Category: gratitude

Posted in Scripture, Grace, thankful, gratitude, heaven

Cuddling Up with God

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1

We were snuggled under a blanket. So this week we are in Vienna (not Italy but Illinois for our bigger world readers) taking care of the grand dogs while the the family is down in Florida on vacation. Zoe and Riley are pretty special pups and we love watching them. Becca and Jon live just outside a quiet Southern Illinois town in an equally quiet neighborhood. Since we live in the center of our small town…we love the quietness.

Last night I was snuggled down on the couch under a blanket. The air conditioning and the ceiling fan were both cool enough to make it feel nice and cozy. In fact, we love to sleep cool. We have four, that is right four, fans in our bedroom and each night we turn the air conditioning down. In the winter, it is not uncommon for us to open a window or two to let the cool and sometimes cold air in. Why do we do it? Because we love to cuddle down under a quilt or blanket to sleep!

So it was kinda natural that I had rounded up a blanket to cuddle with on the couch. So there I was cuddling when suddenly I heard, and the the the pups heard, a knock at the back door. They kicked into guard dog mode and I looked over at the door only to see my wife Judy outside. I went to the door and opened it and asked the obvious question, “What are you doing outside?” Well, it turned out that she had gone outside to see what God was doing that night and the door had locked behind her.

She said, “Dewayne, you need to come out and see the stars.” Well, I really wanted to go back to my cuddling on the couch but I decided I needed to see what she was seeing. I stepped out and there, in the darker darkness of the country side, was a sky full of beautiful and bright stars. I was overwhelmed. It instantly reminded me of the starry skies I would see in Africa. Well, anyway, we sat down and were amazed. The skies were just ablaze with God’s creation and they were all shouting His glory. As we watched, we saw several satellites making their silent but fast journey across the night sky. I was blessed to see a shooting star shoot across the sky. It all was just amazing and I told Judy I was so glad she shared it with me. If I had stayed inside I would have missed all. And then it occurred to me.

Just like I was cuddled under a blanket on the couch, there I sat cuddling under a blanket of stars filled with amazement at the wonderful, great God we served. I quoted Psalm 19:1 that says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the expanse proclaims the work of His hands.” And I knew for certain it was so. It was like listening to the finest choir singing the finest hymns of praise–all directed toward Him.

Well, after a while, we went inside–hoping for a repeat performance on another night soon. Cuddling up with God under His blanket of stars was so overwhelming and yet peaceful. Just like cuddling under a warm blanket on a cool night, so cuddling with the creator of the universe is beyond worlds. I felt safe and satisfied knowing that no matter what, I can rest with Him because, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, Grace, gratitude, Scripture, travel

New Every Morning

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” Lamentations 3:23-24

 ¡Hola! Soy una petunia mexicana. So on one of our recent journeys, my wife Judy made an essential stop at a local nursery to buy some plants for our yard. When we are in the south, whether it is as far south as Georgia or as close as Murray, Kentucky, we need to check out two things–what houses are for sale and what plants can we bring home. In this case, we were in Alabama at a Lowes and she brought home a petunia mexicana. In case you don’t speak Spanish (I don’t) the opening line says, “Hello! I am a Mexican petunia.”

So it turns out that our transplanted friend loves Southern Illinois–probably because it is southern. She carefully planted it in a large pot filled with Miracle Grow potting soil and the rest is history. In the few weeks that she has been in our backyard, she has just flourished. The greenery is green and lush but the best part are the blooms. Here’s how it goes. The day begins with it being covered with petite bluish purple blooms. They last the day and then they are done. By evening all that is left is the lush greenery. But there is a surprise coming.

You see, the next morning as the sunrises, new blooms appear. The whole plant is once again covered. It really is just beautiful. At the end of the day the whole process starts over again. But as sure as sunshine, the blooms are there and beautiful. It reminds me of one of my favorite scriptures. You see, in Lamentations 3:23-24 we read, “Because of the LORD’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” Did you see it?  Just like the Mexican petunia provides a fresh bouquet of flowers each day, so God in His marvelous grace provides a bouquet of mercy. How about that.

