Category: travel

Posted in life, priorities, Scripture, spring, thankful, travel, wisdom

Tulip Bulbs

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” Hebrews 12:1b

 It was one of the craziest things I have seen.  In my spare time or when I need to check out, I like to watch television…but not like you might think.  You see, a long time ago I kinda checked out on network television.  It finally got crazy enough that I decided I just didn’t need it.  I know there are some good shows out there but for me the craziness overshadowed them.  For years now, my viewing habits centered around house stuff, nature stuff, travel stuff, history stuff, and stuff stuff or how this works or that works.

Anyway, I was watching a travel show and this episode was on Holland.  On this show, they would fly all over the country and talk about what you were seeing. If you know anything about Holland you know they are famous for wooden shoes, windmills, canals and, wait for it, tulips.  So, they were flying over a tulip farm.  Imagine, if you can, this massive field of every color of tulip imaginable. It was truly beautiful.  I’m thinking how all the flowers will end up in the flower markets around Europe and how much joy they will bring to the people who bought them or received them.

And, then, it happened.  Are you ready? Probably not. The angle of the camera changes some and it shows a tractor, and it is not harvesting the flowers—it is cutting them down. Say what? Yup…if I’m lying, I’m dying.  The massive clipper thing was laying waste to zillions and zillions of flowers. And, in case you’re wondering, no one was coming along and picking them up.  They were laid—not to rest but to waste. What in the world is going on?  Well, here is deal.

This farm wasn’t in the flower business…it was in the bulb business.  In other words, they were not selling flowers, they were selling the bulbs that produced the flowers.  Their logic was simple—and even scientific.  The flowers would drain the bulb of nutrients and they discovered that if they cut the flowers, the bulbs would benefit directly. Bigger and healthier bulbs meant a better price and for them…a bigger profit. While I still don’t understand why they couldn’t find a way to save the flowers, I think I understand why they did what they did.  But what a waste.

The big truth here is really big.  How can this apply to our life journeys, our Jesus journey?  Well, the answer is this.  When we are willing to lay aside the good for something better, or the better for the best, it suddenly makes sense.  We all have things in our lives that may not be bad but the question to ask is, “Are they the best?” And remember—best is always better than better.

The author of Hebrews, which sounds like it belongs in the Old Testament instead of the New says, in Hebrews 12:1, “Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up.” In other words, whatever causes us to not run our life race effectively, needs to be discarded—no matter how much it is liked—no matter how attractive it might be.  We may need to cut the optional to enhance or save the essential.  Worth it? Always.

Now when I first saw them cutting the flowers, it just seemed so illogical, and we might feel the same way when we are starting to choosing best over better but remember this.  God knows what is best, He desires the best for us, and He will help us choose the best if we will but ask.  It’s just another of those times when He’s waiting to let you know, “I’ve got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in life, missions, Scripture, sovereignty of God, spiritual battles, travel, wisdom

Big Rivers, Hungry Crocs and Fat Hippos

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “But if you don’t do this, you will certainly sin against the Lord; be sure your sin will catch up with you.”  Numbers 32:23

How do things like this happen?  If you are older than three, you have probably already bumped into something that got bigger than you intended.  Whether you are a toddler reaching for the cookie jar or a teenager thinking no one will ever know or in a marriage pushing the limits…well, you’ve probably had that emptiness in your stomach when the cookie jar crashes, or dad says, “Son, we need to talk” or you come home to an empty house because word got around.  How does it happen?

Really the answer to that question is older than time and bigger than a short story with a big truth or, for that matter, a thick book full of truths but maybe we can at least cast a little light in the arena.  Judy and I have been to East Africa and the country of Uganda more than a few times.  We launch our trips to the islands of Lake Victoria from the small town of Jinga.  We enter town, with the lake on our right, and cross a small channel that leads to a decent size dam.  On the other side of the dam, and no more than fifty yards wide, is the origin of the mighty Nile River.

Now trust me, if you saw the Mighty Nile at this point you wouldn’t be too impressed.  It wanders through the Ugandan countryside on its way north before eventually emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.  The journey is somewhere over 4,100 miles and slowly the river grows and grows until it is almost two miles wide at some points.  Judy and I had the opportunity to take a ride on the Nile and besides being impressed by its size, I was more than impressed with the very large and very hungry, crocodiles that call the Nile home.  Oh, and did I mention the animal that causes more deaths in Africa than any other animal? It is the hippopotamus and there are lots of them in the Nile. Lots.

