Doing What We're Suppose to Do

"When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus." Matthew 1:24-25 English Standard Version

We don't know a lot about Joseph.

He appears in only in three chapters of the Bible and is mentioned in two others. He is told in a dream that his betrothed is pregnant by means of the Holy Spirit. In another dream he is instructed to take his newborn child and wife to Egypt. And not long after his arrival in Egypt, he is visited a third time in a dream and told to return home. Finally he moves his family to Nazareth where he lives as a carpenter.

Joseph is often placed close to the manger but not as close as Mary. We expect him to disappear. That's part of his story, yet he plays an important role. He protects, cares for and provides for the Christ child.

He does all of this because that is what he's suppose to do.

Most of us reading this blog understand Joseph's position. We do our job. That's what we're suppose to do. We go to work, care for our children and extend care to those around us.

And like Joseph, we don't have long to do what we do.

We call this our Christian vocation. Instead of worrying about what God is calling us to do we ought to imitate Joseph, living our lives as a thank offering to God for the opportunity he has given us to make an impact in the here and now.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Moment That Changed Eternity

"Mary responded, 'I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.' And then the angel left her." Luke 1: 38 New Living Translation

How long did it take Mary to say these words? I spoke them in five second; five seconds. All she needed was the reassurance of the angel of how she would become pregnant and quickly off her lips come these words.

Would she have said yes so hurriedly had she heard the words of Simeon ringing in her ears, words that were spoken after Mary's purification from giving birth? "And a sword will pierce through your own soul also." Luke 2:35 English Standard Version

Credit it to youthful naiveté that Mary would answer "yes" with haste.

However, one word in Mary's response tells me that it was more than youthful naiveté.  In the Greek she calls herself a doule, often translated as a servant or handmaiden.  The deeper meaning of this word is slave.  "I am the Lord's slave." Has a different ring, doesn't it?

Though she couldn't see the cross and the pain that would pierce her soul, she probably had a pretty good understanding that being the mother of God was not going to easy.

The moment that changed your eternity was when God called you to come and see for yourself the one who has borne the pain and suffering of your life. Like Mary this call comes out of the blue; neither earned by you or deserved by you.

Living as a child of God comes with Mary's paradox. It comes with the greatest joy that we will ever know and a sword that pierces our soul.

May God hear from our lips, "May it be to me."

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Dwelling In the Shadow Of the Nativity

This one figure struck me as he sits in the shadow of the stable. He appears to be a shepherd yet there are no sheep around him. He is slightly removed from the other figures and from the manger itself. No one is looking at him. He is a man in the shadows.

Maybe you see yourself in the shadows. You're not out of the picture but you're not in it either. You're afraid either to approach the manger or to leave the stable.

No matter where you stand at the birth of Jesus, he invites you into his shadow.

"Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by." Psalm 57:1

David was fleeing from King Saul when he sang these words. The destruction that he faced was that of death itself. What could have separated David from God instead drew him into his shadows?

What is separating you from the shadow of God's love? There are many forces of "destruction" that invade our lives, each of which pulls us into the shadow of the stable. If you find yourself dwelling in the shadow of the stable like this lone figure, remember the shadow of death that fell on Jesus' cross.

In contrast to the brilliance of the host of heaven at his birth is the appalling darkness that descended on Jesus at his cross. He was devoured by the darkness of sin that you might rest in his shadow. His invitation stands. His Spirit is drawing you. Come rest in his shadow.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

It's About Trust

Much is written about the relationship between shepherds and their sheep. My dealings with sheep can be reduced to one evening of transporting a ram and two ewes to a living nativity scene at my home church in Eugene, Oregon. The sheep didn't like me and I can't say that I was too fond of them either.

Sheep depend upon a trusting relationship with the shepherd.

The lamb in this nativity scene looks with trust at its shepherd. It can be imagined that over time they've developed a trusting relationship. The shepherd can be trusted to provide what the sheep needs. The shepherd provides food, shelter and water for the lamb.

