!

In verse 10-11 we’re reminded that God’s greatest pleasure is found in us who follow Him. Then, later we’re reminded again how big this personal, loving God really is:

“His pleasure is not in the strength of the horse, nor his delight in the legs of the warrior; the Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.

He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.” (Psalm 146:10-11, 15-18 NIV)

Read it again…and again

I’ve been experimenting more with “long exposure” on my camera. That simply means the lens is open longer. The appeal is things that are not moving, like a pier, are clear and crisp. However, something like the ocean or clouds that are moving appear to be more milky and interesting.

When I gaze longer at a passage of Scripture, I have an opportunity to really absorb it. Meditating, or thinking through all of the ways a specific truth applies to me, helps me become more clear on what I need to focus on, how I need to be obedient.

Today, read this verse 5 times. First, ask God to speak to you. Then, read it out loud. Follow along with your finger. Let each word jump off the page. Write out any action you feel God wants you to take.

“Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22b NLT)

What a God we serve!!

With a fresh look at His creation, I’m diving back into familiar passages with fresh eyes. I came across this one this week, and can’t get enough of this powerful truth.

Take a moment to reflect on these words, then simply say “thank you” again and again.

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:8-12 NIV)

Thursday is Special

This Thursday, February 7th, my dad is turning 80! Yes, you read that right…EIGHTY! He doesn’t look it, but then again, these pictures tell the story of this handsome dude.

How blessed I am to be the son of this “Great Scott”!

Thank you dad for years and years of being a faithful, loving example of what it means to be a father, grandfather, husband and friend!!

Happy Birthday!

“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.” (Titus 2:7-8 NIV)