So, we begin with something that is relatively small that becomes large and we have something relatively benign that is dangerously filled with things that want to eat you or stomp you to death.  Either way—something little becomes big and dangerous.  And that, dear friend, is how things get out of control in our lives too.  It starts as something we think we can handle, something that almost, almost, seems safe and before long—we have a monster on our hands.  Let’s revisit the Nile.

If you were to start floating down the Nile in your little boat the first chunk of your journey would be easy.  But somewhere upstream (since the Nile flows north) there is something that will kill you—Murchison Falls.  The entire Nile River is funneled down into a rock channel that is only 23 feet wide before the water violently plummets 141 feet.  Go there and you are dead—no exceptions.  It’s the same results when we don’t pay attention to the tension that sometimes occurs in our lives.  When that tension is there…it is there for a reason.  Andy Stanley gives two good pieces of advice.  First, pay attention to the tension; and two, if something bothers you, let it bother you.  That’s good stuff.

So, the big truth today is we sometimes need to hit the pause button.  We also need to understand that we are not the exception to the rule…we can get hurt, we can create a disaster, and yes, someone will find out. Oh, by the way, do you really think it is a secret from God? The Old Testament gives us a sound warning—be sure your sins will find you out and often, when it does, well, its gonna leave a mark—a bruise—or worse.

As you journey today or tomorrow, you might want to listen for the Whisperer whispering His gentle words of warning.  Don’t ignore them…He knows truth and He knows consequences.  Our sin cost His Son His life.  However, if we ask, He will be there to help and to guide. No matter how big the crocs, or how fat the hippos, or how violent the falls—you can trust the fact that, “He’s got this.”    Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Family, food, life, Scripture, Southern born, thankful, travel

The Farmer’s Market

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” 2 Corinthians 9:8

 The Taylors were on the prowl. We had stayed in Fort Myers long enough to find out it can get cool this far south.  So we moseyed around the house one morning but finally decided to go out and try to find some lunch. We went to the main highway and turned left. If you turned right you found plenty of traffic but not many restaurants. For some reason left meant a little less traffic and a whole bunch of places to eat.

Since I wasn’t very hungry—yet—and because I was driving I turned most of the restaurant scouting over to my wife Judy. As we cruised along, any place I noticed I would call to her attention and trust me there were plenty. There were all the fast food places and most of the more common sit-down chains. I would call them out and she would give her opinion.  As it turns out, fortunately her opinion was a thumbs down.

Well, as I was being rejected, she was looking—beyond. I saw what I could see but she was willing to look beyond the obvious. Well, I’m not sure how but after a while she began reading the online menu for a local place. It was called “The Farmer’s Market” and as the name suggests it was next to the Farmer’s Market. It presented itself as  restaurant that served southern comfort food. My ears perked up. As Judy went down the menu, followed with more than a few reviews, I put it in the GPS and we left the main drag and headed for what sounded like “southern heaven.” And guess what? That is exactly what it turned out to be.

When we arrived at the place, it was exactly as described. Kinda in an industrial part of town, and like its location—certainly nothing fancy. When we opened the door two things were immediately obvious. First, it was a local, mom and pop place and two—it smelled like southern heaven—and it was. The special was chicken and dumplings but that was long gone but that just didn’t matter. You see, the three page menu was filled—and I mean filled—with southern delicacies. From fried chicken to meatloaf, from fried pork chops to fried fish, from livers and gizzards to country fried steak—it was all there. 

There were baked potatoes, mashed potatoes and baked sweet potatoes which was served with lots of butter and brown sugar. The list of southern seasoned vegetables was as long as my arm. You were then tempted by homemade pies made by a 25 year baking veteran. Well, they say the proof is in the tasting of the pudding and that was certainly true here. I had the fried chicken, baked sweet potato and black-eyed peas and all of it was just incredible. Judy followed suit but traded the black-eye peas for fried okra. Can someone say, “Hallelujah?”