"All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--everyone--to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."  Isaiah 53:6 English Standard Version

Our Good Shepherd can be trusted. God has laid on this baby our sin. He has provided for us what we need more than anything else.

If he can be trusted to deal with our sin, then he can be trusted in all aspects of life. This trust is not dependent on our Good Shepherd giving us what we want but what we need.

Unfortunately for us, the line between what we need and what we want is blurred. There is a difference between viewing God as a Shepherd who provides what we need and a Santa Claus who gives us what we want. Trust is built not on getting what we want but what we need.

For that reason, this baby can be trusted.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

A Little Dirt Under the Wings

It is funny how you can take a picture of an object and not notice what you're actually shooting.

Don't get me wrong, I knew that I was taking a picture of the angel at the top of the stable but I didn't stop to look at the condition of the angel. Like the donkey yesterday, it is obvious that this is not the first time this angel has made an appearance in this nativity set.

Notice the dirt under its wings.

"Are not all [the angels] ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"  Hebrews 1:14 English Standard Version

The job of angels is dirty work.

In both Luther's morning and evening prayer he prayed, "Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil one may have no power over me." It doesn't get much dirtier than that.

Satan's diabolical plan for you and me is to destroy our faith in Jesus Christ. More than protecting us from physical harm or danger, the host of heaven are assigned to help guard and protect our faith in the one whose birth we celebrate.

Though we know that the angels reflected the glory of God to the shepherds, we also know that they repeatedly work to protect our faith. So their wings get a little dirty. Praise God!

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No One Is Too Damaged

Off in the corner of the stable stands a donkey.

In its journey through myriads of Advents and Christmases, this donkey has taken abuse. It shows the wear and tear of children playing with it. It even appears that its ear fell off at sometime.

Yet every year it takes its place as an important character in the story of our Lord's birth. There are no characters too damaged to stand in the stable.

"But Moses said to God, 'Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?'" Exodus 3:11 English Standard Version

Moses was damaged goods, having killed an Egyptian, but God chose him. God empowered him. God graced him. He was not too damaged to be of value to our story of salvation. Neither are you.

God invites you to view the birth of his Son even if you think you are not presentable. It is for this reason that the baby is born. He declares you presentable. You are his honored guest even if your ear has had to be replaced, even if you believe you have done something so horrible that God can't love you. It is for you that the baby is born.

You are not too damaged for God's love and forgiveness.

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The Gang's All Here!

All the cast of characters who will take us through the twelve days of Christmas are in the stable.

In this creche there are thirteen characters. There are six humans, six animals (two sheep that you cannot see) and an angel hovering over the stable who didn't make it into the picture.

Through the next twelve days we will not only contemplate the individual people in the story of Jesus' birth but how these characters relate to each other.

"While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born."  Luke 2:6 New International Version

The truth of Jesus' birth is too important to skim over quickly.

We have twelve days to contemplate the figures in the stable: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, the animals, the angel, a figure lurking in the shadows, and the baby.

As we journey with these characters we'll find ourselves in the stable too. It is important for us to remember that this is not merely a story about a baby being born (that happens every day). This a story of God entering human history. This is a story about what God has done for us and what he continues to do among us.

The gang's all here only when you and I are in the stable.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

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Hope for Protection

Gallon House Bridge, Mt. Angel, Oregon

Covered bridges are becoming extinct. They demand a great deal of care. The Gallon House bridge is no exception. It has received many repairs since it was built in 1916. Maybe Oregon restores her bridges because they provide a momentary relief from the rain for water soaked travelers. (There are fifty covered bridges in Oregon, most of them in the Willamette Valley.)

Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:22 English Standard Version

The steadfast love of God provides more than a momentary relief from the struggles of life. The steadfast love of the Lord is life. Though we often get soaked by the things we think will bring us life, our hope is in the One who is our life. He is our protection.

