There have been so many thoughts going through my head recently. Ranging from people's holiday decorations, people's perspectives on the world, the salvation of God's elect, and all the way to what it means to love and be loved. I could go on all day about these points, but I would like to just touch on each briefly in order to give a place for others to explore them as well.
First holiday decorations. I love decorating for Christmas, it gives me a chance to think about the many ways that my Lord has been gracious to me and has blessed me. However, there are so many people that don't understand anything about what it means to be saved by the grace of God. They put up lights of every color and design, some of them even putting up Christian themed lights without any clue or desire to understand what they mean and stand for. Let us use decorations to encourage, bless, and strengthen those we come in contact with.
Second, people are supposed to be "nicer" around the holidays. I have found this to be ludicrous. A person doesn't actually change for a certain time of the year. They are who they are all the time. They may attempt to act a certain way to be perceived by those around them as being a certain way, but if they aren't that way all year round, then that is not who they really are. There are so many people that don't even enjoy the holidays. Instead of enjoying their family and making memories together, they stress about gifts, shopping, cooking, cleaning, and decorating. Instead of worshiping the King of kings, they worry about how they look, are perceived, and whether or not they will offend someone. They think that if they can just do something right, it will bless someone else. This just isn't true, God blesses people, no matter what you do.
Third, this is the time of year that we most hear about the birth of our Savior and His plan for salvation. So many people take His plan and distort it into something that is hideously ugly and man centered. They tell those around them that they have the power over salvation and that they can control their own destiny. Someone recently asked how I could believe that God had already either condemned or elected for salvation every single human being ever. How I could believe that since I have children. The answer is simple. Do I believe that God is on His throne and is in control of my life and the life's of everyone else? Yes, I do. Do I believe that He does everything for His glory? Yes. Do I believe that He loves me in such a way that He does all things for my good? Yes. Then I must trust Him to redeem those whom He has providentially chosen before the foundation of the world. If God isn't the one who controls the salvation of people, then man does and that scares me. For man has never been able to do anything good, so what makes some people think that man would make good executioners of their own salvation? It is extreme folly to believe that God sits in heaven wringing His hands hoping that people choose Him over themselves. God knocks down the door to our heart and completely sacks every part of it, leaving nothing left. If God does not save fully, He does not save. I believe that God has chosen everyone before the foundation of the world which gives me comfort to know that neither age, smarts, or physical handicaps can keep any of my children from the grace of God, because there is nothing that they can do to receive it.
Fourth, I have been completely and utterly amazed by the beauty in Shane & Shane's song "So I Can Love". It seems to me to be one of the best presentations of the gospel and how we are to live it out that I have ever heard in song. In the song they proclaim that if we have breath in our lungs and blood in our veins, there must be a reason that we are alive. So many people think that there are so many reasons that they are alive. To care for family, to work, to teach, to give. However, in their song Shane & Shane make a profound statement. That the only reason we are alive is to love. At first listen this may sound odd and even overly simple to many people, leaving something to be desired. However, I want people to dig deeper. If we are alive to love what does it mean to love? The first thing that we should think of is that scripture tells us that God is love. Ok, so we have two things then. We are to love, but loving someone means that we bring God to them or show them God. If we are to God (love) others, shouldn't this mean that no matter the consequences or the cost, we show them what it means to be loved? For those who are apart from God have never experienced love.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Who Are You??
Over the past several days I have heard some of the most two sided discussions about the Syrian crisis and it's refugees. On the one hand you have people proclaiming that we need to protect ourselves and that it isn't safe to bring over these refugees. The other side says that we shouldn't just let them in, because there is a vetting process so that takes care of how they come to the USA. I would like to point out several things within this discussion and several key issues when trying to understand it's proponents.
First is the question of who we are. Not who we are as Americans, for that is merely the place where we reside. But who we are as people. God created us in such a way as to be able to have unique differences in our personalities, skin color, height, and so on. However, there is one thing that rings true for every single person that God has created. That is the simple fact that He has created them.
