I am the vine; you are the branches

 

 Our connection to Jesus is tangible, He is the sustaining source of our strength and gives us the ability to bear fruit.   Without him we simply dry up, wither, and blow away.  John 15 illustrates just how important our connection to Jesus is.  My prayer today is that I would continue to grow strong in my knowledge and connection to Jesus. 

 

John 15 English Standard Version (ESV)

I Am the True Vine

15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. ² Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ³ Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. ⁴ Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. ⁵ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. ⁷ If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. ⁸ By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. ⁹ As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. ¹⁰ If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. ¹¹ These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

¹² “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. ¹³ Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ¹⁴ You are my friends if you do what I command you. ¹⁵ No longer do I call you servants,^[a] for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. ¹⁶ You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ¹⁷ These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Time in the Word

Use your gifts to serve other

 ^{1 Peter 4:10 has been a fav for 25 years.  It reminds me that we have each received gifts from God, and if we want to serve Him, we must use our gifts to serve others.  I have talked to many people who say, I don't have a gift.  Whenever I hear that, I ask them what is it that they do that just comes naturally?  Often the things we find easy, or take for granted are the very things that God has gifted us with.   It could be compassion, teaching, acts of service, a gift for math, organization, singing, sports, etc...  If we head into our day looking for ways to use our gifts and talents to server others, amazing things will happen.} 

^{1 Peter 4:10-11} 

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Shower, O Heavens, from above

This drawing was a bit of a play on words, see verse below.  I do like the idea of God pouring his love down on us, and if I close my eyes, I can almost imagine walking into that downpour, soaking it in.....  anticipating the fruit that only God can stir up..... 

 Isaiah 45:8 English Standard Version (ESV)

⁸ “Shower, O heavens, from above,
    and let the clouds rain down righteousness;
let the earth open, that salvation and righteousness may bear fruit;
    let the earth cause them both to sprout;
    I the Lord have created it.

How God sees you

We often only see our flaws, we focus on the things we don't like, or the areas we would like to change.  God sees our full potential, He sees us as his work of Art.  He knows that if we would only trust in him, he could do great things in us and through us. 


2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Wake up

This morning I read Ephesians 5 and the following verse hit me.

But when anything is exposed by the light,

 it becomes visible, 

for anything that becomes visible is light.  

Therefore it says, 

Awake, O sleeper and arise from the dead 

and Christ will shine on you.

The things of this world have a way of dragging us down.  They can become a prison, and feel as if they strip us of choice and forcing our movements, decisions, and speech.  When the darkness closes in, fear, loneliness and depression become a constant companion.  Ephesians 5 lets us know there is a better way.  We are called to wake up and walk into the light, shaking free from the bonds that bind us.  My prayer today is that I would continue to draw closer to God's light and that he would use me to shine on others.

Stepping out in Faith

At time God asks us to step out in faith.  Many times this includes putting ourselves in a vulnerable position, a position that has the potential of costing us something.  From experience, I have grown to understand that ignoring Gods prompting and missing an opportunity to allow him to work through me, cost much much more.  When I ignore his prompt, I am essentially saying,  I am afraid, I don't trust the direction you are taking me, or I don't care that you want to reach that individual.
When I choose to trust in God and step out in faith, I get to see his glory shine through my weakness (

2 Corinthians 12:9) and experience just how much God cares for us.

God may be taping you on the shoulder today to step out and allow him to shine through you.  He may be asking you to be vulnerable, take a chance, step up and step out in faith.   Lord provide us the courage, desire, and strength to love those you place in our path.

Isaiah 40:31 English Standard Version (ESV) 

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;

    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;

they shall run and not be weary;

    they shall walk and not faint.

Discovering new trails

I love to explore new trails.  There is something magical about discovering what is around the next corner, or over the next hill.  My family has labeled me the sandbagger because I always tend to extend the ride or hike further than originally advertised.  If I say a mountain bike ride will be 5 miles, my wife and boys will look at each other with a knowing glances and say 10 at least.  There is always something to be discovered.  Just this morning while walking the dog I came across a fawn lying down under a tree.  The mama was near by and gave us a warning glace.  We headed off trail a bit to give them plenty of room and discovered a new trail that we had not yet explored.  Our 2 mile morning walk quickly turned into a 5 mile hike.  We explored a section of the Deschuetes river that I had not hiked along before. 

I find myself in constant wonder of God's creation.  There is such diversity and attention to detail.   I believe that God planted the love of adventure into my very soul, and have found him to be the best guide.   He has taken me places that I never dreamed I would go and mapped out adventures far better than those I could plan on my own.  I encourage you to seek God in your adventures and search out the path that he has marked for you.

Psalm 16:11

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

Strength

<sup>Samson lived a roller coaster of a life.  In the end he called on the Lord to allow him to use his strength one last time, knowing that his fate would be the same as those who were torturing and abusing him.  He literally brought the house down.  We can learn much from Samson's story, probably the point that sticks out the most is that worldly desires can distract us from our purpose, and zap our ability to use the strengths and gifts that God has provided us.   I pray that I would keep my eyes on the prize and quickly recognize and avoid the temptations that seek to pull me away from God.

 Judges 16:28-30

28</sup> Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” ²⁹ And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other. ³⁰ And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it.

Overflow

I spent a little time drawing on a piece of slate that I have on our back deck.  We are in between seasons in Bend.  One day is sunny and 60 and the next brings cold and snow.  I enjoy this time of year, often a light snow is falling in the morning which quickly melts, giving way to the warming rays of the afternoon sun.  The weather reminded me of Isaiah 55: 10-12, which illustrates God's provision of rain and snow to water the earth and bring forth new life.  Similarly his word waters our heart, mind and soul, causing new growth, fruit, and eventually overflow.  It is through that overflow that we are able to love others.   My prayer today is that I would plant God's word deep into my being, and that I would use the overflow of the fruit produced to serve others.

Isaiah 55: 10-12

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

    and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

    giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

 

so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

    it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

“For you shall go out in joy

    and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you

    shall break forth into singing,

    and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

No Straight Lines

Every journey starts with a destination in mind.   We often place 100% of our focus on arriving at the destination, focusing on the shortest path, and the least amount of inconvenience.  I have found in my walk with God there are no straight lines.  The destination is clear, but I will not reach it until my last breath has expired.   I never know exactly where God will ask me to turn, pause, or even retrace my steps. 

I have applied some of this line of thinking to my daily life.  I commute to work on a mountain bike.  For years I road the same river trail each day as it was the shortest path avoiding roads between my office and my house.  A couple years ago I began to explore alternative routes and found that when I thought in terms of the journey instead of just the destination it opened up all sorts of fantastic trails.  My commute can be as short as 5 miles, but sometimes extends as long as 26.  I find inspiration in Gods creation and riding through the woods each day fills me with awe and wonder. 

My prayer today is that I would be sensitive to the path that God is leading me, I pray that I would not question the route, and that I would be obedient to his gentle nudge.  In Psalm 91 I am reminded that God is not only our guide, but also our protector.

Psalm 91English Standard Version (ESV)

My Refuge and My Fortress

91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

³ For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴ He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
⁵ You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸ You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.

⁹ Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
    the Most High, who is my refuge—
¹⁰ no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
    no plague come near your tent.

¹¹ For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.

Branching out

 When I sketched this I was thinking specifically about branching out.  Sometimes God gives you the opportunity to do something new.  It can be exciting, scary, and even confusing.  It can be a blank page, or simply joining a different one of his adventures.  It can be born out of Joy, peace,  pain, or even sorrow.   As an artist I enjoy the blank page.  There is so much potential, and I never know what might emerge from my scratches and scribbles.  I start my process without a destination in mind and simply attempt to focus on the direction God is leading.  At times I take a false turn, or jump ahead, but God patiently waits for me to return to the path he has laid out.  My prayer today is that I would be sensitive to the direction he is leading me.  I pray that I will always be open to the next blank page that God is presenting, and I pray that I would rely on him to branch out.

Isaiah 43:18-19

 

“Remember not the former things,
    nor consider the things of old.
¹⁹ Behold, I am doing a new thing;
    now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
I will make a way in the wilderness
    and rivers in the desert.