Now you might be wondering where I am going with this and here is the answer. Sometimes to get the biggest and best blessing you have to be willing to leave the known for the unknown. Sometimes you just have to take the road less traveled. Sometimes you just have to leave the comfortable to risk being uncomfortable. Well, I am so glad that we left the familiar behind to go someplace new—adventurous. Granted we had to trust the opinion of others and what the restaurant said but here is the good, good news. That isn’t so with God. He can always be trusted and even when He asks us to leave the familiar for something that isn’t—we can have the confident assurance that it is going to be good…real good.

So if you are Fort Myer’s be sure and Google “The Farmer’s Market.”  You won’t be sorry. And if you find yourself on the prowl for something, Someone you can trust—-just turn to the Heavenly Father. He never fails, He can always be trusted and always, “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in birthday, Family, gratitude, life, marriage, Scripture, thankful, travel

Amazing Creator–Amazing Creation

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through Him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.” Colossians 1:15-16

 In a flash it rose from the ground. It was my birthday and we were aboard the Caribbean Princess leaving Port Canaveral for a six day cruise. It was half intentional and half happenstance that we left on my birthday.  We first decided it would nice to go on a cruise in January. Then we decided it would be nice to leave near my birthday. Then it turned out that the cruise we wanted left on my birthday.  How cool is that?

When we registered for the cruise, my wife Judy shared with the staff that my birthday was January 6 so that led to a week of many birthday wishes in many different ways. All week, many of the staff members, whether I was ordering something to drink or seeking help at the Guest Services counter would wish me a happy birthday.  Of course, during our evening meal on my birthday, six servers, all from different parts of the world, came to my table and sang to me. Trust me, that was a very special experience, especially when they all struggled to pronounce my name.

Another part of my birthday experience was from my wife Judy. You see, the doors on the ship are all metal and she had ordered a large set of magnetic birthday graphics.  Imagine my surprise when we returned to our room on the afternoon of my birthday and found our door plastered with birthday wishes and graphics.  It was very, very special. The ship had even arranged for birthday wishes to appear on the many digital screens throughout the ship. I felt so special.

The afternoon we left Port Canaveral, we learned that Space X was set to launch a rocket. From the ship we had a perfectly clear view of the launch sight. As we were sailing out, and as we watched, there was a brilliant flash and we watched as  the rocket soared toward the heavens. I had never seen a launch before and to see this one on my birthday was incredible.  Talk about a birthday candle—that was one I will never forget. As the rocket arched across the sky, heading toward space, two emotions filled me. First, I was so proud to be an American. To live in a country where such technology is designed and built is amazing. The second emotion was one of amazement—that our creator God made us and gifted us with the intelligence to do such things.

As the rocket soared, I said to no one in particular, “Who would ever had dreamed that we could do this?” Hearing my comment, a lady standing next to me said, “Elon Musk.” While she was absolutely right…there was a bigger answer.  There is no doubt that Mr. Musk is an incredible business man and visionary, in my way of thinking I know that he is who he is because God created him, made him that way. Our world is filled with miracles and masterpieces all courtesy of our amazing and wonderful God.

So as you look around in your world today, just remember that all of it, the things we can explain and imagine, and the things we can’t are all compliments of God the great creator. You see, the Bible says that He is the creator of all things so let’s be sure and give Him the glory He deserves. The song says, “To God be the glory…great things He has done.” My response, and hopefully yours, is “Amen and Amen.” If you struggle seeing the goodness and creativity in your world, just asked God for a little help.  He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne 

Posted in fear, forgiveness, friends, Grace, life, loving others, Scripture, travel, Trials

She Just Wasn’t Herself

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” John 1:16

She just wasn’t herself. Several years ago, we spent a few days in Panama City Beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast. We were lucky enough to have a condo right on the beach, five stories up. The view and the sound of the Gulf were absolutely amazing. We’ve been here many times, but this trip felt different.

See, I was raised on the East Coast of Florida, where the Atlantic Ocean is. The water there is kind of grey, always moving, with waves constantly crashing toward the shore. But the Gulf? It’s usually a lot calmer, with that smooth, bluish-green water. It’s beautiful, especially in the winter. Even though the water’s too cold for me to swim in, I never get tired of looking at it. But this time? Something was off.