So our first response should be that we are God's creations and that those of us who proclaim a saving knowledge of God should know this more than anyone. Secondly, we must then ask; what is the difference between these Syrians and myself? Some may answer and say that they are evil, terrorists, and hate Americans. While this may be true of some of them, could this not have been said about you before Christ's light broke into your heart? You may not have hated Americans or been a terrorist in the sense that you attempted to kill other human beings, but the truth of the matter is that you were a terrorist and you were evil. The only difference was that your evil and terror were aimed at a Holy God rather than mere man.
Who are we as Christians to even begin to say that we know the reason for what goes on in the world. However, I think that this article by David Crabb lends a beautiful picture to one reason why it could be happening. In his article Crabb mentions the idea that maybe God is bringing all of these Syrians to our country is so that God's will for their salvation might be brought to fruition. What an amazing thought that this is! It fits directly with what scripture tells us, that others can mean things for evil and yet God uses them for the good of His people. What if in order to reach those whom He has elected and chosen He is bringing them directly to us?!
So many Americans want to live in fear and concern about their own safety and they forget Who actually keeps them safe. It isn't the government, law enforcement, or weapons. It is God Almighty who keeps us safe in our beds at night, as we work, as we travel, as we pretend to make our own security decisions. Without God's blessing, none of those things would work. They would all fall apart and fail to do what we have designed them to.
My question then is this. Are you a Christian that believes in a sovereign God who controls all things and cares for those who He has called unto Himself? Are you frightened of mere man and the damage that he may cause or do you rest that your God is in control of your safety? Are you worried that your selfish desires and wants may be taken away? Are you concerned first and foremost about the spreading of the gospel to the lost and dying? Are you too proud and arrogant to stand for those who cannot defend themselves? Are you willing, as Christians throughout the ages have done, to lay down your life for the gospel? Are you willing to place your trust in the only One who can truly protect you and your family? Who are you truly?
Being a Christian isn't easy, and yet God calls us to be holy for He is Holy. Please join me in praying for the salvation of those seeking refuge and searching for some comfort in their time of need.
First is the question of who we are. Not who we are as Americans, for that is merely the place where we reside. But who we are as people. God created us in such a way as to be able to have unique differences in our personalities, skin color, height, and so on. However, there is one thing that rings true for every single person that God has created. That is the simple fact that He has created them.
So our first response should be that we are God's creations and that those of us who proclaim a saving knowledge of God should know this more than anyone. Secondly, we must then ask; what is the difference between these Syrians and myself? Some may answer and say that they are evil, terrorists, and hate Americans. While this may be true of some of them, could this not have been said about you before Christ's light broke into your heart? You may not have hated Americans or been a terrorist in the sense that you attempted to kill other human beings, but the truth of the matter is that you were a terrorist and you were evil. The only difference was that your evil and terror were aimed at a Holy God rather than mere man.
Who are we as Christians to even begin to say that we know the reason for what goes on in the world. However, I think that this article by David Crabb lends a beautiful picture to one reason why it could be happening. In his article Crabb mentions the idea that maybe God is bringing all of these Syrians to our country is so that God's will for their salvation might be brought to fruition. What an amazing thought that this is! It fits directly with what scripture tells us, that others can mean things for evil and yet God uses them for the good of His people. What if in order to reach those whom He has elected and chosen He is bringing them directly to us?!
So many Americans want to live in fear and concern about their own safety and they forget Who actually keeps them safe. It isn't the government, law enforcement, or weapons. It is God Almighty who keeps us safe in our beds at night, as we work, as we travel, as we pretend to make our own security decisions. Without God's blessing, none of those things would work. They would all fall apart and fail to do what we have designed them to.
My question then is this. Are you a Christian that believes in a sovereign God who controls all things and cares for those who He has called unto Himself? Are you frightened of mere man and the damage that he may cause or do you rest that your God is in control of your safety? Are you worried that your selfish desires and wants may be taken away? Are you concerned first and foremost about the spreading of the gospel to the lost and dying? Are you too proud and arrogant to stand for those who cannot defend themselves? Are you willing, as Christians throughout the ages have done, to lay down your life for the gospel? Are you willing to place your trust in the only One who can truly protect you and your family? Who are you truly?