But from what do we need protection? Some would say that if God is a loving God then he shouldn't allow bad things to happen to us. Cancer shouldn't infect bodies.  Babies shouldn't die. People shouldn't be abused. These kind of dreams expect God to give us heaven now.

But God never promised us heaven this side of the grave. Instead, God promises to protect us as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. What he protects most is our relationship with him. He protects that which really matters: the gift of life. Maybe it's not what we expect but it's what we need.

A blessed Christmas Eve to all. Thank you for your faithfulness in reading this daily devotional blog.

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Hope in the Right "Thing"

Fourth of July Parade, 2012, Mt. Angel, OR

This is not a political statement. We've had enough of those in the United States lately. I know that some of you who read this blog believe the military is too large others too small.  Some of you believe in gun control and others don't. This blog is NOT intended to be a platform for a political agenda.

The war horse is a false hope for salvation, and by its great might it cannot rescue. Psalm 33:17 English Standard Version

We cannot deny the truth of the psalmist. This is an issue of hope. In what do we put our hope? There are many things that we could substitute for war horse. "The television is a false hope for salvation..." "My spouse is a false hope for salvation..." "The Oregon Ducks are a false hope for salvation..." (Just trying to keep it light.)

What hits us between the eyes is the fact that we misplace our hope. We think that the created thing can act as a substitute for the Creator.

After declaring that "the war horse is a false hope for salvation" the psalmist writes, "Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, that he may deliver their soul from death and keep them alive in famine." Psalm 33:18-19 ESV

The right "thing" is the steadfast love of God; a love reflect to a broken world on a cross and sealed in an empty tomb.

This hope will not disappoint.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Hope for the Needy

Colorado Springs, Colorado

"He's so needy!" Those words come quickly off our lips. We call them extra-grace-required (EGRs) people. They are the people that we tend to avoid. We're ready to give them food, money or clothes but don't ask for us to give our time to "those people." And God forbid that we'd have any personal contact with them.

God doesn't avoid the EGRs.

"For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever."  Psalm 9:18 English Standard Version

We Christians need to grasp that God uses us to reach those who are poor and needy. It is not the primary role of our government but it is our primary obligation. We are the hands, feet, eyes and ears of hope for those who are needy and poor.

At some level all of us are needy. Sin is the culprit. We might not live on the streets or sleep in a shelter but we are needy. It is a part of our human condition that we share with all humanity. It is because of this human condition that Jesus took on our flesh and blood and was fastened to a tree in death. Every human creature is an EGR person.  And in his super abundance of grace God reaches out to us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.

And he reaches out to us with this grace through other Christians. 

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Joy for Every Day

Colorado Springs, Colorado

We've reached the Fourth Sunday in Advent. Last Sunday many of our churches lit a pink candle on the Advent Wreath today, a sign that something is different.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4 English Standard Version

The English doesn't do justice to the force of the Greek Paul used in writing to the Philippians. His language is uber emphatic. All he had to say was "rejoice in the Lord." He doesn't have to add "always" nor did he have to write "again, I will say Rejoice." The command to "rejoice in the Lord" itself is a command to make rejoicing a daily habit. However Paul doesn't want us to forget this fact.

Here's something you need to know about the Greek word "joy." It's related to the same Greek root as that of "grace." Joy and grace are gifts from God. Joy is rooted in grace, not in the circumstances of life.

Charlie Brown struggles to get it right. Every pitch he throws is hit back up the middle and rips his clothes off. He picks the scrawniest Christmas tree because he feels sorry for it. He reflects many of our efforts to get things right.

Joy transcends our failures and our attempts to get things right because it is connected to God's grace in the gift of the Christ child for us.