Right from the start, the Gulf was much more stirred up than usual. The waves were big and constant, crashing in one after the other. The red flag flying on the pole said, “Stay out of the water,” and honestly, you didn’t need the flag to know that. The ocean was rough, and the sky was filled with grey clouds that matched the color of the water. It was like the Gulf just wasn’t herself. Something had her worked up. What was it? I don’t know, but she was definitely off her game.

But here’s the strange part: even though the Gulf wasn’t acting like herself, it was still beautiful. There was something powerful and majestic about those waves, and it reminded me that nature, in all its wildness, is still part of a bigger plan. Even though things weren’t calm, I knew that I’d be back here again someday—and the Gulf would calm down too. The rough waters didn’t change the fact that this was just a moment in time.

That got me thinking about us. We all have our days, don’t we? Times when we’re not ourselves, when we’re not calm or peaceful, but instead feel like we’re struggling, all stirred up inside. And, just like the Gulf, we might not even know why we’re feeling that way. We might not be able to explain it. People who see us from the outside might notice that we’re not our usual selves, but we’re the ones in the middle of the storm, feeling all the turbulence. Hopefully, it’ll pass, and things will settle down again.

So, what do we do when we come across someone who’s acting like the turbulent Gulf? I think the answer is simple: we show them grace. Grace is God’s unearned favor, and He gives it to us freely. And because we’ve received so much grace from Him, we’re called to extend it to others. As John puts it, “For from His fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Jesus was overflowing with grace, and He shared it with everyone He met—including us. So, it makes sense that we should do the same. When we understand how much grace we’ve been shown, it becomes easier to pass that grace along to others—especially to the people who need it most.

Eventually, we had to head home. We left the Gulf, and according to the forecast, the waves would stay rough for a few more days—but not forever. Calm days would come again, both for the Gulf and for me, and for you too. And for that person who’s struggling right now? Go ahead and splash a little grace on them. It might be just what they need to find calm and beauty again.

And whether you’re in the middle of your own storm or standing on the shore watching someone else, remember this: whether you need grace or you’re extending it, God’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in life, loving others, prayer, Scripture, travel, Trials

Excuse Me, Sir!

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4

I never was tall.  All my life I have been on the short side.  Now to be clear that isn’t always bad.  The basement at 217 where my wife Judy and I live is not tall either.  I have watched many a repairman bump their head on the various pipes that hang down.  Most, though not all, I am able to cruise beneath…sometimes by a little and sometimes by a little more…but rarely is there a bump.  Being on the not tall side does have its advantages.

With that said, I am sometimes just a little jealous of those taller than me—which is just about everybody. When I stand next to someone in a photograph I always wince if my partner is, oh, about six foot or so.  When this happens, I struggle and strain to reach my full height of just under five foot eight…attempting to close the gap as much as I can.  I’ve been known to stand on a rock or curb to help compensate. Works every time.

Now there is a circumstance that all we height challenged, males or females, wrestle with. When I go into an auditorium or movie theater, either solo or with Judy, we look for a seat that has a good view of whatever it is we are there to see—whether it is a screen or a speaker.  We make sure no one is in front of us and then we began to pray.  You might think that a strange time to have a prayer meeting but trust me it is quite appropriate.  You see, we are praying that the Jolly Green Giant has decided not to attend the event that night.  We are also praying that if he does, he will not sit in front of us.  This prayer is rarely answered.

We will be chatting and praying and out of the corner of our eye, we catch a glimpse of the Jolly Green Giant and sure enough he chooses the row and seat in front of us. Dang.  At that point, unless we grow or he slouches in his seat, it is game over.  Our choice is to move to another seat or begin exercising our neck muscles to see if we can see around our Ho, Ho, Ho friend.  It can be frustrating. It can be infuriating. It should be neither. I mean we aren’t talking about the end of the world.  Or, are we?

You see, I am certain that Jolly didn’t plan to be a wall that night.  I am sure he didn’t scan the room and carefully choose a seat in front of us.  It wasn’t his fault and it shouldn’t have messed with our evening. The problem was my reaction, or overreaction.   The bottom line is to do what you can, when you can, and work around the rest. Of course, I suppose you could pack pillows to sit on but that too might be an overreaction.

