Tag Archive for: Jesus

A Farm’s Covered Bridge

 

This little covered bridge spans a small stream on a farm drive. I’ve driven by it hundreds of times – and have passed through it on a few occasions, as well.

Sitting in the trees, the small structure is partially obscured by the foliage during the warm months of the year.  I think that those trees and leaves offer an added sense of tranquility to the scene.

Covered bridges offer a nostalgic, timeless glimpse back to days long ago.  They allow us to remember times that, compared to now, don’t seem to have been so hectic and hurried.

I love scenes like this because they force me to slow down.  An image like this has the ability to help me to reflect on the people and things that are truly important in life.

A bridge also has another important function.  It spans a body of water or other barrier – connecting two pieces of land or a couple of buildings that are separated from one another.  These links allow the flow of people, materials or information to be passed with little or no hindrance.

Thinking about this covered bridge, I’ve been thinking how often barriers are formed between us and other people.  We’re separate individuals, who have our own identities, ideas and values.  Yet, there are common bonds that link us together – such as our heritage, ancestry, beliefs and views.

Deep down, each person wants to feel appreciated and linked to others.  In fact, it’s the central theme of the most widely-distributed book of all times:  the Bible.  Christ serves as a bridge – offering a redemptive connection between God and people.

While not as common as they once were, covered bridges offer a glimpse into the past.  They also allow us to reach places and people who would otherwise be inaccessible.

Have a great day!

😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Combining Oats

It’s a scene that looks like it could have taken place nearly seventy years ago. However, the year is 2021 and an Amish farmer is using a team of horses with a pull-type combine.

Today, most of us are used to seeing farmers operating modern self-powered combines, equipped with the latest, most-advanced technology. Yet, there are those who use older pieces of equipment.

This farmer is working only a few miles from where I live. Several of his neighbors still cut their oat fields using older binders – and then have to go back and make shocks. Likewise, some English (non-Amish) farmers with small farms cut wheat by using old pull-type combines ran behind tractors.

These oats will be used as livestock feed during the coming winter. The chaff will most likely be raked and baled as straw for animal bedding.

As I look at this picture, I’m reminded that we often reap what we sow. Crops grown in good conditions will often produce a good yield. A lot of work is involved including planting, cultivating and harvesting.

Seeing this horse-drawn combine may cause us to ask what we’re growing. Do our lives yield kindness, generosity and concern for others?

Let’s work at producing crops that reveal our care for others.

Have a great day! 😀

“A man reaps what he sows.” – Galatians 6:7b (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Making the Best Better

There are two things that every youth who goes through 4-H learns. They are the 4-H Motto and 4-H Pledge. They were quoted, along with the Pledge of Allegiance, before every meeting when I was in 4-H – ten years as a member, and another ten as an advisor. They are as follows:

4-H Motto:

“To make the best better.”

4-H Pledge:

“I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.”

The motto and pledge are an encouragement for 4-H youth to strive for excellence in all that they do. Further, it means to never settle for what you think is your best – because there’s always room for improvement.

But, there’s more than just striving to do, and be, your best. The pledge ends with “… for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” It’s a reminder that what each person does ultimately doesn’t just affect them. Each part of our life ultimately affects others – whether we realize it or not. We should – no, we must – do our best, because others are depending on us. People see how much we value, care for and love them by how well we serve them.

How often do we strive to do our best? Just consider how many people are impacted by our words and actions. Are we careful to do our best – or, are we careless? I don’t know of too many people who are happy to receive a mediocre product or service. Just imagine a doctor who didn’t take the time to listen to your questions. Or, what if Albert Einstein gave up on the light bulb after the fiftieth time that he couldn’t get it to work?

Unfortunately, it appears as if too many people are content at just getting by. But, what would happen if we really cared about other people? What if we took the time to really try to do our best – and constantly improve on it? What would families and marriages look like? How would students do in school – and in their afterschool activities? Consider how people might do their jobs differently. And, consider how politicians would govern. Would we continue to have to endure such divisive, political games and manipulative tactics?

So many of us act like our own lives, interests and possessions are the most important thing in the world. But, how would it look if we put others first? What if we pledged our head, heart, hands and health to better living – to looking out for the welfare and betterment of others? Perhaps, it might also help to simplify our lives as we most likely would have a new focus on life.