Just as He provided manna each morning for the children of Israel, so He provides His mercy for us each and everyday. He is always faithful and always right on time. The Hebrew even suggests that it isn’t just any old mercy…it is the mercy that we will need for that particular day. I find that so assuring and so amazing.

So if you want to come by 217 and check out our Mexican friend, feel free to. She is at her best in the morning–just like God’s mercies. God bless you today as you journey with Him. And always remember, “Recuerda que, pase lo que pase, ¡él puede con esto!” Oh, in case you are wondering that says, “Remember no matter what, He’s got this!” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, friends, Grace, gratitude, loving others, prayer, Scripture

Church: Different Sizes–Same God

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.” Romans 12:4-5

Amazing Grace…how sweet the sound. So since my retirement on June 1, 2024, I occasionally preach at other churches. By choice my name is not on the official “pulpit supply” list rather I simply wait and if a church calls and it works on my calendar, I usually will fill in. Supply preaching is interesting for several reasons–the first being the opportunity to worship with other churches. Invariably the churches that need a guy to “fill the pulpit” are small–some are very small.

At least twice I have shared this great truth. I tell them to remember that it is not the size of the church that matters but rather the size of the God in the church. I was preaching this last Sunday and I shared that the same God that works in a mega, mega church is the same God that works in a church running under twenty. Same God.

I preached Sunday at a church that probably runs about twenty or twenty-five people. I like the fact that it is a folksy kind of church. The people are friendly and non assuming. The atmosphere gives me that same feeling I get when I put on my favorite sweatshirt on a cool fall night. Warm and comfortable. They begin their Sunday morning service the same way every Sunday–by reciting the pledge to the American flag, the Christian flag and then the Bible. There is just something about that that warms my soul. Three great reminders–we should thank God for our country, we should thank Jesus for dying for us and we should thank God for His word. Check. Check. Check.

The songs that we sing there are from an old hymn book that we actually used in our youth choir back in the seventies. It is called the Inspirational Hymnbook (followed by a number). The songs are old yet soul stirring. I was surprised how satisfying I found these songs. Oh, I still love the new stuff but the old stuff reminds me that the words of truth that carried me then can still carry me now. I appreciate that a lot. I like that a lot.

I’ve done the church thing all my life even before I became a Jesus follower in 1967. The churches I attended and even the ones that I pastored were as varied as the names on their signs. Churches are different because people are different. There are a few constants that should be noted–like love God and love people– but just like people’s personalities are different so are churches and do you know what? That is just ok. We are blessed to have so many places to worship here in America. We just need to remember that it really is all about Him and that no matter what–He’s got that. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Grace, gratitude, life, prayer, Scripture, Trials

The Dark Side of the Moon

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” Romans 8:28

It felt like the dark side of the moon. Well, after several stories about our great adventure across the Atlantic and around Western Europe you probably know we had a great time. However, there was one thing that was going on that was anything but enjoyable. You see for the last year or so, I have been wrestling with my lower back. Can I have a witness? I know there are a lot of you out there that know all about lower back pain. Well, you probably also know that it sometimes shows itself not in the back but as a pain that makes your leg feel like it wants to fall off.  If you have had this before, please raise your hand. My hand is in the air.

Even while we prepared for our great adventure, my leg was messing with me but I could still do life. While it was painful it was more like a rock in your shoe…uncomfortable but manageable…even for a professional whiner like me. So we boarded the ship with the rock still in my shoe but like I said no big deal.  Then…well…it was. On the Monday after Easter, I woke up and realized that something had changed. The bottom line was every step I took was just down right painful. I was doing everything I could to manage the pain…stretching exercises and a hefty dose of Ibuprofen but nothing seemed to help. I even prayed. I asked God to please heal my leg or give me grace to endure. 

So our cruise was 25 days long with a three day stent in London at the end and I need to tell you that it was difficult. Everyday this pain was my constant companion. I prayed and prayed some more but the answer I wanted was not the one I got. I thought about Paul, the Bible guy, in 2 Corinthians when he prayed for a healing but God simply said no. He told him that His grace was sufficient–enough. And Paul, who was a way more spiritual than me said ok and when on with it. I took a different route…I tried whining.