Of course, by now you are probably thinking there has to be just a bit more to this story than not being able to see…and there is.  The big truth is all of us, short or tall, wide, or thin, should always be alert to be considerate of those around us.  We all have the right to side or stand where we want to but when we choose to think of others, well, everything is just better. Of course, this works in many different ways, helping someone whose arms are full of groceries, giving up a close parking spot or even putting your grocery cart in the buggy corral. Once we start looking, there are so many ways we can be a blessing to others. 

Paul, the guy who wrote a bunch of the New Testament, had this in mind when he said, “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” That is something each one of us can do every day.  Take a moment and look around for ways that you can make the person in front of you, beside you or around you, feel important. Let them know that they do matter.  You just might make their day…or their night at the movies…a little better.  Need some guidance?  Just ask the Father and He will be glad to help. He’s got this. Bro. Dewayne

Posted in communication, Family, friends, life, loving others, Scripture, Southern born, travel

I’m Al from the Bronx

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” Philippians 1:6

It was a fresh breeze from decades ago. One of the things we have enjoyed in our latest foray south has been seeing friends—some from where we live now, some from where we used to live and some from a long time ago.  It has all been very special. A week ago we had lunch with one of those more ancient voices. It was 1983. I was still in the Air Force and pastoring my first full time church. I had about eight months to serve in the Air Force and had began the process of stepping out so I could step into something even bigger—God’s big plan for my wife Judy and I.

As the time for my separation came, the Air Force and I decided that I would leave my current position working directly the the Wing Commander and head down to the Security Police Group to head their administrative area.  It was there that I met Alfonso Pinzonfonseka. Now that spelling is probably not exactly right but you can also probably see why we just called him Al Pinzon. One day he arrived to work in the office I managed and according to him I asked him, “Do you listen to that rock music?” This was followed by an “Aw Son” and probably a “Shoot that thang.” He was a kid from the Bronx and I was a Southern boy so you can see how we instantly hit it off.

Well, the short story is I invited him to church. Since he didn’t drive, and since the church was about eight miles from the base, Judy and I invited him to come and spend the weekend with us. Pretty soon that was a regular routine. Al was kinda tall and our couch was kinda short so it was common for his feet to stick out. To keep this story short, before long I had the privilege of leading Al to become a Jesus follower. Raised Catholic this was a big step for Al. In fact, his New York momma was convinced He had joined a cult.

Like I said, Al didn’t drive, so I taught him and then sold him an older Orange Pinto that we owned to boot. So Al had Jesus, had wheels and soon had a girl friend. Our church pianist was Anita and believe it or not this kid from the Bronx and this girl from rural Missouri hit it off, fell in love and later were married. There is a whole lot more to this story but since our tag line is “short stories with big truths” we had better leave it there.

Now, fast forward thirty-nine years. We find Al and Anita in Fort Lauderdale…just about an hour and a half from where we were staying and decide to meet for lunch—Al and Anita’s treat.  See, that proves some things never change…I can always find a free lunch.  So, we visited for about three hours and it was just wonderful. Perhaps the best part was when Al said, “Dewayne, you literally changed my life. If I hadn’t met you, I wouldn’t have met Jesus. And, I guess you could say he might not have met Anita either. There is so much more to the story but I told Al this, “If this story, your story, was the only one, all these years of pastoring would be worth it.” And that friend is the truth.

So, guess what? Each of us, all of us, probably have a story like this tucked away in our lives. We all have probably made more of a difference than we could ever imagine. So if you ever wonder if it has been worth it—it has. Whether you are a preacher, teacher, factory worker, coal miner and just an ordinary Joe…our lives have touched other lives and only eternity will tell all of the story. If you get discouraged, just have a chat with your Dearest Daddy and asked Him to share what you might not be able to see. He will and then He will remind you that “He’s got this.”  Bro. Dewayne

Posted in birthday, Family, friends, gratitude, life, Scripture, sovereignty of God, travel

Worlds Apart

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:16

We were worlds apart. Something that I always thought would be incredible was to be able to go south, a long way south, for part of the winter. Each year I would watch as friends would pack up and head south to escape all or part of the Southern Illinois winters. Well, following my tenure as a full-time pastor, what seemed impossible became a possibility. It went like this. In the fall, Judy and I booked a six day cruise that sailed from Port Canaveral. It left on my birthday so that made it extra special. That was part one. We then were able to rent an Airbnb for a couple of weeks in way south Florida. Finally, as we headed back north, we would stop in Valdosta to visit with family. Put all that together and we would be gone for most if not all of January. It was our opportunity to experience the southern migration.

