Pastor Gary’s Sermon Sept 12
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 9/12/21 is based on readings from Mark 5:14-20 and Ezra 1:1-5.
About Nate Preisinger
Rev. Nathaniel Preisinger (he/him/his) earned his Bachelor’s Degree at St. Olaf College and received his Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries at Wartburg Seminary. Pastor Nate previously served as a Mission Developer for Organic Faith, worked at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia as Director of Admissions, and as the pastor at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY and Reformation Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA. Nate is married to Amanda and they have three children, Evelyn (12), Solomon (10), and Miriam (6). Together they have fun creating and playing board games, watching movies, hiking around Colorado and doing science experiments. Additionally, Nate enjoys listening to music, running on the High Line Canal, going to the library, reading multiple books at the same time, yoga, and basketball.Tough Times Don’t Last Long
Tough Times Don’t Last Long
By Justin March
“Tough times don’t last, tough people do.”
Iowa State Head Football Coach Matt Campbell
I love watching College Gameday on Saturday mornings. The camaraderie
between Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, David Pollack, and Lee
Corso is always entertaining. Chris “The Bear” Fallica chooses
what he deems to be educated, well-though out picks for the weekend, and there
are always surprises as the crew goes from city to city to have the fans
enlighten us on their rich traditions and humble opinions. There are
always famous alumni from the schools that join the program, there are
hilarious, creative signs in the crowds, and there is a strong sense of
community no matter where the show ends up each week. But my favorite
part of the show is the time they spend to share a heartfelt story about
overcoming obstacles and persevering from one of the school’s “super
fans” each and every episode.
As I was taking in the entertainment this morning, I found myself encapsulated
by a story about an Iowa State diehard fan named Nick Bassett. Nick is a
29 year old season ticket holder who has been in a wheelchair since the age of
10. This spring, after fighting a horrible infection in his legs, he
found out that they would need to be amputated. I am sure the news was
like a punch in the face, but Nick’s attitude and perspective was an
inspiration to his community and even caught the attention of Iowa State’s Head
Coach Matt Campbell. On the eve before Nick’s surgery, he received a call
from Mr. Campbell and listened to these encouraging words…“Tough times
don’t last, tough people do.” Nick told Matt that his goal was to
make sure he did everything possible so that he would be able to take the field
for Iowa State’s first home game this season. And wouldn’t you know it,
as the Gameday crew was sharing this story to all us football fans, Nick
entered the stage and led the crowd to an Iowa State chant that would make even
the hardest heart melt. When asked why he felt it was so important to
enter Jack Trice Stadium and be part of that first game this season, Nick
humbly stated, “If my story can inspire just one person to get off the
couch and go on a run or try and better themselves in some way, it just makes
everything all the better.”
Wow! That should make you want to get up and shout for joy! And on
the 20th anniversary of 9-11, I found this story to be the perfect fit.
Yes, we endured some tough times when we were tragically attacked that fateful
day, but our nation proved to be strong. We came together as one, our
first responders rose to the challenges ahead, and we persevered as we proved
to the rest of the world one horrendous day would not destroy us. And
now, 20 years later, our college football players, who were not even old enough
or were not even born when this tragic event occurred, are standing up to honor
the fallen and rejoice with their survivors because they understand that
“tough times don’t last, tough people do.”
We were never promised that life would be perfect. We were never promised
that we wouldn’t endure sorrow and pain. But we were promised that we
would never be forsaken or left behind. We were promised that if we have
a strong faith, believe in the Bible’s messages, and carry out God’s will for
our lives, that the tough times won’t last, but we will. There will be
mistakes made along the way, we will stumble and fall, and there will be times
when the world feels like it has taken everything away from us. But with
God by our side, we are encouraged to remember that the tough times won’t
last. We will stand again, we will persevere, and we will celebrate with
our brothers and sisters when we rise above the evil forces that try to bring
us down. And when our final day wipes our body from this earth, I pray
that we will rest with the assurance that the tough times didn’t last, but we
did because we walked with Jesus and brought others closer to the Father.
Sermon Sept 5, 2021
This is a recording of the full sermon preached by Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate at the 8:30am service on 9/5/21. This sermon is based on readings from 1 Samuel, Romans 5, and Luke 6.
Rita’s Sermon 8/29/2021
Watch the full sermon from Pastoral Intern Rita Argus for Sunday 8/29/21.
Rita’s sermon is based on readings from Romans 6:1-11 & Matthew 3:1-12 and
It is based on verse 4 of the Kyrie:
“For peace in our hearts, for peace in our homes,
for friends and family.
