Blessings from God

The Parable of the Hidden Light

/ Bill Jones / 5 Comments
Path Through the Woods

Path Through the Woods

Now, it’s an inviting 2 rut road through the woods but a month or so ago it was more inviting. That’s when I started looking at it as I drove past on the highway. I kept thinking I needed to stop and take a picture – but waited until last week to finally do so.

A month or so ago it had one particular sight that made it more inviting. That was before the trees were so full and the limbs and leaves hadn’t put on a burst of growth (lots of rain!). Particularly the one bush in the middle of the photo on the left side of the road. It covered a spot that revealed the field beyond the woods and the blaze of sunshine from the morning sun.

Thoughts of journeys through the dark woods into the light and other such post themes came to mind. But, I guess the theme now is – if we hesitate long enough, the light can become obscured. So, let’s enjoy the inviting paths into the light before we lose the way.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

400,000 Miles of Blessings

/ Bill Jones / 8 Comments
Odometer hits the 400,000 mile mark

Odometer hits the 400,000 mile mark

I suppose every week has some kind of milestone. We just don’t notice them all. But, last week I definitely noticed when my truck (98 Ford Ranger) hit the 400,000 mile mark. It’s been a great truck – a few repairs here and there, but otherwise great – and, I do thank the Lord often for His blessing me with it. As you see, I actually pulled off the road and took a picture at the moment of the milestone.

I’ve been telling Sharon that I’m shooting for the 500,000 mile mark and then I’ll decide what to do. As always, there’s a Lord Willin’ on that statement.

What milestone did God give you last week?

“Whether for correction or for his land or for love, he causes it to happen. “Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God.” Job 37:13-14 ESV

The Sign (and Power) of the Cross

/ Bill Jones / 6 Comments
The Cross

The Cross (Photo credit: Pix from the Field)

I saw the small cross on the side of the road ahead and my heart sank as I thought “oh no, not someone else”. It looked like one of those crosses that families and friends place in memory of someone who died in a car accident. I seem to notice them more as I get older. I don’t know if there are actually more crosses or just more knowledge that comes with age. And, we have had several such accidents in our community and wider church family lately.

As I neared the cross, I could see it had writing on it. I figured it was the person’s name, and reading that would take my heart a little lower. In the area I was riding, I probably wouldn’t know who they were, but putting an actual name in mind would make it more real.

I drew close enough to see the writing and considered turning my eyes to miss the name. But, something drew me to look directly at it, and I read the words: “HE IS RISEN!” Rather than a reminder of death, it was an Easter sign proclaiming life! Tears came to my eyes, my heart soared and I spoke aloud that “Yes, He is, thank you Lord!”

I was amazed— a moment before, I was sinking at the thought of the effects of sin in this world. The grief and pain it causes. Then, those three words turned it all around. Christ did die, but it was no accident. He gave His life for us.

Christ turned it all around. Our grief is now for a moment, but we will be with Him forever. As the lyrics of “The Power of the Cross”* proclaim—”death is crushed to death”. Yes, it is, for HE IS RISEN!

“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed. And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.” Mark 16:5-6 ESV

*Stewart Townend, Keith Getty

God’s Love Becomes a Forest of Beauty

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments
Wisteria Spreads Through the Trees

Wisteria Spreads Through the Trees

Here’s a shot just down the road where the wisteria vines have spread through the pine trees. Sharon and I have watched as it expanded over many years. You can see why the vine is considered invasive – it goes everywhere it’s allowed to go. Many of those places aren’t where you want it.

But, if you want to have an interesting vine/bush most of the year, and a spectacular blooming vine/bush in the Spring, you can diligently prune and shape it.

A couple of thoughts came to mind –

Some of our habits and activities, even if they’re good ones, can get out of hand. We need to keep them diligently pruned and shaped so that they don’t interfere with our following God.

This beauty began in one place at one particular time when the original vine was planted. That beginning has spread from tree to tree and, years later, is a forest of beauty. Our beauty comes from God – we can spread His beauty through love. And, at times, just one act of love, at a particular time, will spread into a forest of beauty in the years to come.

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” Matt 25:37-40 ESV