So, the cruise was booked, the Airbnb was reserved and family said they would love to have us. We left town on January 4th and as it turned out it was a good time to be gone. You see, old man winter decided to pay a visit to Southern Illinois just about the time we left. We left Saturday morning and he arrived Sunday afternoon. And when he came—he not only brought the cold but he also brought ice and snow. It was a very difficult time for the family and  friends we left behind. It turned out while they were freezing —we were basking in the warm Caribbean and Floridian weather. What a difference—what different worlds.

At first it was a ha-ha glad we aren’t there kinda thing but that soon changed as the news came of families losing power and trees falling. It wasn’t funny—it was serious—very serious. But what amazed me was the two worlds that touched our world. On the one hand, Judy and I were enjoying the amazing southern weather and on the other hand people we loved were living in very challenging circumstances.  We were worlds apart. Worlds.Apart

Fortunately for our family and friends, power was finally restored and the ice and snow did began to melt. But winter is still winter—even as I write this they are on the verge of another outbreak of very cold weather. But here’s the deal. I learned that it is very important even when our world is pretty awesome—we don’t forget, we can’t stop having compassion for those whose worlds are very different. It is often to easy to settle in our comfortable world and not have empathy for those who are struggling in their day to day existence.

Remember, a lot of people live in a world that that might be more difficult than ours. So what are we too do? First, we should be grateful for the world that God has given us—even when it is less than perfect. Gratitude is one of the secret sauces that makes life sweeter. Secondly, we need to always have compassion for those around us. Even when our worlds are worlds apart, or especially when we live worlds apart, we should make every effort to span the gap…to bring Jesus into their world.

So whether it is the weather or just life, thank God for your world and always look for a way to reach into someone else’s world. Without judgement, extend a hand of love and compassion because that is what Jesus would do. It’s not as hard as you think because we know, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in fear, Holidays, life, New Year, prayer, sovereignty of God, travel, Trials

The Captain

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” Matthew 8:27

It was a long, long time ago.  There are many historical events that are almost timeless.  They carry with them a mystical allurement that keeps them alive in the minds of people.  No matter how much is written, when that event is mentioned, immediately interest is peeked, eyes focus and ears open. Such is the story of the Titanic.  It was on May 31, 1911, that the Titanic was launched.  Now launched didn’t mean open for business…ready to sail.  No, it meant that Titanic had what it needed to be called a ship but not what it took to make money.  The hull, the keel, the engines all were in placed but people don’t pay for that…they pay for the good stuff, the nice stuff, the luxurious stuff.

Well, almost a year later, on April 10, 1912, all that stuff was in place and the great Titanic was ready to set sail.  The appointments of luxury were amazing.  For that time and that place there simply was nothing like the Titanic.  Of course, there were different classes of people who bought tickets—from the very rich to the improvised poor looking for a fresh start in America. But the Titanic was really…or was she?

Four days after her maiden voyage began, she struck an iceberg and, in a few hours, sank in the icy North Atlantic taking with her well over a thousand souls.  While all the details are a matter of debate, most agree that the basic design of the ship was flawed.  The watertight compartments instead of being totally sealed allowed water to overflow from one compartment to the next.  Like a cascading river, the water flowed from one compartment to the next sealing the fate of the “unsinkable” ship.  Not one detail for the comfort of the Uber rich was overlooked and yet the one thing that could have kept her afloat was.  Amazing…and disconcerting…worrying.

I think what prompted me to write this story was the New Year.  We all, well those who were awake, watched the ball fall, the peach drop, the fireworks explode.  We celebrated; we partied launching into the seas of another New Year.  But as we launched, did anyone, did someone, did I, did you stop and examine the “ship” that was going to carry us into 2025?  Have we carefully crafted the “luxurious” while ignoring the crucial…the vital?  Did we plan diets and dream of vacations while being strangely silent about the most important? Did we launch into 2025 without the one thing that would ensure our safety…our survival?