For Life and for love, for our work and our play,
Let us pray to the Lord.”
The Ship Has Not Sunk
The Ship Has Not Sunk
By Justin March
“This seems like an extraordinary amount of water we are taking on.” These were
the words that filled my head as the waves came crashing upon our boat. As we
glided upon Chatfield Reservoir last weekend, the wakes got a little rough, and
before we could get the boat under control, water started to fill our vessel. I
will admit I got a little spooked, but I prayed and asked God to carry us to
safer ground.
As the engine shut down and the boat struggled, we knew we had taken on too
much water. So, we ventured across the lake at 5mph, with the engine trouble
indicator flashing, until we finally hit the docks and could pull the boat out
of the water. I was worried about the damage the boat may have incurred, and as
I watched the water pour out, gallon after gallon, I did not get a fuzzy
feeling about the entire situation.
I prayed and prayed that the damage was minimal all week. But, after the owner
took the boat out again to see if it was back to normal, it died, and he was
stranded. The vessel had to be towed back to the docks, loaded up on the
trailer, and sent to the garage for some diagnostic testing. Luckily, all it
needed was a new sensor that most likely had fried from taking on too much
water.
Sometimes, our lives can be overcome with the crashing waves. We feel like we
are sinking, and if we don’t do something to right the ship, we may find
ourselves at the bottom of the lake. Without the constant reading of our
bibles, without the support of our communities, and without the practice of
prayer, our parts wear out and are lives feel “fried” as we try to skim across
the waters of life.
But there is good news! We have a God that can repair the damage this world
inflicts upon us. He can take our parts, refurbish them when they wear out, and
make our lives anew. And He has all the buckets we need to empty out our
vessels when we take on more than we can handle. So, do not fret and do not
worry. Face the storms and battle each crashing wave. With God by your side, he
will empty your vessel of everything that threatens to make you sink, and
before you know it, you are back to shore and safe in His everlasting arms!
Pastor Gary’s Sermon 8/22/2021
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 8/22/21 is based on readings from Exodus 20:8-10, Acts 2:43-47, and Mark 1:29-34. This is part 3 of our 4 part sermon series on God’s Mercy.
It is based on verse 3 of the Kyrie:
“For peace in our hearts, for peace in our homes,
for friends and family.
For Life and for love, for our work and our play,
Let us pray to the Lord.”
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
Chasing Grasshoppers
Chasing Grasshoppers
By Justin March
There are many distractions when I take our dogs out for their daily walk. They get excited
when they see other dogs, they want to play with all the children, and they
sniff out every crumb and particle left behind by those who have a snack as
they travel the neighborhood sidewalks. But my favorite thing to watch, and the
act that astonishes me the most, is their non-ending pursuit of catching those
pesky flying grasshoppers.
Let’s get one thing straight. Neither Axel nor Lexi has ever captured one of
these elusive insects. As the grasshoppers hop to the right, the left,
sideways, forwards, and backwards to avoid the approaching snouts, it feels as
though they are laughing at these canines with a confident intuition that makes
them feel safe and out of reach. But no matter how futile the leaps become or
how many times their mouths end up empty, these dogs never seem to quit chasing
grasshoppers.
Is this not the kind of passion and determination God has as he tries to
encompass us with His love and forgiveness? As He watches us get distracted by
all this world has to offer, I sometimes wonder if he feels like we are hopping
to the right, the left, sideways, forwards, and backwards to avoid His will for
our lives. It may not be intentional, but it is easy for us to be led astray by
the latest media hype, the newest shiny things, or a lifestyle that allows us
to be elusive to that life God is calling us to live. But I will promise you
this. No matter how futile His reach becomes or how many times He feels like he
swings and misses, God will never stop chasing us grasshoppers.
As we do our best to
live this life the way God intended us to, we need to be cognizant of how easy
it is to avoid His approaching arms. We must understand how the distractions
guide us, we must believe He has all the answers, and we must follow Him along
the path He has provided. And as the world zigs this way and that, we must
never give up on trying to bring others closer to Him by spreading his messages
of love and peace. I know the chase seems futile at times and the opportunities
can often come up empty, but one thing we must always remember is this. The
grasshoppers will jump from side to side and back to front, but no matter how
elusive they become, God is asking us to never stop chasing them!
Pastor Gary’s Sermon 8/15/2021
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 8/15/21 is based on readings from Ruth 2:14-16 and Mark 2:23-28. This is part 2 of our 4 part sermon series on God’s Mercy.