Well, the bottom line was the pain continued and I called my doctor in Harrisburg from London and told him what was going on and he agreed to see me as soon as I got back. A couple of days later we met and he gave me a shot of something and a prescription for the pain. Well, in a couple of days the pain was greatly diminished and I could walk…almost pain free. And, gratefully, for the last couple of weeks with a couple of small exceptions, I have been able to keep walking. Yay.

Here’s the deal. God did it. He might have done it with the medicine or all by Himself but He did it. To me it doesn’t matter.  All that matters is…He did it. I have thanked Him a zillion times. But recently there was an addition to my prayer of gratitude. I thanked Him for the pain. Wait. What? Yup. You see if I had never experienced the pain then I could never experienced Him answering my prayer and healing my leg. He worked but it was in His way and in His time.

So if you are going through a difficult time you might want to consider this. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” I think that at least in part means that we can trust that no matter what, God is working, for us and with us. How about that. So now is a good time to be reminded that we can rest in full assurance that, “He’s got this.”  And…He does.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Grace, gratitude, heaven, life, Scripture, thankful, travel

Timeless

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” 2 Peter 3:8

The captain of the Majestic Princess carefully guided the massive ship into a slip at the port that served Dublin, Ireland. On that day we had signed up to take a bus tour that would take us through Dublin and the surrounding countryside. My wife Judy and I both agreed that Ireland was everything we were expecting and then some more. The green beauty and the history of the place reminded us of the majestic majesty of our great God.

We went to one of the oldest shops in Ireland where they weaved wool into beautiful garments. They used the same machines that had been used for decades and centuries. It was amazing to watch as the individual strands of wool were woven into beautiful garments with beautiful colors. As I watched and as I touched and felt the finished products I was reminded how God can weave the fabrics of our lives and make a beautiful mosaic of textures and colors. Individually the threads were not that impressive but when woven together they became a work of art.

A little further down the road we stopped at a cemetery that held the ruins of an ancient monastery. The buildings there date back to AD 600. It was amazing to think that these stones and these ruins stood just six centuries after the life and death of Jesus. Here in America if something is a hundred years old, we call it old. In the land where we were walking they would say it was just getting started.

In the cemetery the people had built a small chapel also built in AD 600. Amazingly the building still stood. Yes, Amazing. Near the entrance of the cemetery was a stone leaning against the stone wall. It was large and it was old. It was part of the ancient monastery and it was called the sanctuary stone. They said that if you touched the stone it would make you happy. Well, since I didn’t take the opportunity to go and kiss the Blarney Stone, I decided to take this opportunity to kiss the sanctuary stone. I figured if touching it would make me happy, kissing it should make me plum giddy. Well, as it turns out, kiss or not, I was happy but I did get a special memory of a special day.

One of my big take-aways from my day in the Irish countryside was a deep appreciation for time and Jesus who left heaven which exists outside of time and chose to become one of us. One of the beauties of God’s view of time is that He is not bound by it and when we go to live with Him…we won’t be either. One day, as His children, we will go home to a place where time is no more and we will have what touching or kissing a stone can’t give…true and eternal happiness. I am grateful for my Dearest Daddy who loves me enough to invite me to live with Him forever. I am so grateful to the One who, no matter what, can assuredly say, “I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, food, friends, gratitude, priorities, Scripture, travel

When the New Becomes Old

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Then Hannah prayed and said, “My heart exults in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord, My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation. 1 Samual 2:1

When the Majestic Princess set sail from Fort Lauderdale that Friday morning in April, it was quite the party. Her 3,600 passengers and even most of her 1,300 crew were excited about the transatlantic voyage that would relocate the ship to Europe for the summer sailing season. Everyone, or mostly everyone, was excited about exploring the ship, trying the food in the Marketplace buffet and listening to the music that seemed to be pouring from every corner of the ship. 

And, so we sailed, and sailed and sailed. Amazingly it never got boring but it did become somewhat routine. I guess you could call it a new normal. After a week of sailing we bumped in the Azores and a couple of days later we bumped into the European continent. Then we sailed on for a couple of more days and landed in France and the next day we reached, for the first time, our final destination–Southhampton. Now, even though we booked our journey as one continuous 25 day cruise, in reality the cruise line counted as two. The first part ended at Southhampton and the second part also started there. 