What is the one thing?  Better yet, who is that Someone?  Well, the answer is Creator God. These days I still feel compelled to make sure we understand that I am not talking about church (though that is profitable) or religion (though that can be good) but I am talking about making sure He is the Captain of our ship.  Try this on for size.  When the Captain of your ship is the Master (and dare I say Maker) of the storm, there is great comfort.  The passengers have the calming assurance that no matter what, He is there, He is ready, He is in charge.

One time the disciples of Jesus found themselves in the midst of a terrible storm, in what could only be described as an oversized rowboat.  They were frightened to the point that they thought death was imminent. Just about then they remembered that Jesus was asleep at the back of the boat.  They woke Him with a shout of “Don’t you care we are about to drown?”  Well, Jesus got up, spoke to the wind and waves, demanding calm…and it happened.  He then asked the guys about their faith.  Where.Was.Their.Faith.  Looking around at the now calm sea and their frail oversized rowboat they asked a question, “What kind of Man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” Hmmm…good question.

The answer, of course, is that He is and was a one-of-a-kind Man, a Man like no other, God in human form. He was the Captain and Master of the storm and what was true then is true now…with Jesus in your boat you don’t have to fear. So, as we launch into 2025, shouldn’t we make sure that our Captain is Jesus, and shouldn’t we invite Him to lead and guide us?  Any unknown, any new horizon can be frightening…unless the Creator and Master of it all is on board.  If He is…we don’t have to worry because we have the confident assurance that, “He’s got this.” Bro. Dewayne

Posted in Scripture, travel, wisdom

The Copyist

Posted on by Dewayne Taylor

 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Ephesians 5:1

There he was in the middle of the National Art Museum. Well, my wife Judy and I recently returned from a great trip to our nation’s capital—Washington D.C. It all happened on a whim when a hotel we had stayed at in 2017, that is smack-dab in the middle of everything including the White House, Washington Moment, all the war memorials, the Smithsonian just to name a few, was on super sale. We decided to go see Washington at Christmas.  We loved it. The weather was definitely tolerable and somehow being snuggled up in a coat and hat just added to the atmosphere.

We had three and half days of sightseeing—taking in so much history and frankly it left us very proud to be citizens of this great land. One of several things we visited was the National Art Museum. We loved looking at the beautiful works of art that filled the walls of the museum. We were able to get up front and personal and just marvel at the detail of the many works of art—almost all done with oil on canvas. As I was looking at one particular piece, I was amazed. The figure, a lady, wore several rings and the detail of each one was incredible. How could any one do this? How could anyone see this and not believe in a creator God that made the makers of the masterpieces? Well, that is beyond me.

When we entered one gallery, a man was setting up and was preparing to paint, to copy one of the masterpieces. Oh don’t worry, it wasn’t illegal in fact it was encouraged. The museum has a program called, “The Copyist Program” that allows an artist to attempt to recreate a masterpiece. We struck up a conversation with this gentleman. It turned out he had retired eight years ago and only then did he take up painting. He was about halfway through copying this particular piece of art having worked thirty hours with another thirty or forty to go. Two things were clear. First, he definitely had a talent or gift for painting and second, when he was done he would have his own masterpiece.

The goal of the copyist is to as closely as possible copy the work of art. There was no place for his own interpretation…no, he was to copy the original master. Then, and only then, would he be successful. My wife Judy thought of it first. She said, “That is exactly how it should be with us and Jesus. We are to be copyist and be as much like Him as possible.” She was exactly right. The goal of every Jesus follower is to be like Jesus…not our personal interpretation of Him but rather as He is. Anything else is, well, wrong.

Paul put it this way in Ephesians 5:1 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.” In other words, in our actions, our speech, or thoughts, our beliefs we need to imitate Jesus. There is plenty of room for our personal interpretation in this world but in His world—there is no room. So, as we journey in life, let’s live like our copyist friend, let’s seek to imitate, to copy Jesus so that as far as the world can see—there simply is no difference. If it sounds challenging, that’s because it is—in fact it is beyond us but don’t worry because it is not beyond Him. He’s got this.  Bro. Dewayne