It is based on verse 2 of the Kyrie:
“That we may live out your impassioned response to the hungry and the poor,
that we may live out truth and justice and grace,
let us pray to the Lord, let us pray to the Lord.”
Pastor Gary’s Sermon 8/1/2021
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 8/1/21 is based on readings from John 6:24-35 and Exodus 16:2-4;9-15.
Pastor Nate’s Sermon 7/25/2021
Pastor Nate’s full sermon from 7/25/21 is based on John 6:1-21.
What if God’s Not Real?
What if God’s Not Real?
by Justin March
“Yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one
Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.” 1 Corinthians 8:6
“What if God’s not real?“ It is a fair question and one I have
been challenged with in my conversations with non-believers. For those
friends and family members that do not have the same beliefs as I, the struggle
surfaces as they watch me spend time at retreats, read the Bible, let go of
hard earned money, and do other “churchy” things as they like to call
them. And if I am honest with myself and take a step back to understand
where this question comes from, the answers to it are elusive and extremely
difficult to talk through.
How do you answer a question like this when there is no concrete evidence to
lay in someone’s lap? Yes, I can tell personal stories of past events
that I do not believe could happen without God’s grace. I can share experiences
where God carried me through the storms and brought me out unharmed. And
I can express my faith, until I am blue in the face, about God’s daily miracles
and how they can encompass our lives when our eyes are open to Him. But
this is not enough for someone who has never experienced these events for
themselves. It is not enough when the hardships of life come crumbling
down upon them and they just never seem to find a way out of the darkness that
envelops their world.
I am not here to tell you I have the answers. Our free will allows us to
doubt God’s existence, and with all we experience in this sin-filled life, it
is only natural to question where God is when many feel this world is falling
apart. But, I will always share that being a good person and doing the right
thing is never a waste of time. When my non-believing friends doubt the
benefits of bringing people together for a weekend of renewal and faith, I have
countless stories of men who returned home as better fathers, sons, brothers,
and husbands. When I am challenged for believing in a book that was
written in a time that seems no longer relevant, it only takes a matter of
seconds to highlight verses in the Bible that are comforting, encouraging,
forgiving, and gracious. And when I am ridiculed for taking my hard
earned wages and giving a portion of them to church and charity, I am filled
with cherished memories where I witnessed how powerful our humble gifts become
when somebody really needs them.
“What if God’s not real?“ I am not here to debate views of
science and creation. I am not here to push my agenda or force my
beliefs. But, I will spend my time trying to help others. I will
give in my community, I will support global missions, and I will lend a helping
hand when the opportunities arise. I will allow God to use me as a beacon
to shine for others and capture those moments to spread His word when the time
is ripe. And I will love my family, cherish my friends, and do my best to spend
precious moments with those I hold dear.
My friends, we do not need to have the answers to this question. God is
merely calling upon us to be good people. He is asking us to take care of
the beauty He created and be stewards of the land. He is asking us to
love one another and treat everybody with dignity and respect. He is
asking us to work hard for Him, be His hands and feet in this world, and
proclaim His message. And he is asking us to forgive and extend grace so
others may find a path that leads them to Him.
It can really be that simple. For it is not up to us to prove to others
that God is real through facts or evidence. But, it is up to us to live a
life full of God’s love, understanding, and forgiveness so that others may be
drawn to the light shining through us. And if we walk with Jesus, treat
others the way we want to be treated, and lend a helping hand when we get the
chance, maybe the question of “What if God’s not real?” goes away as
others see the good works flowing through your daily life!
“There is Beauty in the Storm” by Justin March
“There is Beauty in the Storm” by Justin March
“God’s voice thunders
in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says
to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’ and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty
downpour.’ So that everyone he has made may know his work…He brings the
clouds…to water his earth and show his love.” Job 37:5-7,13
We bought new patio
furniture this summer and have been enjoying lounging outdoors when the
temperature allows. It has been a good space to reconnect as a family,
have meaningful conversations, and enjoy God’s wonderful creations. But
since it is new, and we have not done enough research to purchase covers yet,
we find ourselves watching the weather app and making sure we bring all the
cushions inside if there is any threat of rain. We would rather be
prepared and have them protected, than be surprised and risk the damage that
the water may bring.
As we finished up our
work days and got ready to relax Friday night, the sky got dark and the winds
picked up. We were tired and beaten down from a busy week, but we knew we
needed to get the patio ready to weather this impending storm. So, we
garnered up the strength and motivation needed to gather up the cushions.
