pastorjohnb

Thoughts and musings on faith and our mighty God!


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Time to Walk

“And God saw that it was good”.  This phrase occurs in Genesis after He creates plants and trees and after He creates the stars, sun, and moon.  (It also occurs after He creates the birds, animals, and humans).  God created all for our pleasure, for our enjoyment.

At times my simpler side draws me to a time of camping or to a walk in the quiet of the early morning.  I find an undeniable presence of God when outside.  When I take in the song of the bird or the gentle rolls of the stream or the light breeze rustling the trees, God is definitely there.

Quiet time in God’s creation offers us much.  He created it for us!  Nature has a way of calming and renewing our spirits.  Plugging into creation rekindles our connection to God.

It can also be a place of sorting through this or that situation or of seeking guidance and discernment.  When we still ourselves we become more open to the Holy Spirit’s voice.

And lastly, nature is a place of peace.  Whether we find healing from a sorrow or relief from the constant buzz of technology, God’s creation calls us to Him and beckons us to find peace in His arms.

Isn’t it time for a walk?


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Strong Arms

Psalm 31:2 reads: “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me.”  What words of trust in God – these statements represent sure things.  We know He will come to us.  We know He is our rock.  We know He will save us.  In times of crisis, pain, and despair, we turn to our God.  His strong arms will embrace us.

In Him we find strength every morning.  In Him we find His arm around us helping us in every step we take.  In Him we find comfort and peace as the sorrow and pain begin to well up again.

Verse 3 goes on, “Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me.”  Not if, not when.  God IS our rock and fortress.  In our times of struggle, may we lean into those strong arms.


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God Always Present

Psalm 23 is one the best known psalms.  It is a psalm many know by heart.  It is a passage that assures us of God’s grace and love for us.  It is a passage that speaks of God’s constant and steady hand upon us as we walk on our journey of faith.  It is a passage that speaks of God blessing us and a promise of His goodness and mercy as we live with God in our hearts.  It is a psalm of thanksgiving.

Yet it is also a psalm that brings great comfort and peace.  It is a psalm that reminds us that God is present beside the still waters and in the green pasture.  It is also a passage that assures us that in our dark and sad times, God is there too.  In the dark valleys we need him more than ever, as He is always there.

For all of these things, His presence in both the good and in the bad, we give thanks.  Romans 15:13 reads: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him; so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy spirit.”  Hope does not disappoint, for God is always near.