Being a Christian isn't easy, and yet God calls us to be holy for He is Holy. Please join me in praying for the salvation of those seeking refuge and searching for some comfort in their time of need.
Monday, November 2, 2015
The Fog Lifting
Recently I have seen a lot of fog coming off of the river that I drive alongside as I travel to work. Each time, I struggle to see the road, the other cars on it, and to make sure that I am driving safely. I am amazed at how easily the sun breaks through and causes the fog to dissipate in an instant. It reminded me today about the way that God breaks through to us when He reaches into our hearts and minds and creates something beautiful.
Before God makes us new, we live as though we see the world through a fog. We see glimpses of beauty, sunshine, joy, and wonder. Yet, we just can't see enough to cause us to be truly amazed and awed. When God removes the veil from before our eyes, it is just like watching the sun destroy the morning fog. It runs away and cannot hide. It pulls back to reveal such beauties that we could never have imagined to exist in the world.
God does the same thing to our minds and hearts. We were unable to understand, see, or believe. Then God does something that we have nothing to do with in order to give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and minds to understand. The fog is lifted and we cannot contain the joy and the grace that we have been shown abounds more than we could ever imagine.
As we approach the holidays, may we all be grateful most of all for the work that Jesus did, both through His life and His death, for those whom He has chosen even before the creation of the world. We can be thankful for the many worldly blessings that we have, but if we do not realize the most important thing to be thankful for, then we have missed the entire point. The early things do not matter, but the things of God remain forever! May you be the tool used to remove the fog from someone's eyes, or to lift it from their minds. May you shine forth the rays of God's truth to the ends of the earth in order to proclaim His goodness and mercy towards those whom He has chosen.
Thursday, October 29, 2015
True Beauty
What does it mean to truly appreciate and learn from creation? This is something that constantly causes me to ponder about the beauties that God has placed within our lives. We see so many things in life that are truly of the glorious in splendor and majesty, and yet we completely neglect to thank God for them and the pleasure that they bring to us.
For instance, yesterday was quite a gloomy rainy day. There wasn't much going on that would draw the eye to the splendor of God's beauty. His sustaining mercy and power, sure, but not much towards His beauty. However, this morning began with a gloriously bright sun shining through the crimson, orange, and yellow foliage draping the surrounding hillsides and forests. There was a peace ringing through the air, as if to proclaim that everything had been washed clean and that all was new again. The clouds in the sky were sparse and the ones that were there looked like an inviting cool pillow on a hot summer's day.
My mind was drawn to this beauty as I was driving to work. It caused me to wonder at the extreme majesty of a creator that holds everything in His power and sustains the very creation that we often ignore. I was reminded of a song by Warren Barfield. In it he proclaims the message that if we do not experience certain things in life, that we will not understand or know the true value and worth of others. This was ringing loud and true in my ears as I gazed upon the majestic. If we did not experience rain and darkness, would we really appreciate the light and beauty of the sun and it's warmth? If we did not experience the depression of the clouds and their darkness, would we ever understand what the gospel ever does to a person's darkened heart when the Light of Truth breaks into and shines with such brilliance that all you can do is stand in awe?
Not everything that we see will cause us to be amazed and astounded. Some things will cause us to be sorrowful and depressed. However, we serve a God who is all powerful and cares deeply for those whom He has called unto Himself. So take heart on the days when the rain falls, the clouds rolls in, and darkness descends, for there is one thing that will always remain true and will always stand. That is the simple fact that God is in control, and nothing can contain His beauty. It will always shine through and will always follow times of darkness in the lives of those who love Him.
So be encouraged and take heart. Take some time to reflect on the beauty of God and to embrace the majesty shown forth through His creations.