We brought them into the house and gave them shelter as the clouds came rolling
in. And as we pulled back that last shade, covered the fire pit, and
locked down the hot tub cover, I got a peaceful feeling of reassurance that all
would be safe as the rains poured down heavily throughout the night.
Are we preparing our spirits, nourishing our souls, and building a solid foundation so we too can
weather the storms? Are we allowing Jesus to provide shelter in our
lives, protection from the elements, and comfort in His words? And even
when we are tired and weary, are we pushing ourselves to educate others and
bring them closer to knowing God?
By being prepared, we
can find beauty in the storms. As I sat on the front porch and watched
the rain come pouring down, the peace that overcame me was astonishing. I
was encapsulated by the lightning show as each flash danced across the darkened
sky. I was reminded of my baptism as the rains washed away the dirt from
the sidewalks and the streets. And I was refreshed by the aroma of the
thundering water as it reminded me that we always have the opportunity to start
anew.
It is now August 1st,
and after a weekend of dark clouds and heavy rain, we are greeted by a day of
sunshine and singing birds. It is a glorious morning, and my weather app
shows no signs of impending storms. And as I read God’s words, I
understand how important this bible verse from Job becomes in my life.
Because, as I take the time to reflect this morning, I remember that as I sat
on our front porch Friday night and watched the rain come pouring down, I was
joined by my beautiful daughter and dedicated canines. They too found
comfort in being together, and as we allowed the peace to come over us that
night, I realize that it was “He who brought the clouds…to water his
earth and show his love.”
Be prepared and allow
the love of God to pour over you this week. Understand that each day is a
blessing and a chance to start anew. And make sure that your trust,
faith, and forgiveness build a solid foundation that can withstand any
storm. When your heart is open, your mind awakened, and your spirit
cleaned from the dirt this world wants to cover you in, you are now ready to
find the peace and beauty that lies within the rainclouds. Capture it,
relish it, and find comfort in a life where you can see the beauty God is
creating in the storms. And even if they leave behind some damage and
scars, remember that the love of God is always pouring over you!
“Pulling Weeds” by Justin March
“Pulling Weeds” by Justin March
“Pulling weeds and
planting seeds. That’s the story of life. We are individual lots on
which either weeds of selfishness or fruit of the Holy Spirit grows and
flourishes.” Dennis Rainey
“Let your roots grow
down into Him and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will
grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with
thankfulness.” Colossians 2:7
I walked down the
sidewalk to chat with a neighbor yesterday and he was feverishly pulling
weeds. He and his wife have been traveling for a month, and upon his
return, he could not believe how his lawn, driveway, and flower beds had been
taken over by these pesky growths. He was flabbergasted by the amount of
work ahead of him, and I could tell it was going to be a struggle to make his
property right again.
Are we allowing the
weeds of life a chance to choke the beauty within us? Are there times we
ignore God’s nurturing and allow our foundation to be susceptible to unwanted
growth? And should we really be surprised when our lives are not lush
after forgetting to give thanks and glory to the one who provides everything we
need?
After my neighbor
asked me how I keep the weeds out of my yard, I simply answered, “I pull
them everyday.” It did not mean much to me at the time, but the
more I think about my answer, the more it rings true. Ignoring the
weeds when they first pop up gives them the chance to develop roots and grow
strong. It allows them to spread and steal the nutrients my flowers
and lawn require to flourish. And when I ignore them for too long, my
property lies hostage to the overgrowth and ugliness these weeds promise to
provide.
“I pull them
everyday.” In life, we need to pay attention to what God is showing
us and rid our lives of the weeds that creep within. The weeds that bring
selfishness, hatred, and separation are just waiting for us to ignore God’s
messages. But when we take those moments to be thankful, when we lend a
helping hand to someone in need, when we forgive those that have wronged us,
and when we extend grace to everyone we encounter, we begin to plant seeds that
will build the rich foundation needed and keep those weeds away.
It is easy to allow
the days to pass without taking the time to nourish what is needed. But
as I walk this path that Jesus has laid before me, He continues to show me how
simple it can be to take a few moments each day to glorify His Father and bring
others to Him. He has taught me that showing gratitude is as simple as saying
“Thank you God” in those moments of happiness. He has taught me
that smiling at a stranger can sometimes be all that was needed to uplift their
day. He has taught me that forgiving another can destroy a barrier that
is trying to keep us apart. And He has taught me that loving
unconditionally allows me to see a person for who they truly are, instead of
judging them with my own preconceived ideas.