At Southhampton we lost 2,600 passengers and boarded 1,400 newbies. So, to the do the math for you, we had about a 1,000 of us who started the journey in Fort Lauderdale and stayed aboard and we gained about 1,400 that started there at Southhampton.  And let me tell you–those two groups were way different in their reactions to the trip. Those of us who had already been on the ship for about 14 days just sorta yawned at all the chaos while the newbie were as exited as we had been back in Fort Lauderdale. For all of them, it was like Christmas morning. It was almost humorous to watch them run from place to place, dance like no one was watching and load their plates to the edges at the newly discovered buffet. Yup, they were genuinely excited.

Now it wasn’t that we oldies weren’t excited, its just that all of the routines were, well, routine. The new had become old and  the uncommon common–mostly we had lost the expectation and excitement of the newness of the journey. It wasn’t good or bad it was just the way it was. Now I suppose that is ok for a 25 day cruise but there are times when it isn’t. Like in your marriage–like in your relationship with Jesus. Write this one down–you don’t ever want the freshnesses, the excitement to leave your two most important relationships–the one with your spouse and the one with your Savior. Do whatever you need to do to keep the air in the balloon and the aroma in this bouquet called life.

While there is no magic formula for this I know it includes words and actions. Tell your spouse often and sincerely how much you love them. Try and serve up a regular serving of acts of kindness every day. And for Jesus–well, its not much different. Tell Him everyday how much you love Him and are grateful for Him. And then serve Him faithfully everyday too. Be sure He knows and others know just how much you care. If you ever since the excitement fading, be sure and do something–quickly. After all, marriages and Jesus both thrive in the arena of love. Depend on them and depend on Him. Let them know that you are leaning on them…because in their own way…they’ve got it.  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in gratitude, life, Military memories, Scripture, thankful

Heroes All

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Now it was about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. Then the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, “Father, ‘into Your hands I commit My spirit.’ ” Having said this, He breathed His last.” Luke 23:44-46

It was June 6, 1944. It was a placed called Normandy, France. It was called Operation Overlord. It was certainly the most difficult, devastating, and deadly battle in Europe of World War II. It was dreaded and yet necessary. It was D-Day. On that day 160,000 Allied soldiers assaulted a 50 mile stretch of the Normandy coast of France. The Allied armada was composed of 700 warships and 2,500 landing craft. Amazingly, in the first six days, 326,000 men, 54,000 vehicles and 104,000 tons of material came ashore. By any measure it was massive.

The Majestic Princess docked in Le Havre, France and her passengers headed in several different directions. Many, seven packed busses, headed to Normandy to see first hand the site of this amazing display of courage. Normandy was the place chosen for the Allied forces to invade France and begin the process of ripping Europe from the grip of Hitler and his team of thugs. On that day, soldiers and airmen from the nations of  the United States, Britain, and Canada bravely went ashore and faced the worst Nazi Germany had to offer. Without doubt the hotbed of those battles were the beaches of Omaha and Utah–the landing zones entrusted to the men of the 1st United States Army consisting of the 1st, 4th and 29th Divisions. The deadliest was Omaha Beach where American forces suffered over 4,000 casualties. It was the bloodiest of the five landing sites on the Normandy coast on June 6th, 1944.

Many have tried to describe what happened over those days but all have fallen short. They say a picture is worth a thousand words but in this case it would take an album full of pictures to even begin to tell the story. I know for me, the most meaningful album would be filled with pictures of the American cemetery there at Normandy. The cemetery is filled with the graves of nearly 9,400 brave soldiers and sailors who fought during the battle of Normandy. Additionally, a great wall contains the names of 1,600 others missing and never found.

Imagine with me the acres and acres and rows upon rows of white crosses and stars of David each one marking the grave of a valiant warrior. All of them gave their all–the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. It has been well said that freedom isn’t free and this is one of those places that shouts this great truth. But this isn’t the only place and this wasn’t the only battle. The history of America is filled with battles where America offered up her sons and daughters for the cause of freedom. We must never allow that truth to disappear from our memories.