This is what Christ did when He came to earth to die for us. He put us first, and gave us the very best, when He left the perfection of Heaven to die for us – as ungrateful as we often are. Jesus died, and was brought back to life, so that we might have eternal life with God – if we would seek God’s forgiveness and humbly accept Christ as our Lord and Savior.

As I think about the 4-H Motto and Pledge, I’m reminded of the words of martyred missionary, Jim Elliott. He said:

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.

We must realize that life is not about us. It’s about serving God, and then others. This is a foundational truth in each of our lives – whether we are willing to admit it, or not. When we truly care about others, we can find real joy and a sincere willingness to do our very best at any job.

In closing, please consider the following.

Who do we love? This will often determine who we working are for – and, who we are serving. Are we willing to settle for mediocrity – or, are we giving our best efforts in an attempt to always serve others better? Do we show love and concern for those who we come into contact with?

By striving to give all of us – our head, heart, hands and health, imagine how each of us can impact others’ lives. Think how individuals, communities, our nation – and even the world, can be impacted through each of us practicing humility, love, forgiveness, grace and hard work in a continual attempt to serve one another better.

Have a great day! 🙂

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Tranquil Delivery

We often find unexpected beauty along the paths that our lives take.  That was the case when I delivered lumber to a new house being built at the end of this lane.

When I reached the delivery address, I found a narrow lane disappearing into the woods.  The first few dozen feet of driveway had grass growing in the middle.

Seeing the condition of the driveway out at the road, and not knowing where it might lead, I was a little hesitant to turn in.  However, the thought of carrying lumber to an unknown location was not a very attractive idea, either!  So, I started back the drive – grimacing at the number of tree branches reaching out to scrape against my truck.

Soon, the grass-centered drive gave way to a nice, gravel path that skirted a small, quiet stream that wound its way through the woods.  The filtered sunlight coming through the trees made for a tranquil scene that reflected peace and solitude.  As I entered the clearing for the new home, it was easy to see why someone would want to build back there.

Thinking about that drive through the woods, our lives often take unexpected twists and turns that lead us off into the unknown.  There are plenty of distractions that vie for our attention as we go through life – some good, others bad.

The journey may leave us with questions and doubts – and perhaps more than a few scratches and bruises as we travel along that path.

Yet, there’s also beauty along the road that we travel.  The people and opportunities that you and I encounter may be seen as blessings in our lives.  Along the way, they may offer moments of rest, refreshment and encouragement on our journey through life.

Seeing this picture, I’m reminded of the Twenty-Third Psalm.  Even though there are times when we may walk through difficulties and troubles, there is One who wants to walk with us – if we allow Him to.

Every new day, and each trip, offers opportunities for us to experience beauty in life.  Sometimes we just need to slow down, turn off the road and allow the Creator to guide us along that peaceful, calm stream.

Have a great day!

“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.  Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.  Surely Your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  –  Psalm 23:1-6 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Beauty of a Simple Faith

It looks as if these rows of corn shocks could go on forever.

For me, fall has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There’s a silent calming effect that I feel as I observe harvested fields, and seevlawns and gardens being tidied up before winter sets in.

As this picture shows, harvest is the culmination of a lot of hard work, sweat and likely, much prayer.

Farming and gardening require much doing on the part of the ones who tend the fields and gardens. Yet, they also insist on the farmer or gardener to have much faith – regardless of the yield.

Looking at these shocks a second time, it seems as if they reach into the heavens. They remind us of the One who continually blesses, loves and watches over us.

It’s in the simple beauty of nature, where our faith and hope are often greatly impacted.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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The Old Grain Drill

Growing up in a rural, farming community, I’ve always loved watching farmers work in their fields.  This is one of the reasons why I have always looked forward to spring and fall.  After all, what young boy wouldn’t be enthralled with large powerful trucks, tractors, combines and the host of other equipment used during planting and harvest?

Living in an area with a large Amish population, I also enjoyed watching as farmers used teams of draft horses to work their fields.  While I loved the sights and sounds of more modern farm equipment, there was also a sense of enjoyment watching a four or six-horse hitch of Belgians or Percherons working in a field.

With my love of farm equipment, it’s no wonder that I was fascinated by this old, horse-drawn grain drill.  It has covered many acres during its years of usefulness.  Even in retirement, it still serves as a planter – of a different type.