Joy is an everyday event and as such we heed Paul's exhortation to "Rejoice in the Lord always" even when there seems to be no logical reason to rejoice.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Joy in Adversity

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Have you ever thought about what it would be like to be outdoor Christmas decorations? We received two inches of snow the Sunday before I took this picture (why does it always snow on Sunday?) and I woke up Monday morning to the news that it was 2 degrees Fahrenheit. The wind had blown making the temperature even colder. Unlike you and me, the decorations could not pack it up and come inside and sip eggnog. Instead they continued to dangle and shine in the midst of the storm.

That is the life of the redeemed in Christ. We shine in the midst of adversity.

"In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, you have been grieved by various trials." 1 Peter 1:6 English Standard Version

Peter's audience was undergoing persecution for their faith in Jesus Christ.  Peter encourages them to continue to shine while suffering.  That's what we do.  What baffles people who don't know the joy of Christ is that we live in God's gift of joy even when things aren't going well.

I have often seen this joy in people's struggles with cancer, broken families and community tragedies. Since this joy is a gift born out of the sacrifice of Jesus on his cross, it does not take away the sorrow, pain and grief of such events. It is a joy that is experienced in the midst of weeping. It is the joy of Christ; a joy rooted in the promise that one day all tears will be wiped away.

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Joy in the Sacrifice

Colorado Springs, Colorado

DISCLAIMER: I have nothing against Santa Claus. One of my fondest childhood memories was one of our Christmas Eve celebrations at my grandparents. We waited outside the house looking for Santa to fly by in his sleigh. When my grandparents opened the house we saw that Santa had already been there and he had left a Lionel train.

But what I also remember about that night was spending time at Grace Lutheran Church telling and hearing the story of Jesus' birth. There is a difference between the story of Santa Claus and the truth of Jesus Christ. The gifts that Santa brings require no sacrifice. The gift Jesus brings is his sacrifice. Santa makes us feel happy for a moment. Jesus brings joy that lasts for eternity.

"...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  Romans 5:8 English Standard Version

Santa didn't die for anyone. Christ has died for the world. The gifts placed under our trees are expressions of love and a tradition worth holding on to, but they will grow old, break and lose their attraction. The gift that Jesus brings will never fade. It will never break. It will never lose its appeal.

Why? Because his gift is born of sacrifice.

There is joy in the sacrifice of Christ.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Joy in Our New Birth

Colorado Springs, Colorado

No one understands the fullness of time like a pregnant woman. We guys don't have a clue what it's like to have your body consumed by another living entity growing inside of us. (The grossest movie I have ever seen is Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Junior."  DON'T watch it.  It's just not right.)

I'm sure that Mary was ready to give birth when the time came for Jesus to be born (and Joseph was probably ready for her to give birth too). What an amazing way for the Son of God to enter human history. He came through a mother who felt the full effect of labor. He had an umbilical cord that had to be cut, a body that needed to be washed and a stomach that needed the nourishment of his mother's milk.

"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,  to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons."  Galatians 4:4-5 English Standard Version

This is how we came into the world whether we lived with our birth parents or were adopted into a loving family. Even if the circumstances of our birth were less than what we expect, we all were dependent on someone to care for us. And our God understands this human condition because this is how he chose to be born.

And we have received a new birth. In the same way that Jesus' birth was in a rather earthy way, so is our new birth. It comes in water splashed over our heads and bodies and Word spoken.  We are now the children of God as a result of this new birth; this adoption into the family of God.

There is joy in birth.

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Joy in the Promise

Colorado Springs, Colorado

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 English Standard Version

The context of this verse is rather interesting. God tells King Ahaz of Judah to ask for a sign. Did you get that: God tells Ahaz to ask for a sign. The sign can be as high as heaven and as deep as Sheol. His response?  "I will not ask and I will not put the Lord to the test."  Sounds rather pious doesn't it?

But this is God inviting Ahaz to ask for a sign.