As great a cost and as great a battle all that represents there still remains that great battle that was fought on a Roman cross. As the brave men were savagely slaughtered on the beaches of Normandy, so the Son of Man was savagely slaughtered that Good Friday. They died so men, women, and children could live–He died so the whole world could live–eternally. I will never forget those hours I spent in Normandy, France and we should never forget what Jesus did for us on Calvary. The annals of military history are filled with the almost countless names of heroes and God’s Word is filled with the story of the Hero of Calvary–Jesus. He proclaimed that day, “I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in fear, forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, life, love, Military memories, priorities, Scripture, thankful

Life, Death and Resurrection

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.” Ephesians 1:5

It was a difficult necessity. Like the Azores, I thought Le Havre (French for “The Port”) was just another port…but I was wrong. I guess I’m learning that few places are just places and few things are just things. Honestly, for us aboard the Majestic Princess, Le Havre was just a jumping off place to see both Normandy and Paris. But for the people who lived there–especially during World War II–it was more much more. Let me explain.

For centuries, Le Havre was one of the most important ports in all of France. That was especially true during World War II. After Hitler seized most of Europe, he instantly realized what an important prize this was for importing the supplies he needed and was a valuable home base for his navy. As the Allied forces prepared to invade France for the purpose of driving Hitler out and reclaiming it for the French people, two things occurred. Hitler determined to do whatever necessary to keep the port–even to the last man and the Allies were determined to do whatever necessary to take it from him.

In the leading up to D-Day, June 6, 1944 and for many weeks following, both air and ground forces assaulted the city and the port. The results were total devastation. You see, as a crucial port held by the German Kriegsmarine and 226th/245th Infantry Divisions, taking Le Havre was vital for supplying the Allied armies. It was the final major city in Normandy to be liberated. On September 5-6, 1944, devastating air raids killed thousands of civilians, injured over 75,000 others and destroyed over 12,500 buildings. Finally, on September 10-12, 1944, British and Canadian forces on the ground attacked in force which led to the Germans finally surrendering. Over 11,300 German soldiers were captured.

By now your saying, “Thank-you, Dewayne for the history lesson” but wait there is something to learn here. You might think that the French people where angry at what the Allied forces had caused. After all, the city was so totally destroyed that it had to be rebuilt from the ground up. There was no repairing–they couldn’t even attempt to rebuild the beautiful, old city. But wait–they weren’t angry. You see, they understood that what happened had to happen. If they were to be free from the German occupation, there would be a price to pay. You see, freedom always has a price. The price to the French people was huge but the price in lives for the Allied forces was also massive. We will talk more about that later.

Now for the big truth. You see, the price for our spiritual freedom was beyond calculation. The only way that we could be free from sin, the only way we could be united with our Heavenly Father was the death of God’s Son Jesus. There was no other way. Yet because He was willing to suffer and die–we can live and be free. And perhaps the most amazing thing is that God willingly sent His Son and Jesus willingly died on that cross. It was their plan–the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit–long before the first sin. Ephesians 1:5 says, “God decided in advance to adopt us into His own family by bringing us to Himself through Jesus Christ. This is what He wanted to do, and it gave Him great pleasure.” Simply amazing.

So in the life, death and resurrection of Le Havre we can see another story–the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. We can see that the price was so very great but somehow God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit counted us worth that price. And that really is simply amazing. This great truth is one of the reasons I know, no matter what, that they really do have it. Amen and Amen. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in forgiveness, Grace, gratitude, love, Scripture

Christ the King–Christ the Bridge

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth and Life and no one can come back to the Father except by Me.”

On the ninth sea day, we finally found ourselves docked in Europe. Our second port of call was Lisbon, Portugal. After so many days at sea it was good to see land for the second time in a lot of days. Lisbon is a beautiful old European city with too many hills (pant, pant) and several large and majestic cathedrals. We took a tour of the city but quite honestly it didn’t seem to leave a large impression on my wife Judy and I–that is until it was time to leave.

When you cruise, at the sail-away from each port of call, there is always a large gathering of passengers on the upper decks. There is always something special about the sail-away. Usually the captain blows the ship’s horn and often there is a gathering on the pier to see us off. It is quite stirring…especially in the case of Lisbon. As we slowly moved away from the dock, we edged our way toward the open sea via a large channel. As we sailed away, two things caught, captivated our attention. 