Seeing this drill is a great reminder that we plant into others’ lives.  Our words and actions often affect one another – even though we may not notice it at the time.

Looking at this picture, I’m reminded of all of those who enjoy watching farm equipment working cropland every spring.  In the same way, I hope that kindness, joy and grace will be crops that my life sows into the lives of others.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A Time to Plow

I recently photographed this team of draft horses on a farm that I was making a delivery to. They were taking a break from plowing while the farmer stepped away briefly to attend to something else.

Now that we’re in spring, sights like this are common around here. It’s not unusual to watch neighboring farmers plant their crops – one using modern equipment, while another uses horsepower from another era. Both forms of farming are fascinating to watch.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we’re reminded of the various seasons of life – including times to plant and reap.

This picture is an interesting reminder of a once common sight across America. It also helps us to remember the importance of the various seasons – and to keep our eyes on the One who plans out our lives.

Have a great day! 🙂

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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A New Season Reveals New Life

Many of us are excited to see the first days of spring arrive. Flowers start to bloom, tree buds appear and lawns begin to green. Newborn animals are seen in pastures. At the same time, many people enjoy the arrival of spring sports and campfires with friends.

With the arrival of spring comes Easter. It’s symbolic of the new life that awaits all who seek God’s forgiveness for their sins, and accept His Son, Jesus, as their Lord and Savior.

Many think about the death and resurrection of Jesus at Easter. We recall the horrible way that He suffered and died. At this time, we also remember how Christ triumphantly defeated death when He rose from the grave.

During these early days of a new season, please take some time to reflect on the newness of life with Christ. Let those thoughts draw you near to the Savior who loves you so much that He would rather die than live without you.

Have a great day!

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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Easter – Jesus and Others

We don’t always see trials, problems or people as blessings. Instead, they’re often viewed as obstacles, inconveniences and irritations to our plans.

What if Jesus had seen us in the same way? After all, He had to leave Heaven to take on our dirt, guilt and shame.

He could have seen us as obstacles, nuisances and frustrations that had to be dealt with.

Yet, Jesus saw each of us with compassion and love – chosen ones who His Father had created, and He was willing to die for.

Easter is a time to remember Jesus’ love for us. It’s also a reminder that life isn’t about you and me, but all about Him.

Let His love be a reminder of how we should treat and view others.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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New Life at Easter

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in spring-time.”  –  Martin Luther

Growing up in the country, one of the things that I often enjoyed was the new life that was born in the spring.  You saw it as trees, plants and newborn animals all came to life.

Another, more important, reminder of new life starting in spring is Easter.  It is the day that we, who are Christians, take time to reflect on Jesus resurrection from the grave.

Perhaps, though, you are wondering about the claims that Jesus rose from the grave.  That is fine.  Questions are always a great way to learn something.

First off, we have various authors’ written claims of Jesus’ resurrection in the Bible.  We also have accounts by secular historians of His day – such as Josephus.  In addition, we have physical evidence that has been unearthed by archeologists.  All of these sources tell us that Jesus and His followers were actual people that lived at the time that the Bible tells us.

We also see how Jesus died.  He was flogged 39 times, forced to carry a wooden cross, nailed to that cross and hung there for several hours, speared by a Roman guard and placed in a tomb.  After facing all of this, how could He have remained alive and been strong enough to roll a stone that some estimate could have weighed up to 4,000 pounds and defeated Roman guards that were standing guard at the stone?

Why did the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders have the Roman authorities post a guard?  After all, Jesus was dead – and His disciples had all deserted Him.  How was He going to leave a tomb?

Yet, those same men who had fled would eventually all believe in His resurrection and be willing to be persecuted for their belief in Him.  If they did not truly believe in Jesus death and resurrection, why would they have died for a lie?

The question that each of us is forced to answer is what are we going to do with the death and resurrection of Jesus?  Will we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, or are we going to deny Him?  Jesus allows us to make our own decision – wanting us to come to Him on our own.

In closing, let me share with you something else that I have seen in nature.

When land has been burned, new growth always comes and grows in the place that was destroyed by fire.  In the same way, sin has come to destroy us.  But, if we are willing, Jesus wants to come and reside within us – creating a new life out of our ashes.

Have a great day!

“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”  –  John 14:6 (NIV)

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

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