Grand Goave Haiti

Southwest of Port au Prince is a small town know as Grand Goave.  It is a unique place where the hill country meets the beaches of the Caribbean.  The feel is rural countryside where goats and cattle are tethered along the roadside to browse on lush grasses.  The beaches are shell covered and quite.  Fishermen can be scene paddling dugout canoes,  setting and checking their lobster traps.

  The day I visited was slightly overcast and very warm.  The water was inviting and the reefs were loaded with tropical fish.  Fresh fruit and vegetables were displayed at roadside markets.  It is hard to believe it is a short 1-hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Port au Prince.  The feel of the place and the day was peaceful and reminded me of Galatians 5:22-26

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentlenesses, self-control; against such things, there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

I love the imagery in the bible.  Take the below verse.  It begins, Consider the ravens.  Right away my brain begins to conjure  up images of ravens.  They are really interesting birds that have mastered living in some of the most extreme environments.  I have seen them high in the mountains of Oregon soaring through blizzard conditions, and in the scorching deserts of Arizona.  In fact they live throughout major portions of North America, Europe, Asia, and North Africa, and in all terrestrial biomes except tropical rain forests.  So I reflect and consider the raven, then I read the rest of the verse.  They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!.  How much time do I waste worrying about tomorrow?  My prayer today is that I would trust more in God's plan than my own. 

Luke 12:24

²⁴ Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!

Port Au Prince Part II - Bondye se lanmou

While traveling around Port Au Prince I could not help but notice vivid color everywhere.  I can close my eyes and still see the art on wheels know as Tap Taps (group taxis), brightly colored homes and the paintings lining the walls of the street market.  Rather than taking photos along the way, I decided to simply soak in the sights and then attempt to sketch from memory the various scenes from my trip.  My sketches have ended up being a compilation of impressions from the many scenes that I witnessed throughout the city.   As I sketch God has reminded me of the beauty of the City and its millions that call it home.  I pray that God will continue to work mightily in Haiti, in and through the people who call it home. 

 

1 Jan 4: 7

 Bondye se lanmou

Mezanmi, se pou nou yonn renmen lòt paske renmen se nan men Bondye, e moun ki renmen Bondye te fèt nan Bondye e li konnen Bondye.

1 John 4:7

God Is Love

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.

Port Au Prince Haiti

I recently returned from a trip to Port Au Prince Haiti.  My brain is still swimming with the beautiful images of the small island country.  My friends the Reeves family graciously hosted me during my trip.  They are the current directors of Child Hope International, an organization rooted in caring for orphans and reconnecting families.   I spent the week with them and have returned home with a fresh view of Haiti and the amazingly resilient people who call it home.  The above sketch is the first in a series that I hope one day to turn into a larger painting.

Isaiah 26:1-3

A Song of Praise

26 In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:

We have a strong city;

    God makes salvation

    its walls and ramparts.

Open the gates

    that the righteous nation may enter,

    the nation that keeps faith.

You will keep in perfect peace

    those whose minds are steadfast,

    because they trust in you.

Two are better than one

 <sup>Today I find myself very thankful for the one that God has given me as my helpmate.  My prayer is that I would not take that relationship for granted.  I pray that God will show me unique ways to show my appreciation, affection, and joy to the woman that stands with me through it all. 

 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

9</sup> Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. ¹⁰ For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! ¹¹ Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? ¹² And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Broken Chalk Board part 2

Romans 1:19-20(ESV)

¹⁹ For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. ²⁰ For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world,^[a] in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

Roots

Roots:  what is hidden from view, supports, nourishes, and bears fruit in what is visible.  The hidden jewels of our hearts, and that which we identify and sink our roots into, will be apparent in the fruit we produce.  I pray that my roots will always be anchored in Jesus.

Question to ponder:  What are you rooted in? What is nourishing you?  

And The Chains Fell Off

  Peter was in jail, no chance for escape, then the impossible happened.  God loves to make the impossible possible.  It is through our weakness that his strength shines through.  Question to ponder: What impossible thing are you trusting God with?

Acts 12:7 (ESV)

⁷ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands.  ⁸ And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” ⁹ And he went out and followed him. He did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ When they had passed the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city. It opened for them of its own accord, and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel left him.