Are we making sure we
pull those weeds everyday? Are we taking a few moments to read our
Bibles, scan a devotion, give thanks, have a conversation with a friend, and
relish in God’s beauty so our lawns stay rich and beautiful? And when a
weed does begin to take root, are we making sure we pull it immediately so our
soil is open to the seeds God wants to plant in our lives? It does not
take a lot of maintenance to live a healthy life, and it does not take but a
few moments to help another maintain theirs. But it does take a
willingness to be open to God’s word, to be humble when we do His work, and to
take a few moments each day to glorify Him so others can see His light.
I pray you take the
time to pull the weeds this week. I pray that you nourish God’s gardens
and make them attractive to others. And I pray that you find the time to
encapsulate God’s beauty and allow it to flow through you in every moment of
your day. Because when you rid yourself of the weeds this world wants to
plant, and you replace them with the seeds only God can provide, your life will
be nourished, your soil will be rich, and your lawn will endure any hardship as
you allow the love of Christ to fertilize your foundation!
Pastor Gary’s Sermon July 18, 2021
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 7/18/21 is based on readings from Jeremiah 23:1-6 and Mark 6:30-34, 53-56.
Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate’s shared sermon from July 11, 2021
Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate’s shared sermon from July 11, 2021.
This sermon was preached as part of Bethany’s All-Star Sunday celebration. Pastor Gary and Pastor Nate spend time looking at John 3:1-17 and all the “Bible All-Stars” voted on by the Bethany members. The sermon provides some details about all the Bible Al Stars and explores the question of “what makes an All-Star, in God’s eyes”. The All-Star Lineup:
Favorite King – David
Favorite Prophet – Isaiah
Favorite Judge – Deborah Favorite Gospel – John Favorite female character – Mary, the Mother of Jesus
Utility player (write-in candidate) – Nicodemus
Pastor Nate’s full sermon from July 4, 2021
Pastor Nate’s full sermon from July 4, 2021. Based on reading from Mark 6:1-13.
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 6/20/21
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 6/20/21. Based on readings from Job 38:1-11 and Mark 4:26-34
“The Hard Way” by Justin March
“The Hard Way” by Justin March
As I close in on turning 50 this year, I often look back and reflect on all that
has occurred. Those moments that define who I am, the memories of past events,
and the roads that led me here are all reminders of a life that has moved by
faster than I had expected. Some of my recollections are clear, and I remember
every detail, while others are fuzzy and seem like they happened in a different
life.
As the memories linger and fight for my attention, I sometimes find it
difficult to find a theme that could sum up what is hopefully the first half of
my life. I often wonder how it would have turned out if I made different
choices or followed another path. I try to comprehend why certain things have
happened, and I search for an understanding of how my life has been shaped by
numerous events, people, and circumstances.
It is a lot to think about, and the answers are far from clear. But as I reminisce
about the chances I had, the decisions I made, and the path I followed, one
theme does rise to the top. When faced with a dilemma, a choice, or a fork in
the road, I tended to always lean towards the hard way.
If I am honest with myself, I feel like I have learned most of my lessons by
being kicked in the teeth. I have faced many obstacles, endured hardships, and
felt pain. I have mourned loss, regretted decisions, and lashed out. And I have
lived most of my life at the helm. I have taken the reins, thought I was in
control, and traveled the sea with blinders. So, as I look back at the journey
and the choices I have made, I should not be surprised that I traveled
undermanned, was ill prepared, and often found myself at the mercy of the
storms. And when you do not have the necessary tools or knowledge to brace
yourself against life’s unplanned moments, your ship begins to sink.
Yet, there is always hope and a chance for new beginnings. As my life
threatened to hurl me into the depths of that dark, encompassing ocean, I saw a
raft that beckoned me to jump aboard. A savior that challenged me to let that
old ship sink. And as I looked at the captain of the craft that came calling, I
felt a strange sense of familiarity, even though I could not recall how I knew
him.
It took 30 years to embrace the rescue. It took 30 years to listen to the call.
And it took 30 years to understand that God wanted to take the reins. He knew I
was not equipped to face the sea alone, and once I understood that MY ship was
sinking, it was HIS that brought me back to the surface.
Being part of God’s crew has changed the way I see the world. He is teaching me
how to be patient, gracious, thankful, and forgiving. He is surrounding me with
people who teach me how to love, be kind, and appreciate all of life’s
wonderful moments. And He is allowing me to see how those memories were full of
blessings and nurturing lessons, even if the choices were made the hard way.
We cannot change the past or predict the future. God has given us the freewill
to live our lives the way we choose. But, if I have learned anything in this
life, it is that the MY choices usually lead me down a path of destruction. MY
choices include a road full of potholes and dead ends. And MY choices leave
behind scars that are both ugly and painful. So, it is in these moments that we
must turn to God. We must allow HIS guidance to take over. We must be open to
HIS teachings and HIS appearances in everything we encounter. And we must be
ready to pick up HIS tools and go to work so we can pave a journey that leads
ourselves and others to HIM.
It has taken many years, but I find myself avoiding the hard way these days.
God has not promised trials or hardships will not be encountered, but He has
promised that if I take HIS hand and follow HIS lead, I will endure whatever
this life wants to throw my way. And in HIS glory, in HIS grace, and in HIS
forgiveness, our paths become a delightful journey, full of precious memories
that bless both us and those around us.
There will always be bad decisions, there will always be pain, and there will
always be loss, but when we travel with God as the lead, we can overcome
anything. He will teach us the lessons that build strength, deserve thanks, and
keep us humble. And even if the hard way may have dictated our decisions in the
past, we can be comforted in knowing that God was always there and is ready to
get us back on track! We do not need to travel the hard way we just need to
travel HIS way!
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 6/13/21
Pastor Gary’s full sermon from 6/13/21.
This sermon is based on Ezekiel 17:22-24 and Mark 4:26-34.
“Can’t you read the sign?” by Justin March
“Can’t you read the sign?” by Justin March
”Signs, Signs,
Everywhere there’s signs, Do this, don’t do that, Can’t you read the sign?”- An excerpt from the mega 1990 hit “Signs” by
the great rock band Tesla
We will see many signs in our lifetime. Some signs are informative and give us
the information we need to plan our days. Signs that say “Open”, “Closed”,
“Business Hours are 9:00-5:00”, “Gluten Free Options Available”, and many
others are helpful artifacts that allow us to make quick decisions and get on
with our lives.
Some signs are intended to be warnings and give us a chance to avoid harm’s way
and keep us free from danger. Signs that say “Keep Out”, “Dangerous Curves
Ahead”, “Rattlesnake Area”, “Non Potable Water”, and many others are merely
notifications that we are entering unfamiliar territory or taking our chances
if we choose to dismiss their messages.
And then there are signs that proclaim people’s personal agendas, signs that advertise
products for sale, signs that guide us along the highways we travel, and signs
that translate various aspects of life we may not be familiar with. Oh yes,
there are plenty of signs, and our senses can become overloaded with all the
information these messages are trying to get across. But what happens when we
face the crossroads of life where no visible signs are available?
Where are the signs for when we meet somebody new and wonder if they are
trustworthy? Where are the signs when we are contemplating a change of career?
Where are the signs when we need to let a loved one go as the pain is no longer
bearable? And where are the signs when we are faced with a new illness, injury,
or hardship?
Wouldn’t it be nice if the signs that guide our journeys through this life were
as blatant as the ones that bombard us every second of every waking hour? As we
reach the fork in the road, and are forced to choose which path to take, where
is our sign that assures our decision is correct?
They may be subtle, but the signs are still there. God has a different way of
displaying his messages, and His signs are not the kind that will pollute His
beautiful creation. He may allow a butterfly to show its’ magnificent colors as
we struggle to find beauty in this dark world. He may introduce us to an
amazing disciple, friend, or companion as the loneliness tries to keep us in
the pit. And He may breathe in His winds of grace as we are unable to forgive
those that betray us or let go of that past that holds us back.
We will see many signs in our lifetime. Some will be easy to follow, but some
will take a little more searching. We will need to have a soft heart, open
mind, and willingness to follow direction in order to see some of the signs available.
And when we allow God to show us His signs, the instructions become clear and
the path smooth. We understand what tools are needed, we extend His gifts to
others, and we follow the signs that give us the answers to some of life’s more
difficult questions.
Be humble, extend thanks, and make sure you are open to receive God’s signs!
They are not always easy to see, but when you walk as a disciple for Christ,
when you are willing to be His hands and feet in this world, and when you choose
to love others as He loves you, His signs become the beacons for your life. And
when you are ready to follow God’s signs, those trusted messages are all that
is needed as they lead you along the glorious journey that ends with you
wrapped in His loving arms!