For instance, yesterday was quite a gloomy rainy day. There wasn't much going on that would draw the eye to the splendor of God's beauty. His sustaining mercy and power, sure, but not much towards His beauty. However, this morning began with a gloriously bright sun shining through the crimson, orange, and yellow foliage draping the surrounding hillsides and forests. There was a peace ringing through the air, as if to proclaim that everything had been washed clean and that all was new again. The clouds in the sky were sparse and the ones that were there looked like an inviting cool pillow on a hot summer's day.
My mind was drawn to this beauty as I was driving to work. It caused me to wonder at the extreme majesty of a creator that holds everything in His power and sustains the very creation that we often ignore. I was reminded of a song by Warren Barfield. In it he proclaims the message that if we do not experience certain things in life, that we will not understand or know the true value and worth of others. This was ringing loud and true in my ears as I gazed upon the majestic. If we did not experience rain and darkness, would we really appreciate the light and beauty of the sun and it's warmth? If we did not experience the depression of the clouds and their darkness, would we ever understand what the gospel ever does to a person's darkened heart when the Light of Truth breaks into and shines with such brilliance that all you can do is stand in awe?
Not everything that we see will cause us to be amazed and astounded. Some things will cause us to be sorrowful and depressed. However, we serve a God who is all powerful and cares deeply for those whom He has called unto Himself. So take heart on the days when the rain falls, the clouds rolls in, and darkness descends, for there is one thing that will always remain true and will always stand. That is the simple fact that God is in control, and nothing can contain His beauty. It will always shine through and will always follow times of darkness in the lives of those who love Him.
So be encouraged and take heart. Take some time to reflect on the beauty of God and to embrace the majesty shown forth through His creations.
Friday, October 2, 2015
Where Does Your Hope Lie?
This morning I am reminded of my Lord's sovereignty and mercy. I am reminded of this in a way that most people would think is callous or cruel. This morning I saw the news about the shooting that took place out in Oregon yesterday. Once again, the persecution that was guaranteed to us as Christians was poured out upon the individuals involved in this shooting. The gunman was specifically looking to shoot Christians. This isn't the first time that this has happened, and it won't be the last. It is something that we have been promised to receive by Jesus.
While I am saying that this is something that was promised, I am also saying that we need to mourn with the families of those who have been taken from this world. We need to grieve for our brothers and sisters that have lost loved ones and now must deal with the results of what happened. However there should be much pride and comfort found by those same families, if the individuals families are also Christians.
Pride in knowing that when push came to shove, their loved one stood for the only thing that really matters and paid the ultimate price for it. Their Savior died for their sins, and they in turn gave their life to proclaim that He is in fact God and Lord of all. They should take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and therefore has each and every one of our days numbered. We cannot live longer than He has planned and we will not die by any means that He has not ordained. Therefore those who proclaimed Jesus as Lord and were killed went to be home with Him. To ease all their pain and to rejoice in His beauty for all eternity.
There have been people who throughout history have lived this to the fullest and proven to lead in such a way as to give strength to the weary and wisdom to those in need. One man who stands out to me is Stonewall Jackson. He received his nickname through the example he led with on the battlefield. He proclaimed to his soldiers that God knew his time and that he could not die before then, so he felt just as safe standing in the midst of bullets as he did lying in his own bed. Oh to have a faith and strength to believe like Jackson's.
While this event is a horrific event and one filled by the sinful actions of one person. It is also filled with the glorious testimony of all those who stood to proclaim Christ's love towards a man who wished them dead because of their faith. They did not stand for their own benefit, for it led to their death or injury, but rather they stood in order to proclaim that Jesus lives, rose from the dead, and is coming again for His bride.
While this event is extremely difficult to deal with for those involved and for their loved ones. We must proclaim to the world that our God is in control, that He does all things for the good of those who love Him, and that His glory is His goal. If we cannot attest to these things, then we cannot affirm the Christian faith. While it may sound callous to those who are not of God, it is in fact the truth. If God is not in control then He is not God. If He does not do all things for the good of those who love Him, then He is a liar and not God. If everything is not for His glory, then He is not God because He would desire something more than Himself.
Join with me then in praying for the families of those in need of our love and support through this time. At the same time, rejoice with those brothers and sisters that have now gone to be with our King, and sing His praises for all to hear.
Tuesday, September 8, 2015
The Beauty and Angst of God's Creation
Over this past weekend I traveled with my family to see the Niagara Falls. We drove all morning, walked around all afternoon taking pictures, and then drove home in the evening. It was a fun day out together as a family. We were able to enjoy a sunny, albeit very hot, day while admiring the beauty and power of the falls. I was continuously struck by a single thought. What power and might there is contained in the flow of water through the river coming to a culmination as it froths over the edge and pounds the rocks beneath to its will. I was struck with the thought of where the water came from, and Who controls it. It amazed me that so many people, millions actually, would come to see this majestic sight every year, and yet so many of those people would never even think about or recognize that the power behind and control of these falls is God alone.
As we strolled down the man made concrete sidewalks, I pondered the difference between them and the enormous cliffs that the river had carved through solid stone in order to reach its proper destination. In many ways, this reminded me of the majesty and awe inspired by the Grand Canyon. I thought about the many ways that man attempts to protect and upkeep its creations (the sidewalks) and the struggle that they have in doing so. Yet, God has complete control over one of the most powerful and forceful river/falls that exists in the world, and He never struggles to control its reach, its force, or its depth. This is amazing and glorious to me. What if God decided that He would no longer hold this river to its current course? What if He wished to move it over a couple hundred feet to one side or the other? What would people think?
I think that most people would proclaim that a disaster had happened, that they would curse God for the destruction created by such a change. However, I think that this is the wrong way to view God's creation and His control over it. He not only controls every aspect of His creation, but He also sustains it and causes it to do His bidding. Instead of merely watching it flow with such gusto through the banks that attempt to contain it, He decrees what ways it may expand or contract and how forceful it may propel itself over the precipice.
The amazing part about Niagara Falls is not the falls themselves. No, the amazing part about the falls, is that they actually have a creator that continues to mold and shape their course. God created something that draws millions of people to their edge every year, and yet those same people would claim that they do not know God, that they do not believe in Him, and that He does not exist. This should not only haunt us, but should also cause us to rejoice. It should haunt us in that most of the people that see this sight every year, they reject God outright by rejecting His creation as being His. It should cause us to rejoice in that God has given us grace to see His beauty and mercy.
I have seen and heard claims about the ways in which the falls, and the extending river walls were created. Yet, the easiest and best explanation for how/why it was formed and for the way it was formed is found simply and clearly within the pages of scripture. People try to come up with all of these outlandish ways by which things may have been created, and yet the most simple is this. In the book of Genesis we see the description of a massive flood, covering all of the earth. Upon its retreat it would have created massive gorges throughout the world. This is the most likely cause for such an amazing sight such as Niagara Falls. Sure, the river cuts away some of the ground over time and creates different angles and edges. However, the most likely cause was the reduction of the flood of the Bible.
I challenge anyone who believes in the God of the Bible to journey, at one time or another, to Niagara Falls. Not for the touristy things surrounding them, but to see the majesty and beauty of your Creator shining through in such a way as to show you a glimpse of the might and power of His word.
As we strolled down the man made concrete sidewalks, I pondered the difference between them and the enormous cliffs that the river had carved through solid stone in order to reach its proper destination. In many ways, this reminded me of the majesty and awe inspired by the Grand Canyon. I thought about the many ways that man attempts to protect and upkeep its creations (the sidewalks) and the struggle that they have in doing so. Yet, God has complete control over one of the most powerful and forceful river/falls that exists in the world, and He never struggles to control its reach, its force, or its depth. This is amazing and glorious to me. What if God decided that He would no longer hold this river to its current course? What if He wished to move it over a couple hundred feet to one side or the other? What would people think?
I think that most people would proclaim that a disaster had happened, that they would curse God for the destruction created by such a change. However, I think that this is the wrong way to view God's creation and His control over it. He not only controls every aspect of His creation, but He also sustains it and causes it to do His bidding. Instead of merely watching it flow with such gusto through the banks that attempt to contain it, He decrees what ways it may expand or contract and how forceful it may propel itself over the precipice.
The amazing part about Niagara Falls is not the falls themselves. No, the amazing part about the falls, is that they actually have a creator that continues to mold and shape their course. God created something that draws millions of people to their edge every year, and yet those same people would claim that they do not know God, that they do not believe in Him, and that He does not exist. This should not only haunt us, but should also cause us to rejoice. It should haunt us in that most of the people that see this sight every year, they reject God outright by rejecting His creation as being His. It should cause us to rejoice in that God has given us grace to see His beauty and mercy.
I have seen and heard claims about the ways in which the falls, and the extending river walls were created. Yet, the easiest and best explanation for how/why it was formed and for the way it was formed is found simply and clearly within the pages of scripture. People try to come up with all of these outlandish ways by which things may have been created, and yet the most simple is this. In the book of Genesis we see the description of a massive flood, covering all of the earth. Upon its retreat it would have created massive gorges throughout the world. This is the most likely cause for such an amazing sight such as Niagara Falls. Sure, the river cuts away some of the ground over time and creates different angles and edges. However, the most likely cause was the reduction of the flood of the Bible.
I challenge anyone who believes in the God of the Bible to journey, at one time or another, to Niagara Falls. Not for the touristy things surrounding them, but to see the majesty and beauty of your Creator shining through in such a way as to show you a glimpse of the might and power of His word.
Friday, August 7, 2015
Peaceful Acceptance
Recently I went on vacation with three of my family and three of my siblings. We went to Prince Edward Island where I have so many memories. A place that holds a dear dear place in my heart. I was all ready to do exactly what I wanted on the trip. Enjoy the beach and being outdoors all day long. God however, had other plans. A storm got stuck over the Canadian Atlantic Provinces and the weather was not very good for being at the beach the whole time that we were there.
At first I was sorely disappointed and frustrated that I went all that way only to be met with "bad weather" the whole time. However, after the first couple of days, I didn't care. I began to realize that I was being extremely selfish and needed to see what God was showing me through the "bad weather". The first thing that I realized was that I needed to relax and enjoy the people I was with just as much as the place. The second thing that I noticed was that what I was considering bad weather, wasn't really bad weather at all. The many many farmers on the island had been praying and longing for rain all summer long. It had been a poor summer up until that point for them as their crops were struggling. So instead of the weather being bad, it really was a gift from the Lord to those in desperate need of some precipitation.
I also realized that even though the weather wasn't exactly how I wanted it to be, it allowed us to see some really cool scenery that wouldn't have looked the way it did if it wasn't overcast and stormy. My wife and sisters were able to take some really amazing photos of the clouds, the water, and the power that they seemed to proclaim. It was if God was telling us that even though we had desired to be at the beach and enjoy the sunshine, instead we needed to see His power and majesty displayed through the storms and weather. It seemed as if we were getting a glimpse into pieces of the conversation that God held with Job. The sheer force of the wind and the way it could bend trees, grass, and flowers with ease made me realize just how little I am and how unimaginably great our God is.
The first night that we arrived on the island, the water was calm, peaceful and very relaxing. It was wonderful to stand on the beach with a gentle breeze blowing and to feel the warmth of the setting sun. However, to see the amazing power that the ocean began to show over the next few days between the current and the waves caused me to become excited. I love seeing the waves crash with such amazingly incredible strength against the cliffs in Cavendish. To know and actually understand that God, the ruler of the universe controls those waves and tells them when to exceed their bounds and when to stay exactly where they are is something that makes me quite giddy. How can we not marvel at who God is when we are struck with such beauty and power combined all together to form one majestic piece of creation?
So, we didn't get to go swimming and be at the beach every day that we were there on P.E.I. Many people would then conclude that all the driving that it took to get there wasn't worth it. That the money spent was thrown away and that the vacation was just not what it was supposed/should have been. However, here is what I contend. If by not having the most perfect weather and everything being exactly as expected it caused me to see God to be more beautiful and more lovely than I had before, does this then not mean that every penny that was spent was well worth it? Does not the nourishment of our soul mean so much more to us than the nourishment of the flesh?
I love that island more than any place on earth. It contains more beauties of God's creation than anyone can even imagine unless you have been there and have seen a sunset set over Covehead Harbor. Or climbed upon the deep dark red cliffs of Cavendish to listen to the pounding of the waves upon the earth and to see the way that the mist dances in the air, spraying all those nearby with droplets of grace and mercy. To watch the small red foxes as they lay on a bench, content with the world, knowing that their creator takes care of them. To see the wild lupine growing with such amazing colors that only an artist could begin to conceive their very existence. To see the bright red dirt that covers everything that it touches with its hue and cannot be gotten rid of, until God provides a downpour to wash away all of the dirt and dust that has accumulated. To smell the thyme growing wild and free, just like the island upon which its roots dig for nutrients. To see the rolling hills and fields, covered with miles and miles of the most amazing potatoes that one could ever eat. Strawberries that grow to be the brightest red you have ever seen, and melt into the sweetest, tastiest, and delicious treat you have ever tasted. To walk the streets of Charlottetown and seeing the amazingly extreme variety of individuals that God has brought to one small city for one reason or another. To see the wind surfers being pulled with an incredible force and speed that causes one to wonder how it does not tear their crafts to pieces. To feel water that warms your soul as you wade out to one of the many sandbars that exist in Anne's Land. To see a Great Blue Heron catching its prey with meticulous design in Stanhope Bay.
To enjoy the extreme beauty of a place like this is to gain a glimpse into the very mind of God. To think about what type of God we serve that has the ability and desire to create something so amazing and wonderful for us to enjoy. Something that displays His glory in a way that no person can fully understand or know without experiencing these beauties for themselves. You can tell someone constantly that a certain food you have discovered is the most amazing thing you have ever tasted. However, until the person you are telling actually tries it themselves, they will never understand and never know what exactly they are missing. This is what the Island of Prince Edward is to me. It rings forth the beauty of a Savior who alone created and sustains. It brings people together and causes them to relax beneath a sky that appears like you could reach out and grab the clouds to ride upon them. It causes you to see new and more beautiful pieces of a God who has unveiled Himself through His creation in such a way that we cannot even begin to fully understand. On this island, even the crows seem to sing a more beautiful song for their Creator. Joyfully flying through the air and cawing out their praise and delight for being alive in order to glorify God.
I know that many, if not most, people will never be able to visit my beloved Prince Edward Island. So I encourage you to seek out and to try to find pieces of creation that speak to you in the same way that this island speaks to me. But for those of you who read this and are able to visit P.E.I., please remember that when you are there that it has not been created for you and your desires, but rather to grow, stretch, mold, and shape you into someone who can see a new and different majesty and part of our Holy God, Creator of all.
At first I was sorely disappointed and frustrated that I went all that way only to be met with "bad weather" the whole time. However, after the first couple of days, I didn't care. I began to realize that I was being extremely selfish and needed to see what God was showing me through the "bad weather". The first thing that I realized was that I needed to relax and enjoy the people I was with just as much as the place. The second thing that I noticed was that what I was considering bad weather, wasn't really bad weather at all. The many many farmers on the island had been praying and longing for rain all summer long. It had been a poor summer up until that point for them as their crops were struggling. So instead of the weather being bad, it really was a gift from the Lord to those in desperate need of some precipitation.
I also realized that even though the weather wasn't exactly how I wanted it to be, it allowed us to see some really cool scenery that wouldn't have looked the way it did if it wasn't overcast and stormy. My wife and sisters were able to take some really amazing photos of the clouds, the water, and the power that they seemed to proclaim. It was if God was telling us that even though we had desired to be at the beach and enjoy the sunshine, instead we needed to see His power and majesty displayed through the storms and weather. It seemed as if we were getting a glimpse into pieces of the conversation that God held with Job. The sheer force of the wind and the way it could bend trees, grass, and flowers with ease made me realize just how little I am and how unimaginably great our God is.
The first night that we arrived on the island, the water was calm, peaceful and very relaxing. It was wonderful to stand on the beach with a gentle breeze blowing and to feel the warmth of the setting sun. However, to see the amazing power that the ocean began to show over the next few days between the current and the waves caused me to become excited. I love seeing the waves crash with such amazingly incredible strength against the cliffs in Cavendish. To know and actually understand that God, the ruler of the universe controls those waves and tells them when to exceed their bounds and when to stay exactly where they are is something that makes me quite giddy. How can we not marvel at who God is when we are struck with such beauty and power combined all together to form one majestic piece of creation?
So, we didn't get to go swimming and be at the beach every day that we were there on P.E.I. Many people would then conclude that all the driving that it took to get there wasn't worth it. That the money spent was thrown away and that the vacation was just not what it was supposed/should have been. However, here is what I contend. If by not having the most perfect weather and everything being exactly as expected it caused me to see God to be more beautiful and more lovely than I had before, does this then not mean that every penny that was spent was well worth it? Does not the nourishment of our soul mean so much more to us than the nourishment of the flesh?
I love that island more than any place on earth. It contains more beauties of God's creation than anyone can even imagine unless you have been there and have seen a sunset set over Covehead Harbor. Or climbed upon the deep dark red cliffs of Cavendish to listen to the pounding of the waves upon the earth and to see the way that the mist dances in the air, spraying all those nearby with droplets of grace and mercy. To watch the small red foxes as they lay on a bench, content with the world, knowing that their creator takes care of them. To see the wild lupine growing with such amazing colors that only an artist could begin to conceive their very existence. To see the bright red dirt that covers everything that it touches with its hue and cannot be gotten rid of, until God provides a downpour to wash away all of the dirt and dust that has accumulated. To smell the thyme growing wild and free, just like the island upon which its roots dig for nutrients. To see the rolling hills and fields, covered with miles and miles of the most amazing potatoes that one could ever eat. Strawberries that grow to be the brightest red you have ever seen, and melt into the sweetest, tastiest, and delicious treat you have ever tasted. To walk the streets of Charlottetown and seeing the amazingly extreme variety of individuals that God has brought to one small city for one reason or another. To see the wind surfers being pulled with an incredible force and speed that causes one to wonder how it does not tear their crafts to pieces. To feel water that warms your soul as you wade out to one of the many sandbars that exist in Anne's Land. To see a Great Blue Heron catching its prey with meticulous design in Stanhope Bay.
To enjoy the extreme beauty of a place like this is to gain a glimpse into the very mind of God. To think about what type of God we serve that has the ability and desire to create something so amazing and wonderful for us to enjoy. Something that displays His glory in a way that no person can fully understand or know without experiencing these beauties for themselves. You can tell someone constantly that a certain food you have discovered is the most amazing thing you have ever tasted. However, until the person you are telling actually tries it themselves, they will never understand and never know what exactly they are missing. This is what the Island of Prince Edward is to me. It rings forth the beauty of a Savior who alone created and sustains. It brings people together and causes them to relax beneath a sky that appears like you could reach out and grab the clouds to ride upon them. It causes you to see new and more beautiful pieces of a God who has unveiled Himself through His creation in such a way that we cannot even begin to fully understand. On this island, even the crows seem to sing a more beautiful song for their Creator. Joyfully flying through the air and cawing out their praise and delight for being alive in order to glorify God.
I know that many, if not most, people will never be able to visit my beloved Prince Edward Island. So I encourage you to seek out and to try to find pieces of creation that speak to you in the same way that this island speaks to me. But for those of you who read this and are able to visit P.E.I., please remember that when you are there that it has not been created for you and your desires, but rather to grow, stretch, mold, and shape you into someone who can see a new and different majesty and part of our Holy God, Creator of all.
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