The first was a bridge that crossed the channel. What made this bridge so special is that it was designed exactly, well, almost exactly like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. In fact, it was made by the same company that made the one there. It was, well, majestic. When we were in San Francisco, we drove over the Golden Gate and that was pretty amazing. But to sail under this bridge, its twin, was equally so. Now for the second thing.

Located on the left side of the channel on the top of a small mountain was a statue of Christ with His arms outstretched. The statue is in fact called “The Sanctuary of Christ the King.” It is a massive 360 feet tall and its outstretched arms measure 92 feet finger tip to finger tip. It appropriately commands the view of the entire area. So, imagine with me. First, you see the massive bridge spanning the great distance from shore to shore and then your eye is captured by Christ the King. And instantly the connection is made.

You see, in our human state, we are separated from God. The great divide is caused by the fact that God is holy and we are not. The Bible clearly states that all of us…all of us…have sinned and therefore separated from God. We needed a bridge, a way back to God and that way is Christ the King. Jesus said it best in John 14:6, “I am the Way, the Truth and Life and no one can come back to the Father except by Me.” Jesus left the splendor of heaven and died on a cross so that we could come home to God. Amazing.

As we sailed out the channel, when the angle was just right, you could see both the bridge and Christ the King and that is what I most remember about Lisbon–Christ the King is the bridge–in a way they are one in the same. So as I write this, I am grateful for that sail-away on that day from that port. I am grateful for a God who loves me so much, for a Savior that loves me that much and for the precious Holy Spirit who too loves me that much. I am grateful too that no matter what–Christ the King–well, He’s got this–always.  Bro. Dewayne 

Posted in Family, gratitude, heaven, life, Scripture, thankful, travel

Look Up–Look Around

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Everything on earth will worship You; they will sing Your praises, shouting Your name in glorious songs. Selah” Psalm 66:4

As we transversed the Atlantic Ocean on our great 50th wedding anniversary adventure I was once again reminded just how big and awesome our God is. The Bible tells us in Psalm 19:1-2 “The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display His craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make Him known.” I love those verses. Last night my wife Judy and I were sitting out with our neighbors (remember when you used to do that?) and we began to look up and were all amazed as the stars slowly began to show themselves. It was amazing. While I was looking one way, Judy was looking another and she was treated to see a beautiful falling star. Wow.

I spoke out loud to no one in particular that God has placed and named each star. One of the kids spoke up and said, “How can He do that?” Well, the answer is simply that He is God and He can do anything. Now, back to the cruise. We quickly discovered that in the middle of the ocean that stars can and do showoff…each one declaring God’s greatness. But after sailing for several days and not seeing land I realized something else. You don’t have to look up to see the glory of God–really all you have to do is look around. You see the Bible also says in Psalm 66:4, “Everything on earth will worship You; they will sing Your praises, shouting Your name in glorious songs.” 

Imagine with me looking in every direction and seeing the vast ocean. On some days it was relatively calm…on others, quite the opposite. But whether it was calm or rolling, it was big, really big, and it all said that if God created this big ocean, He must be really, really, really big and He is. The last word in Psalm 66:4 is the word, “Selah.” It is a Hebrew word that implies the idea that right there you need to pause. Someone once said it is saying, “There what do you think of that?”

Our first port of call was a group of islands in the middle of nowhere that belonged to God but were claimed by Portugal. At first I thought we were only stopping there to get some gas–nothing more–nothing less. I soon found out that I was wrong. You see, the Azores are called the  “Hawaii of Europe” and the reason was soon evident. While the islands were diverse as a Baptist church, the one we stopped at was simply beautiful. It was massively green and tropical plants were everywhere. We were treated to seeing quaint small towns, a beautiful botanical garden and perhaps best of all, a place where boiling water spewed out of the earth sending steam rushing into the air.

So the Azores was so much more than a gas stop, it was a wonderful testimony of the greatness of God. It was a place where God had once again showed off His power and creativity. It was a spotlight of His love and grace for us. So, tonight be sure and look up and see what God has done up there but today, well today, be sure and look around and see just how great our God is. If you do, you will soon realize that no matter what you are going to bump into, you have the assurance that, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne