Where Heaven Touches Earth

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

The phrase "heaven and earth" appears twenty-nine times in the Bible. Isaiah writes, "O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth." Isaiah 37:16 English Standard Version

The Colorado prairie is a good place to view where God's heaven touches his earth. God has made both heaven and earth, whose existence is intertwined with each other.

Both the earth and sky are dependent on God. God is enthroned above all that is created, and yet he chooses to interact with what he made. The psalmist claims God as the "God of Israel." He is Lord of his people.

It is amazing to think that our God, the God who calls all of creation into existence, is also the God who chooses to claim his people as his own. There is the God who is far beyond our comprehension and yet this same God makes himself known.

We human creatures are curious about this thing called earth and how it interacts with the rest of the universe. And as we search to know creation we are struck with the reality that creation will never be fully known.

However, it comforts us to know that this God, who will always remain God, has chosen to reveal himself to us through his Son. Heaven touches earth in Jesus.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

What a View!

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

I'm glad that this picture doesn't tell the whole story of what I experienced when I pushed the shutter button to capture this sunset.

What looks like a beautiful, peaceful sunset was actually time spend swatting mosquitoes. While I held my cable release in one hand, I fanned the mosquitoes away with the other. How do mosquitoes end up in the desert anyway (rhetorical question, please don't answer)? Fortunately, none of them ended up on the front end of my camera lens.

There's a metaphor of forgiveness in this story.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." Psalm 103:11-12 English Standard Version

The picture of life is the same for those in Christ and those who don't know him. The difference is that God has removed the mosquitoes from those who believe in Jesus. Our sins no longer buzz around our bodies and bite us. God has removed them as far as the east is from the west. Their removal came at the cost of Christ's blood.

Our sins no longer have the ability to obscure our view of God. Through God's gift of grace we can gaze at the amazing beauty of our creative, redeeming, and embracing God.

And what a view it is!

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Conversations in the Corner

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

As you might be aware, I love taking pictures at the Paint Mines n Calhan, Colorado. Many blog posts have been inspired by the Paint Mines as well as the Garden of the Gods. Both places remind me of our amazing Creator God and the delight that he takes in showing off his creation.

After taking this picture and processing it in Lightroom I noticed a couple of shadows in the bottom right corner that looked like my fellow photographer, Gary, and I talking, yet I had been careful to exclude our shadows when framing this picuture. It was getting later in the evening and the shadows were getting long, and I realized that what looked like two people talking (and a Star Wars character) were actually shadows from the rocks.

These shadows remind me that what made this night special was having a conversation with Gary. We've known each other for a while, but we hadn't connected with each other for a while. We talked about scuba diving, worship and, of course, photography.

"Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters." Hebrews 13:1 New Living Translation

The conversations we have with each other in the body of Christ are a means of displaying love for one another. These conversations are exercises both in speaking and in listening. They are not monologues. These conversations might even include moments of silence. How wonderful it is to be in the presence of another person for whom Christ sacrificed his life.

I hope that today, you will notice your shadow in corner conversation with someone else's shadow.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Dreams

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

There is something about looking to sky that causes us to dream. Maybe it's because of all the Disney characters that we see in the clouds. Maybe it's because of the vastness of the universe, knowing that our eyes are limited in delving deep into the darkness.

At some point in our lives we've all laid on our backs and stared into the sky.

"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." Joel 2:28 English Standard Version

Peter reminds us that Joel's prophecy was fulfilled at Pentecost when God breathed on his church the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the Spirit who causes us to dream, not about our financial future, our new carpet, or our family vacation. It is the Spirit who gives us dreams about what God can do with our lives.

Are we willing to lay on our backs and stare into the sky trusting that God is leading us by his Spirit?

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Leading Lines

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

Whether you're making a photograph or painting a picture, leading lines help the viewer see what's the focus of that picture. In this photograph, taken at the Paint Mines, the focus ought to be on the white sandstone figure two-thirds of the way up. Notice how the dark shadows to left lead the eye to headless, humpless camel (at least that's what I see).

Our lives are leading lines to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20 English Standard Version

Paul reminds us that our lives point to the one who loved us and gave his life for us.

Too often we're tempted to point out to others the things that relate to our "greatness." We point out our new car, clean house or generous nature, as if these things will make us a "somebody" in the eyes of others.

What others think about us needs to take a back seat to what others think about Jesus. We are the leading lines to Jesus. Who he is and what he has done for us is what matters most in life.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Thinking Soberly

Paint Mines, Calhan, Colorado

Many of you saw this picture on a Facebook post last Sunday. This pic connected with a point I made in my sermon that morning. Before I share why I posted this picture let me explain a little about it.

There's really nothing spectacular about this picture. I put my tripod as low as it would go and opened my aperture so that I would capture a shallow depth of field. That's a pretty simple process (though I did struggle to get my tripod back in the upright position).

My point on Sunday had to do with pride. It was related to what Paul wrote in Romans 12:3. "Because of the privilege and authority God has given me, I give each of you this warning: Don't think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us." (New Living Translation)

My point in posting this picture was related to my desire to receive "likes" in Facebook for my pictures (I'm halfway to 100 likes on this picture). It is easy for each of us to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think. We post something on Facebook and we start timing it to see when someone will like our post (even if they don't like it).

For some reason having a picture or a post liked on Facebook makes us feel like we're a somebody, or at least that's what we think it does.

What people say about us might cause us to feel good or bad about ourselves, but that feeling never last. The one who has declared us to be right in his eyes is the one who "likes" us. He likes us so much that he sacrificed his Son on a cross that we might spend eternity with him.

Not only did Jesus give us his life for us that we might enjoy eternity in his presence, he also acrifice himself so that we might have abundant life today.

And as Facebook friends go, we don't need to worry about God defriending us.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Equally Loved

I wonder if Nolan feels cheated? I've taken so many pictures of Eli, being that he is our first grandchild, that it seems that I've forgotten about Nolan. I've probably taken twice as many pictures of Eli as I have of Nolan.

Is he as handsome as Eli? Yes.

Is he as photogenic as Eli? Yes.

Is he as loved as Eli? Yes.

Let's state the obvious: When there's only one grandchild that child gets all the attention. When there are two grandchildren neither get the same amount of attention as the first grandchild received.

However, both are still equally loved.

"Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister [Mary] and Lazarus." John 11:5 English Standard Version

John doesn't say that Jesus loved Mary more than Martha because she sat at his feet and listened to his teaching, or that he loved Lazarus more than the other two because he was a guy. It says he loved each.

In the same way, God loves you as much as he loves anyone else. Jesus' sacrifice is evidence of this fact. Each of us is equally forgiven. Each of us is equally saved.

Each of us is equally loved.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

The Reason to Rejoice

Eli hasn't hit a golf ball down the center of a 500 yard, par 5 golf hole, but he sure knows how to pose after a great shot (he learned that from his father and mother); hands on hip, club behind the back and smiling wide.

What brings a smile to your face? The birth of a baby? A juicy steak? A three hundred yard drive?

God's salvation brought a smile to the psalmist's face.

"But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness in you. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, 'The LORD is great!'" Psalm 40:16 New Living Translation

King David calls us to find joy and gladness in God. We might not be able drive a golf ball three hundred yards, afford a juicy steak, or rejoice at the birth of child, but we can find joy in what God has done for us...and what he continues to do for us, all by his grace.

After Eli posed for this shot his golf game didn't go so well. I've had many golf games where, after a great drive, I hit a worm killer or miss the ball completely. Joy that is based on what we bring to the table lasts about as long as flash paper.

The joy that comes from God's mercy for us in Christ lasts for an eternity.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Running to Win

I don't know what was on Eli's mind when he ran through the grass in his backyard. Was he racing others? If he was, he was winning. The smile on his face tells me that he has won race, the ribbon crossing his chest.

Paul describes life as race in which everyone runs, but only one person wins.

"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!" 1 Corinthians 9:24 New Living Translation

We are called to live life in such a way that we're running to win. Yet this race that we run is unlike any other race. It has already been won. Christ finished the race for us. The prize of eternal life is already in our possession.

So how do we run to win when the race has already been won?

It's all about attitude.

Yes, the race has been won, but we're still in the race. We're in a race to make a difference in this world until we enter eternity. And in this race we're called to win. We're called to run like there's no tomorrow.

We run with the assurance that one day Eli's smile will be on ours because our victory is guaranteed.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Window to the Soul

What do you see in Eli's eyes?  Do you see sadness?  Do you see loneliness?  Do you see fear? You probably relate to something in Eli's expression, and that feeling is probably spoken through his eyes.

There is a reason the old cliche stands, the eyes are the windows to the soul. Our eyes find it nearly impossible to hide what's happening inside of us.

How much of what our eyes express is related to what they've been gazing at? Our eyes see many things during the day, and many times what they see is because of the choices we make. We choose to watch five to six hours of television. We choose to stare at our computer screens. We choose to stare at Pikes Peak.

What we focus our attention on affects what happens inside of us.

David made an conscious choice as to what he placed before his eyes. "For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness." Psalm 26:3 English Standard Version

Because David chose to look at God's steadfast love, his life was characterized by a faithful walk with God. You could probably see a life that was molded by God's steadfast love in David's eyes.

The cross of Jesus Christ reveals to us the steadfast love of God. It is this cross that changes us from the inside out. It is the cross that changes the look in our eyes.

May our eyes reveal to others a life that is renewed by the blood of Christ.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Precious

Meet my grandson, Eli. He along with my other grandson, Nolan, will serve as the basis for the next five blogs.

I don't deserve to have such precious gifts in my life. Nolan and Eli are always a reminder to me of our gracious God. This picture was taken when we celebrated Eli's fourth birthday.

It's easy to take children for granted. They're not always easy to understand, they seem to want something from us, and they're so short that they often go unnoticed. However, the Word of God reminds us that children are precious in the eyes of God.

"Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father." Matthew 18:10 New Living Translation

This is a difficult passage for us to understand. How can these angels be in the presence of the Father and yet at the same time be present with our children? There are many times that we simply let Scripture stand. The fact is that children matter to God.

Children ought to be important to us. How about getting on our knees and speaking to children at their level?  How about including them at our Thanksgiving table instead of sending them to another room? How about treating them with respect?

Yes, they are still children. Yes, they don't think like us adults. Yes, they can say some outrageous things, yet they also have a faith in our Savior that we adults are called to imitate, a faith that believes because God wouldn't lie.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Gazelle

Newport, Oregon

I wonder what percentage of boats are named after women. I don't remember seeing a boat named "Buck" or "Harry." At the risk of sounding sexist, women possess a gracefulness that men don't. Ships possess this gracefulness as they navigate oceans, lakes and rivers.

The name, Tabitha, or gazelle, emphasizes this quality of gracefulness.

"There was a believer in Joppa named Tabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas). She was always doing kind things for others and helping the poor." Act 9:36 New Living Translation

Tabitha of Joppa was known for her gracefulness of good works. Since she is identified as a believer in Jesus Christ, her works of charity flowed from her relationship with her charitable God. She was so loved by her community that they sent friends to Lydda to beg Peter to come when Tabitha had died. Through Peter, God raised Tabitha.  And we can only suppose that she continued her acts of charity.

I know that I'm in danger of emphasizing the grace of God to the extent that it deemphasizes what we do as children of grace. How we conduct our lives is powerfully important in pointing to God's grace. Since generosity is rooted in the heart of God we best reflect our God when we're generous with out time, possessions and abilities.

Like a ship sailing on creations waters, so God calls us to a life gracefully lived.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

All Sweetness

Newport, Oregon

If you're looking for a unique name for your daughter you might consider Pamela. Its popularity reached its zenith in the mid 1950's and has been on the decline every since. Though the meaning of Pamela is uncertain it could come from the Greek words for "all sweetness."

There was something about the boat Pamela that caught my eye. I don't know anything about boats. I've rarely been on them, even smaller craft. Pamela's lines were different, they looked graceful. The ship to the right was big and bulky, and to be honest, quite ugly.

There is something different about Christians.

"For you are a holy people, who belong to the LORD your God. Of all the people on earth, the LORD your God has chosen you to be his own special treasure." Deuteronomy 7:6 New Living Translation

Out of pure grace God called Israel to be his possession. It was God who declared them to be holy and his chosen ones. And we who know the mercy of God through Jesus Christ have been grafted into this grace of God.

Because of Jesus and the gift of faith in his sacrifice both Jew and Gentile are all sweetness in God's presence. This is who we are in the world. Our lines are different. Our purpose is different.

It all depends on grace, the forgiveness of all that separates us from God. This gift declares us "all sweetness."

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Relentless

Newport, Oregon

Those of us who grew up in Oregon find it funny that the ocean we know is named the Pacific Ocean. The waters of the Pacific are anything but passive and calm as the word suggests. During a good winter storm the waves are relentless.

Those who sail her waters are equally relentless. Can the same be said of us in our pursuit of God? Are we relentless?

"The LORD looks down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God. They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one." Psalm 14:23 English Standard Version

In other words, there isn't a person on earth who is relentless for God at the level God demands. There are plenty of spiritual people on the face of this planet, yet no one is perfectly passionate about being in the presence of God.

This pure passion and pursuit of God is seen the bloody sweat of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. He wouldn't let the reality of the cross keep him from doing the will of his Father. What we cannot do, he has done for us. Jesus was relentless in doing the will of God which he accomplished in his bloody sacrifice.

Not only is Jesus relentless in his pursuit of doing the Father's will, he is relentless in his pursuit of you. It was because of you and for you that Jesus was hoisted on the cross. It was because of you and for you that Jesus died and conquered death.  In his passion for you, you are forgiven for your lack of passion.

Empowered by forgiveness and the gift of God's Spirit we're set free to be relentless in our relationship with God.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014 Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Known by Name

Newport, Oregon

A year ago my mom and I took a day strolling up and down the Oregon coast between Florence and Lincoln City. We stopped in Depoe Bay to eat at a restaurant that my parents frequented for peanut butter pie. We also stopped in Newport, one of the bigger coastal towns in Oregon. And for me, a trip to the coast wouldn't be complete without clam chowder at Moe's.

It was a beautiful day at the coast and I spent time strolling the docks of the marina in Newport for some pics. A sign at the entrance to the marina spoke of sailing traditions, one of which states that you never change the name of your boat. As such we'll spend the next four blogs looking at the names painted on a few of these fishing vessels.

"Now out of the ground the LORD God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name." Genesis 2:19 English Standard Version

Naming things is what we do. It's what Adam did.  What he called an animal or plant that was its name. Names are important because they say something about the item or person we name. Our names are important because they say something about us.

God knows your name and this name is written in the Lambs book of life. Not only does God know your name, he has redeemed your name.

As a result, your name means something. It means something to God and it means something in this world. Your name is a gift.

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Text and Photographs ©Copyright 2013-2014Douglas P. Brauner.  ARR. 

Speechless

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

We all know the statement, curiosity killed the cat, the same can be said of human creatures. Sometimes our curiosity about creation kills the mystery. I know that there are probably some of you (maybe most of you) who will disagree with the direction of today's blog, but I'm okay with that, especially if it makes you think.

In my opinion, we spend too much time trying to figure out how something came into being that we don't enjoy the mystery of what's before our eyes.

For some reason we feel cheated when we walk through a park like the Garden of the Gods and there are no interpretive signs. That was my experience at the Grand Canyon. I was disappoint not by what was written on these signs but the fact that there were so few signs.

However, when we read these signs, do we spend more time digesting what we've read than standing in awe of God's majesty? Are we so curious as to how something was made that we miss the mystery?

When God confronts Job he says, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" Job 38:4 New Living Translation

I know that for some of you curiosity about how something came into existence leads you deeper into the wonder of God's creative nature, but it hinders others from perceiving the beauty of creation.

When Job caught what God was saying, he put his hand over his mouth and refused to speak (Job 40:4). Maybe that's what we need to do the next time we visit the Garden of the Gods, the Grand Canyon or wherever we might find ourselves.

It's okay to stand speechless before God.

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

Change of Perspective

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Yesterday I addressed the issue of drought, explaining that we go though periods of drought in our lives.  Photographers also refer to times of drought. There are periods when photographers struggle with inspiration.

The advise that I've often heard given to photographers when experiencing this lack of inspiration is to change their perspective. Start shooting pictures in black and white if you usually shoot in color, or in color if you usually shoot in black and white.

I shoot in color, so for me it means taking some old pictures and changing my perspective by converting them to black and white.

This change of perspective is what Jesus calls for in the Sermon on the Mount.

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own? How can you think of saying to your friend, 'Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,' when you can't see past the log in your own eye? Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend's eye." Matthew 7:3-5 New Living Translation

Maybe the change of perspective we need is to stop looking at the speck of dirt in someone else's eye and focus on the reality that there's something stuck in our own eye. Maybe the reason we feel like we're in a rut is because we keep focusing on another person's imperfections and ignore the reality of our own.

The tweezers we need to remove our log is held in the hand of the One who died for you. When I was a child I didn't know how to remove a sliver from my hand, but my mom did. She held both the tweezers and my hand and removed the sliver. With the tweezers of forgiveness, God holds our head and he removes that plank that skews our vision.

When our perspective is changed we see that it is not our job to remove the speck from another person's eye. Our calling is to lead them to the One who will hold their head and remove their speck.

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

Dealing with Drought

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

While my home state of Oregon, and much of the Pacific Northwest, is dry and on fire, here in Colorado we're experiencing a wet summer. It hasn't always been this way in Colorado. The past two summers have seen two horrific wildfires in and around Colorado Springs.

Even though there have been periods of flash flooding with this rain, I'll take the moisture over drought.

"From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work." Psalm 104:13 English Standard Version

These words were written by a person who understood drought, yet he speaks of God watering the mountains. Palestine was prone to drought.

When we experience drought (physical, spiritual or emotional) we blame God. In fact, we like to blame God whenever something goes wrong in our world. If God were God he wouldn't..." you complete the sentence. We've all said it.

Instead of shaking a finger at God for the pain of life, the psalmist acknowledges that it is God who pours out his blessings upon creation. It is God who satisfies the dirt of our existence with the fruit of his work.

Though you and I might be tempted to shake a finger at God today, let's find a way to acknowledge that the earth belongs to God and it is God who provides us with blessings.

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

Twice Blessed

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

There are times that all we can do is stand in awe of the God who called creation into existence. It doesn't matter whether we're surrounded by mountains, feeling the ocean lapping at our feet, or standing waist high in prairie grasses, all of creation speaks out the name of our Creator God.

"By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the people of the world revere him." Psalm 33:6-8 New International Version

Whether we stare into the stars of night or the ground upon which we walk, we're called to stand in awe of God. This God who called all the starry host into existed and who breathed into his human creatures the breath of life is far beyond our comprehension. Our God cannot be dumbed down to our human level. He will always remain utterly beyond comprehension, and we will always stand in awe of our Creator God.

However, he is also a God who reveals himself to his creatures. He has revealed his true nature to the world through his Son, Jesus. We see all that God is in the Word made flesh. It is God who reveals himself to us, not merely through creation, but more importantly in redemption.

As wonderful and majestic as creation is, our redemption through the blood of Christ is even more awesome.

Those of us who stand at the cross are twice blessed. We are blessed to know the God of creation, and we are blessed to know the God of redemption.

How can we do anything else but stand in awe of our God?

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

Reflections

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

Reflections are powerful, but they are not perfect. When I took this picture the air was fairly calm with a slight hint of a breeze. That hint of a breeze distorted the reflection of the trees on the pond. This distortion is a reminder that what we see on the surface of the water isn't the real thing. The real trees lay above the surface.

We are called to imitate God, not be God.

Imitate God, since you are the children he loves. Ephesians 5:1 God's Word to the Nations

The temptation to be like God goes back to the Garden of Eden, and it is this powerful temptation to be like God that gets humanity into trouble even today. The desire to be God (rooted in our sin) is much different than the desire to imitate God.