The most telling note of Ahaz character is found in 2 Chronicles 28:1 where it says that he didn't do what was right in God's sight and he didn't follow in his ancestor, David's, footsteps. In spite of the fact that Ahaz could not ask for a sign because of his faithlessness, God would take the initiative and give a sign. It is a sign of impossible proportions: a virgin will conceive and give birth to a son.

Immanuel, God with us. Out of the evil of this world we hear a promise that God would dwell among his people. This God still dwells with us. When Jesus ascended back to the Father he promised to be with us to end of the age. God kept his promise in sending a child who was born of a virgin. God keeps his promise to be with you always, even to the end of the age.

This is a promise that brings joy.

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Joy in One Single Light

Colorado Springs, Colorado

How many children were born the day Jesus took his first breath of air? There are no statistics to suggest how many, but chances are he wasn't alone. There were other parents who received a child that same day. The fear and anxiety, the pain and struggle that Mary felt that day was shared by other moms.

But on this day, a single child was born as a result of a promise.

It is a promise that was made back in the garden when God pledged that the woman's seed would crush the head of the serpent. It is a promise that was made to King David when God said that a descendant would sit on his throne for eternity. It is a promise that God made through the prophet Isaiah when he stated that a virgin would conceive and bear a son. 

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you."  Isaiah 60:1 English Standard Version

The call to arise comes as a result of the single light, Jesus Christ, who has come into the world. The light with which we shine is not ours.  It is his light.

Many people in our communities have chosen to dress their homes with lights. Each light is important to the dazzling displays that makes us pause. The same is true for the church.

For the church to dazzle the world, each light needs to shine. Yet each light finds as its single power source the love of God who sent his Son to shine in our world. And it is his light that brings joy.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Joy That Brings Life

Colorado Springs, Colorado

I mentioned before that to live in Colorado you need to enjoy the color brown. That couldn't have been more true than a few year's ago. We were in the middle of drought; a severe drought. When I typed this blog, a 3,500 acre wildfire was burning in and around Rocky Mountain National Park...and it was December.

The grass turns brown. The bushes turn brown. Even the needles of evergreens are tinted brown. However, this brown hue takes on a multicolored look as residents dress their bushes and trees with Christmas lights.

The wilderness blossoms in the red, green and blue of Christ's birth.

"The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad; the desert shall rejoice and blossom like the crocus." Isaiah 35:1 English Standard Version

You might relate to the brown of Colorado. As you walk deeper into the darkness of winter, you might feel joy being drained from your spirit. Into your deepest darkness the Christ child has come for you. And this Christ child is joy that transcends the brown of winter.

Joy, like grace, is born outside of us and is received as a gift. Joy runs deeper than happiness. Joy is ours even when the flood gates of mourning open in our lives. Joy is a result of knowing that this child is born for me. He is born for you.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Peace for the Commissioned Throat

Cheyenne Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Cheyenne Spring is probably the most unique of the mineral springs in Manitou. Granted it, like Shoshone, is a natural artesian mineral spring and has been flowing long before Manitou was a city. Like Shoshone it was originally bottled and sold as healing water. Yet the modern sculpture that now pours out the mineral water is unlike any of the others in town.

Christians are called to look different in the world. The peace which Christ brings into the world is different. His call sent him to a virgin who was betroth to be married. His call sent him to a manger. His call sent him to a cross and a grave. All of this is a little wacky according to human standards.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body."  Colossians 3:15 English Standard Version

And the work of the baptized is a little wacky according to the world. We are called to give to the one who asks from us, turn the other cheek and go the extra mile. This is not normal behavior but it is for Christians...or it ought to be.

Christians are not called to blend in to society but to be peacemakers. On this Third Sunday in Advent we remember that as the children of God we are called to be a little wacky.

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Peace for the Laboring Throat

Navajo Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Most of the mineral springs in Manitou are hard workers. Night and day they continue to pump water whether people fill their water bottles and milk jugs or not. It doesn't matter what is happening, they keep doing their job.

Navajo Spring is no different even considering its location. Navajo Spring makes up the back wall of a candy shop in Manitou and is surround by many other distractions. When you mention Manitou Springs to people, many will think of the penny arcade. I have been to the arcade a few times and I never knew the spring was here.

But it keeps on doing its job.   

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called [children] of God."  Matthew 5:9 English Standard Version

The redeemed of Christ are peacemakers who carry out their task in the midst of the distractions of life. As peacemakers our goal is not to be noticed but to be the presence of Christ in the midst of these distractions. And when we bring Christ into the every day commotion of life we act as peacemakers.

When Christ was crucified there were many distractions; it was Passover. Though the sky grew dark that day, life didn't stop.  

As children of God we are still those who bring peace when the rest of the world is distracted. It's what we do.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.   

Peace for the Committed Throat

7 Minute Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Probably the most noted mineral spring in Manitou is the 7 Minute Spring. Surrounded by a large park and bubbling next to a beautiful gazebo (a replica of one that covered Iron Springs Geyser early in its history), 7 Minute Springs is a wonderful place to hangout.

It is not uncommon to see people approaching this mineral spring with empty jugs and leaving with them spilling water. This is a generous spring.

Those who have been filled with the peace of Christ can pour that peace out into the lives of others by how they live.

"And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."  James 3:18 English Standard Version

Christians ought to be peacemakers and not stumbling blocks. The gospel can be a stumbling block but the Scriptures never say that Christians ought to be the reason people do not receive Christ.

The 7 Minute Spring does what it is suppose to do; pump out water for others to enjoy. God calls Christians to be what he has redeemed us to be: peacemakers.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Peace for the Healed Throat

Wheeler Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

A number of people have made their way to the Pikes Peak region hoping for better health. Such was the case for Jerome and Harriet Wheeler. The couple settle in the Manitou Springs area in 1883 because of Harriet's health.

Jerome Wheeler had been president and half owner of Macy's in New York but he came to Manitou hoping for improved health for his wife. The mineral waters in Manitou were believed to have healing properties. In fact, the water from some of the natural artesian mineral wells was bottled and sold for this purpose.

All human creatures need healing. Many of us disagree on how we're healed or even if we can be healed. The issue is not physical healing but healing of the soul.  

Christians claim that Christ Jesus is our healer. And through his healing, borne in death, we're declared whole.  

"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."  Romans 5:1 English Standard Version

The healing that Christ brings is healing that declares us whole. Does this mean that we'll always feel this peace and wholeness? No. We still struggle with sin that separates us from God and from one another. There is both a now and not yet to God's healing in Christ. But the fact remains: Christ Jesus has become our peace. We are healed whether we feel it or not.

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You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Peace for the Humbled Throat

Stratton Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Winfield Scott Stratton struck it rich at the Independence Mine on Victor Colorado's Battle Mountain in the early 1890's.  Eight years after establishing the mine he sold it for $11 million.  What did he do with that money?  After his death in 1902, he left his fortune to care for children and the elderly (a charity that still exists).

This bronze character of a woman bending down to scoop water is a symbol of humility.  Humility is a by-product of peace.  

At the first advent of Christ the shepherds were caught up in the glory of the heavenly host.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"  Luke 2:14 English Standard Version

God is pleased with you.  Sin has been washed away in the blood of Christ.  Nothing separates you from his love.  And he delights in you.

Stratton received $11 million for his mine.  You have received the riches of heaven.  As this wealth produced a humble heart in Stratton's life may the wealth of heaven and the peace that is ours in Christ produce in us a humble spirit.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Peace for the Attacked Throat

Iron Springs Geyser, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Iron Springs Geyser has recently undergone a renovation.  The renovation hasn't changed the flavor of this water.  As its name suggest, there is a definite iron taste to the mineral water that flows from this spring.  It reminded me of the water that I drank from the wells on the farm I worked in my High School years.  It is called a geyser as it originally erupted into the sky every half hour.  Now it trickles out of a metal pipe.

