Genesis 45:03-05

He said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Is my father still alive?” But the brothers could not answer him, because they were very afraid of him. So Joseph said to them, “Come close to me.” When the brothers came close to him, he said to them, “I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold as a slave to go to Egypt. Now don’t be worried or angry with yourselves because you sold me here. God sent me here ahead of you to save people’s lives.

Genesis 45:03-05 (NCV)

Comment: What a comfort it is that Christ is close by to reassure us when we are afraid and to forgive when we are filled with remorse. Our Father is all powerful and able to use all things for His good.

House Built Upon A Rock

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  — Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

When we visited New England back in October 2003 we, as usual, just started driving up the coast and wound up on some backroads which brought us to this house. We had borrowed a friends digital point and shoot camera for the trip and were really pleased how this turned out. I don’t remember the exact location but pretty sure its somewhere near Kennebunk, ME. If anyone has more info on the location would like to hear.

Matthew 17:05-07

While Peter was still speaking, the shadow of a bright cloud passed over them. From the cloud a voice said, “This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him. Listen to what he says!” When the disciples heard the voice, they were so afraid that they fell flat on the ground. But Jesus came over and touched them. He said, “Get up and don’t be afraid!“

Matthew 17:05-07 (CEV)

Comment: What a comfort it is that Christ is nearby, that through His word and touch of grace He is able to remove the clouds of fear.

The Stone Garden

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” — John 2:19 (NIV)

I first heard about the stone garden from a fellow photographer at the Knox County Arts League. I woke up one foggy morning and thought the fog would make for a great atmosphere. I was blown away by the surroundings and some of detail of the garden. The stones are designed to illustrate 14 biblical passages that refer to stone in eleven books of the New Testatment. Scritpure passages are inscribed along the path to provide inspiration. I was able to spend a few minutes with the pastor at Faith Lutheran about how the idea for the garden came about and a few of the ‘God’ stories of how some of the stones were found and delivered (like that column in the picture), it’s amazing to see how God orchestrates things. We used this image for the month of April in our 2010 calendar at oneyearbibleonline.com. The New Testament Stone Garden is open to the public, it sits behind Faith Lutheran Church located at 170 Mansfield Avenue in Mount Vernon, Ohio. For more images click here.

Matthew 14:29-31

“Come,” Jesus said. So Peter got out of the boat. He walked on the water toward Jesus. But when Peter saw the wind, he was afraid. He began to sink. He cried out, “Lord! Save me!” Right away Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “Your faith is so small!” he said. “Why did you doubt me?”

Matthew 14:29-31 (NIRV)

Comment: Drown out fear and doubt through a strong faith in Christ, who came to save. Calm the winds of fear by reaching out to Him in purposeful prayer.

Merced River

If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him. — John 7:37-38 (NIV)

On our visit to Yosemite National Park in May, 2008 we stopped along side the Merced River down in the valley to enjoy a picnic lunch. May is a great time to visit because the crowds have yet to arrive and you still have remnants of winter in the higher elevations. This is one of my all time favorite shots.

Here Am I Send Me

The mark of a great church is not its seating capacity, but its sending capacity. — Mike Stachura

Are you called to stay? We’ll be speaking on how you can be part of a sending team. Learn more about the Heritage Missions Conference taking place on April 24th, 2010.