We live at the foot of the cross. It is here that we're forgiven for our attempts to be God, and it is here that we are empowered to imitate God, to be like the reflection on this pond. We will never be perfect, that will not happen until we're with Christ, but we can strive to imitate him.

We can imitate his nature to love, heal and forgive. When we imitate God we're pointing to him. Our actions are a reflection of the nature of God.

I took this picture because I loved the reflection of the trees. May people see God reflected in how we live our lives.

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

A Way of Escape

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

If I had to hike out of this area it would be a no brainer on where to go. Go to the left or to the right and the hike would be difficult, but follow the creek through the valley and I would find my way out.

So why is it so difficult to find a way out of temptation?

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13 New International Version

This passage is often misquoted. People have interpreted it to mean that God will never give us something we can't handle.  Paul speaks specifically to the issue of temptation.  We are all tempted to live outside of God's will.  We're all tempted to do things our way and not God's way.

Paul was no stranger to temptation and neither are we.  We face temptations daily, and too often we give in to temptations.  Giving in to temptations is like climbing the mountains to the left or the right in this picture.  It is the hard way to live life, though at the time it might not seem that way.

God provides the way out when we're confronted with temptations. We make life difficult for ourselves when we compromise the Word of God or decide that we know better than God at what's best for our lives.  There might be temporary gains, but the long term effect is devastating.

God's way out is through his Son.  The faithfulness of God is seen in his faithfulness to do something about our sin.  God has breathed on us his Holy Spirit and through the power of the Spirit, and only through the power of Spirit, we say no to temptation.

God's Spirit is our way of escape.

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

Clothed in Majesty

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

There is a regal look to this mountain goat as he stands tall on this rock. This is his territory. This is where he rules and I need to respect it or there might be serious consequences.

His shedding coat that adds to this feeling of majesty. This guy has been through wars and survived. Not only has he survived, but he has thrived because of these conflicts.

The LORD is king! He is robed in majesty. Indeed, the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. Psalm 93:1 New Living Translation

We have a tendency to make God our buddy and forget hat he is our king. He is robed in majesty. The world stands firm because of the one who has called it into existence. Our faith cannot be destroyed because he rules.

The power of his reign is seen in what the world calls defeat. He reigns because of the cross and empty tomb. It is here that God establishes his victory over your sin, your adversary, and your death.

God reigns, and he is clothed in majesty. May you find strength to live in his victory.

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

On Being a Fool

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

I've not always been known as the smartest person in the world and this pictures is evidence. I was standing next to my car after hanging out with these mountains goats for a short period of time. I was thinking that I needed to get that super close up picture, but I didn't have the best lens on my camera. As a result I zoomed in with my feet by getting closer to the goat.

When you look behind the goat you'll notice a baby peering over the shoulder of the adult goat. Then you will notice the horns on this adult. I realized that standing close to this goat was probably not the best place to be. So, I slowly walked backwards and positioned the car between me and this goat.

Fortunately nothing happened.

"Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ's death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross." Galatians 3:1 New Living Translation

I have a feeling that the Galatian Christians had been fooled by false teachers as I was fooled. The false teaching sounded good and safe. It made logical sense, and before they were aware of what was happening, their faith was at risk. They were close to exchanging their faith in the merits of Jesus for a faith in their merits.

It has always been easy for Christians to be enticed by religions and philosophies that sound good to the ear but are harmful to our faith.

However, the Scriptures make it clear that Jesus is our only source of being declared right with God. Nothing we do brings anything to the table of salvation. God alone saves us.

Maybe its time to put some distance between us and ideas that rob Jesus' cross of its glory.

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

"That's Not Fair!"

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

Janice and I ran into these mountain goats in the parking lot at Blue Lakes Reservoir. At first I thought they would run off and disappear. Instead, they looked at us and went about their business of looking for food under the gravelly surface of the parking area.

These were not the only goats we saw. We were surrounded by a group of goats, some were full grown and others were babies. The babies look so cute, but they were also learning a difficult lesson in life.

The largest of the goats, male or female I don't know, was rather pushy and dominant. When one of these young goats discovered food, the larger goat pushed the baby aside and ate the grub. It didn't seem fair.

"But now, God has worn me out. You, God, have destroyed everyone who supports me." Job 16:7 God's Word to the Nations

Job had a reason to complain. Life was not turning out the way he had dreamed. He had lost everything, literally everything, other than his life and wife. God was the big goat who pushed him aside from the good life he deserved.

Maybe that is the way we view God. We look at the circumstances of our lives and we blame God for the mess. He's the big goat who pushes us aside, and because of him life isn't fair.

God reappears at the end of Job's story, but he doesn't explain himself. God doesn't owe us an explanation of our lives. Yet, God invites Job to hold on to him even when life doesn't seem fair. His call to Job is to trust him even when life doesn't seem right.

That is God's invitation to us. His invitation is to trust him even when it seems that he is pushing us around and keeping us from enjoying the "good life."  This kind of faith doesn't make sense (it doesn't have to), but it's the only faith that brings peace in the midst of the storm.

This kind of faith holds on to a cross where God handed over his own Son to death that we might live even when life isn't fair.

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

What's on the Horizon?

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

The day that Janice and I traveled to Blue Lakes Reservoir was the beginning of very wet weather for much of Colorado that included tornadoes and flooding. We might have anticipated this kind of weather gazing at these clouds, but then again, maybe these clouds would disappear.

How do we know what's on the horizon?

The fear of what's on the horizon might be on our minds: fear about our finances, family, or fitness. These fears might be rooted in some reality in our lives. We've been told that something isn't right with our blood work. Our son or daughter calls us and says that they're dropping out of school. We hear rumors at work that the company is reorganizing.

Fear of the future is a present reality for many of us.

"Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you." 1 Peter 5:7 New Living Translation

I wish that Peter had given us the instruction manual on how to give all of our "worries and cares to God." You and I know that God cares for us. We believe that he cares for us, but we don't always know how to give our cares and worries to God.

The bridge between giving our anxiety to God and knowing that God cares for us is faith. Faith holds on to the reality that God cares for us even if we don't know how. This faith in a compassionate God allows us to open our hands of worry and let God carry the burden.

What's on the horizon? We don't know, but we trust in the One who holds that future in the palm of his hand.

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

Drinking Deeply

Blue Lakes Reservoir, Colorado

I wonder if this stream, pouring out of the mountains, looks like the water that flowed out of the rock at Meribah in Numbers 20. You might remember the story. The people complain to Moses about their situation.

"Why...why...why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place?" (Exodus 20:5 ESV)

God tells Moses to SPEAK to the rock, but Moses BEATS the rock twice with his rod. His disobedience cost him dearly. He would not enter the Promised Land with the rest of the people of Israel (Exodus 20:12)

So what did God do to the people because of the failure of their leader? Did he withhold water from them? No. The Bible says that "water came out abundantly" for the people to drink.

"Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. He turned the rock into a pool of water; yes, a spring of water flowed from solid rock." Psalm 114:7 New Living Translation

This is what grace is all about. Yes there were consequences for Moses' disobedience, but there was still mercy for the stiff necked people, a people who were constantly complaining against God.

You are I are recipients of God's abundant waters of mercy even though we, too, have been disobedient. The water of God's mercy flows from Christ's cross where he was struck with nails and hammer. It is from this undeserved spring of God's love that we drink...and we drink deeply.

God offers you this water today even if you're angry, depressed or apathetic. His water quenches your thirst.

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

Angry Bird

Eugene, Oregon

I've been a frustrated fisherman most of my life but not as frustrated as this blue heron, or so it looks by this picture. This bird let me watch him for quite some time. He never moved except to periodically cock his head to one side. Patiently he waited for a fish to swim past his legs, but none appeared. At one point it looked like some were swimming behind him, but they never came within reach of his long beak.

How do you deal with frustration? Do you hunker down like this bird, or fly away to some remote island hoping that whatever caused you to become frustrated disappears? There are numerous ways that we handle frustration.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:22-23 English Standard Version

Instead of counting to ten when you're frustrated try reciting the fruit of the Spirit. One of these words will probably speak to the heart of your frustration.

Better yet, remember that this fruit which is ours through the gift of the Spirit, was lived perfectly for you and me by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He embodied the fruit of the Spirit. Were there times of frustration for Jesus? As I read the Scriptures, it appears that there were many frustrating moment for Jesus dealing with the crowds, the religious leaders and his disciples. Yet each challenge was met with the fruit of the Spirit.

Through the gift of God's mercy at work in our lives it is possible to meet the challenges of frustrating situations through the fruit of the Spirit. It's a much better way of dealing with frustration then hunkering down or flying away.

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

Freedom to Forgive

Eugene, Oregon

I knew this area as the gravel pits. It's now known as the Delta Ponds, a city park with trails and interpretive signs.
 
I spent a lot of time hanging out at the gravel pits. I fished here. I speared carp here. I smoked my first cigarette here. I had fun here, but I also did things at the ponds for which I'm not proud. My history with the gravel pits won't make it onto a sign along a trail. My history is burned in my person. It lives with me and it will die with me.

We all have places that are a part of history. Some of that history is good, and some not so good, but it is a part of who we are. Going back to those places can make us think both of good times and bad times.

Walking the trails around the delta ponds was a lesson in grace, that ability not only to know that God forgives me but that through is gift of forgiveness I'm able to forgive myself.

"For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus," Romans 3:22b-24 English Standard Version

The gravel pits not only remind me of the good times, they remind of me of my sin. This passage reminds me of God's grace in Jesus Christ. He nailed my sin to his cross and I can walk through those memories knowing that I am forgiven.

And since God has forgiven me I can forgive myself.  That's freedom

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

The Harvest in Community

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Community gardens seem to be springing up in every community, many of which are sponsored by churches. This is our community garden at Holy Cross. This is a place of community.

I watched this community at work a couple of weeks ago. It was a Saturday and I was working at the church. For hours that day members of the community garden took wood chips and spread them around the raised garden beds.

Who are these people? They are people from our church and from the greater community. They are people of faith and people who might not have a faith. Yet they come together for one purpose, to grow God's garden.

This cross, planted in one of the raised beds, is a reminder to all that it is God who gives the growth.

"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth." 1 Corinthians 3:6 English Standard Version

Whether it is physical or spiritual food it is God who provides. It is God who gives the growth.  It is God who produces the harvest.

This harvest is known in the community of God's people. It is a harvest that is celebrated not merely by individuals, but by a community who knows that the garden belongs to God and it is God who reaps his harvest.

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

Mesmerized

What is it about birthday candles that are so mesmerizing? Are the candles themselves hypnotic, or is it what they represent? Is it the hope of a wish coming true? Is it the knowledge that for one moment a song will be sung in our honor?

Maybe it's because the candles are still easy to blow out with one breath.

Something happens inside of us each year we add a new candle to the birthday cake, though it doesn't happen right away. At some point in our lives the candles no longer mesmerize us, but remind us of our mortality.

So, we stop counting, or we put fewer candles on the cake using the excuse that it would take too long to light them. We laugh and yet we cry.

However, the grace of God works something else in our lives.

"They who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31 English Standard Version

There is a renewal that takes place inside of us because of the work of the Holy Spirit even when we dread the next candle added to the cake.

It's not long and twenty candles turn into thirty and thirty candles turn into sixty, but the grace of God is always at work causing us to sit mesmerized at his love no matter how brightly the birthday cake glows.

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

A Change of Perspective

Lookout Mountain, Colorado

Why is it that in the mountains, thistles are beautiful, but in our backyards they're nothing more than a toxic weed? I didn't take just one picture of this thistle in its mountain location, I took numerous pictures. In this setting the thistle was beautiful.

However, when a thistle appears in my backyard (which they do much to my frustration), I remove it before it goes to seed. I don't think about these thistle in the same manner as I do those in the mountains.

"My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?" James 2:1 New Living Translation

Thistles are thistles whether they grow in the mountains or our backyards. People are people no matter who they are and where they come from.

Jesus died for all.

The call of the cross is to treat all people as those for whom Jesus died, not just the people who are like us, or who for some reason like us. The next time you walk the streets of you town and pass someone on the sidewalk, say to yourself, "this is a person for whom Jesus died."

It might just change your perspective.

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