When people are surveyed about which mineral spring they like least in Manitou this one comes out on top.  Some might even say that their throat is under attack when they drink its heavy chalybeate (got that off the sign) water.

Everyday Satan attacks the gift of peace we have in Christ.  Whether it be through circumstances of life or inner struggles, we hear the ringing voice of demonic forces in our ear saying, "does God really care?"  And we entertain the thought.

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet." Romans 16:20 English Standard Version 

Just as it is God who gives peace, it is God who defends peace.  Why?  Because peace through the merits of Christ is a gift that you and I have neither earned nor deserved.  And since it is God's gift to us, it is also God who then defends his gift.

The gift of peace does not immediately remove those enemies of peace but God has given us a promise that in Christ one day Satan and the forces of hell will be crushed.  Today we receive a glimpse of this peace, but the day is coming when we will fully understand it.

Until that day may God continue to do battle against all enemies that would rob us of his gift.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Peace for a Parched Throat

Shoshone Spring, Manitou Springs, Colorado

Manitou Springs is a quirky community neighboring Colorado Springs.  Unlike Colorado Springs it actually has natural mineral springs scattered throughout the town.  Many of these springs are the result of drilling.

However, Shoshone Spring is a natural artesian mineral spring.  The building in the background was constructed in the 1890's and housed the spring until a more recent external font was designed and constructed by artist Carl Reed.

On my visit to Manitou it was the only spring I stopped at which wasn't pumping mineral water.  It was dry.

Sin robs us of peace.  We are these amazing creations of God; fashioned, formed and brought to life by God himself.  And it is sin that has robbed us of peace.

"...but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  Romans 5:8 English Standard Version

As we begin this journey over the next seven days, we start by understanding that our parched throats are quenched by the peace that comes from Christ.  Peace does not come from us.  It is a gift.  It is a gift given to us through the violence of Jesus' cross.

Water is an amazing symbol of peace.  My hope is that over this week you will see the effect of God's gift of peace on your life.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Know 'em to Love 'em

Colorado Springs, Colorado

The sad reality of our lives is that we are so desperate for people to love us that we don't take time to know the people we want to accept us.  Though they sit next to us in worship, share our meals and dwell under our roofs we don't know people.   We grapple with our desire to be known rather than to know, to be heard rather than to listen, to be loved rather than love.

As we conclude this first week of blogs centering on love, we come face-to-face with the reality of our self-centeredness.  How can we truly love our sister or brother, and even our enemy, if all we're concerned about is being loved?

"And he has give us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters." 1 John 4:21 New Living Translation

It is quite possible that the Apostle John was confronting a person who said you didn't need to love others to know Christ. If you've been paying attention to the source of the Bible passages over the last week you have noted that many of them came from John's first letter.  

Yet the idea of knowing the love of Christ and not concerning ourselves with the life of another flies in the face of the Gospel message itself. The cross is evidence of how well we are known to God. The cross reveals how well God understood our sin and to what extent God would step into our brokenness and work healing.

If we love God for what he has done for us then this love is seen in our willingness to know each other and to love each other.

Lord Jesus, bring us to the cross that we might bear the cross and be willing to love even when we hunger to be loved. Amen.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

How Far Would You Walk?

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Don't laugh. One day they might ban fast food restaurants from advertising on television for health reasons. Who knows they might even force them to label their doors with the words, "WARNING: The Surgeon General has..."

It happened to the cigarette industry. As a child, tobacco companies freely advertised on television, radio and on billboards. One of those slogans that I remember was, "I'd walk a mile for a Camel."

For what would you walk a mile?

One side of us (that broken, fallen side of us) says that we'd walk a mile for anything that makes us feel whole (though humanly speaking we don't even know what it means to be whole). Each one of us has made these journeys, and at times still do, to find that fountain of youth, that elixir of love that makes us feel whole.

"Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." 1 John 4:11 English Standard Version

The other side of us (that redeemed, forgiven and renewed side of us) says that God walked a mile (and more) to meet us. It is through Christ that we find wholeness even as we exist in brokenness. This is what Christ has done for us.  

Yet, how far would we walk with another person? This is the test of love; walking with another broken human soul not just across the street or couple of blocks, but throughout life. Nobody said it would be easy, but I guess the cross wasn't easy for Christ either.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Knowing God

Colorado Springs, Colorado

I don't know anything about Mozart. I've avoided the movie "Amadeus" like the plague. What I do know is that this is a large picture of Mozart that was painted on the side of a building in Colorado Springs.

If we were to plaster a Jesus picture on this wall, many people would have the same reaction I do to Mozart. We can, of course, do a quick Google search and find out what the "never-lying" internet says about Jesus but we really still don't know him simply by a picture.

A true experience of love in the Christian community is an experience of Christ. Love is a gift of God given in a manger, embraced by a nursing mom, carried to a foreign country, baptized in a river, crucified on a cross, buried in a grave and raised from the dead.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7 English Standard Version

This isn't trite love that looks at its watch to see if it is convenient to love another person. This is the love that answers the phone at 2 in the morning, sits with a friend in the waiting room sticking around for news from the surgeon and is willing to unabashedly weep with the widow.

When we have been "there" in the name of Christ, we know love. And to know such love is to know God.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Love, the Gift of Tomorrow?

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Procrastinators like me love tomorrow because tomorrow never comes. I know that this will be a shock for many of you, but I'm pretty good with my words. So I love to promise that I will do something...tomorrow.

The people of Israel might have felt the same way about God, the Great Procrastinator. Would he keep his promise? Would he send Israel's Redeemer? Would a Branch from the stump of Jesse arrive?

"So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."  1 John 4:16 English Standard Version

Past, present and future, God is love. There is never a time when God's love does not come. God is love as we wait for his faithfulness to be revealed. God is love even when we put off loving others. It is not simply in the nature of God to be loving, he is the definition of love. He is love.

So, if we are the children of God through Christ, then why do we put off love. I understand that we are not the definition of love. God is. If we are little Christ's shouldn't our marquee read, "now playing", instead of "coming soon"?

Love can't wait until tomorrow.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Gone, But Not Forgotten?

Rosita, Colorado

The Rosita Cemetery, just south of Westcliffe, Colorado, dates back to 1870. The headstones are not neatly ordered in rows, but scattered around the pine trees and the rolling hills in this semi-ghost town. Rosita was a mining town and attracted people from the east who thought they could strike it rich. Even a Union Civil War veteran is buried in this cemetery.

If you enlarge the picture of the white tombstone you might be able to read that buried here is Frank E. Williams who died at the age of 22 years, 4 months and 18 days. That's all we know about Frank. Interestingly enough his headstone also reads, "Gone but not forgotten."

A Google search on his name pulled up many Frank Williams, but nothing about a Frank E. Williams buried in Rosita, Colorado. It appears that he has been forgotten.

I have walked through many cemeteries. Under each headstone is a person with a story. But as days turn into months and months into years those stories fade. This side of the grave, we will not be remembered.

Enter Romans 8.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,  nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39 English Standard Version

I often read this passage at funerals. The truth of this passage comforts those of us who continue to live out our stories here and now. We might not be remembered by future generations, but God will never forget us. Death cannot separate us from God's love.

Jesus suffered separation from God as the guarantee that you would never be separated from this love. In Christ, you are never forgotten.

Join the conversation on our Facebook group: Praying With the Eyes

You can listen to the Praying With the Eyes broadcast at the ib network on Sundays at 8:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 8:30 pm MST (www.ibnetwork.us). You can also listen to the show on the ib network on Tunin Radio.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2012-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR.