This is a post from around 5 years ago. After reading it again, I thought it might encourage and bless some of you.
A SACRAMENT in the Christian Faith is a rite that conveys or transmits the grace of God to the adherent. As an Evangelical/Charismatic believer, I hold to the general tradition that Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the Preaching of the Scripture are Sacraments that convey Divine grace into the life of the believer.
However, I have come to embrace a broader application of Sacramental living because I see and experience God conveying His grace to me and many others in a number of non-traditional ways. Some specific examples would include the gifts of the Holy Spirit, music, the arts, touch, and the beauty and majesty of creation.
Yesterday, I experienced the grace of God being conveyed to me in a variety of ways as I walked along the lake in my community and drove down the highway in my car.
Mondays are often a day of recovery for me as I try to recharge myself from the intensity of the weekend. As a pastor, I minister two services on Sunday and often spend large amounts of time in personal ministry with people in need. For some reason, more than any other day of the week, when I am done, I am exhausted and spent.
On Mondays, I often like to take walks, spend time being quiet and thinking about God. I enjoy connecting with Him through His big, beautiful creation. Doing this helps me to get perspective, and remember why I got into this thing called pastoral ministry in the first place. Yesterday, as I walked along the lake, I stopped and thanked God for the breeze on my face and arms, the warmth of the sun, the smells of grass and sagebrush, the sounds of the many varieties of birds, the cackling of geese, and the overall signs of Spring bursting out all around me.
As I was absorbing all of this, I noticed a commotion among the geese on the lake and looked up to see two magnificent bald eagles soaring on the thermal drafts above. I watched them for a long time and thought about how they were created by God to soar, hunt, and inspire wonder in us. It seemed that everywhere I looked, God's creation was conveying grace to me as I took it all in.
Later as I drove down the road in my car to an appointment 25 miles away, I listened to a couple of bands that I really appreciate and enjoy. As I sang out and beat on my steering wheel to the rhythm, God conveyed His grace and Presence to me. I joined U2 in declaring "YAHWEH, YAHWEH, always pain before a child is born, YAHWEH, YAHWEH, I'm still waiting for the dawn." I was emotionally overcome as I realized that people all over the world were singing out the name of the ONE TRUE GOD as TIME MAGAZINE'S CO-PERSON OF THE YEAR, Bono, belted out some of the most powerful lyrics to ever go out over the airwaves!
WALKS, DRIVES, GEESE, EAGLES, BREEZES, SUNSHINE, AND U2! GOD WAS IMPARTING HIS LOVE, PROVISION, AND AMAZING GRACE TO THIS NEEDY MAN THROUGH THESE UNLIKELY SOURCES. I praise Him for His SACRAMENTS OF EVERYDAY LIFE! May He give all of us the ability to recognize how they subtly appear all around us every day.
My Monday was interestingly similar. I took a "three hour tour" in my Acura CL. It began on Hwy 17 from Moses Lake to Ephrata. I continued north on the Sage Brush Flats road toward Hwy 2 but took a gravel road detour (right) which led up into the hills and back down into Soap Lake. The view of the city and the surrounding area was spectacular. I felt like an explorer. Continuing southbound on 20 NE towards Stratford road I turned right on another gravel detour leading me a couple miles to a beautiful spot where I parked and got out. A quarter mile later I'm pacing back and forth on top of this rocky bluff with a painfully beautiful view of wildlife just as the sun was setting. I was speechless. I was praying. I wish I could convey with words the wonder and light of that golden moment. All I know is that it changed me. It always does. Thank you, Jesus.
ReplyDeleteFunny how by common grace The Edge can transport me to similar landscapes.
(Written in Spokane at the Peppertree Airport Inn)
Jim,
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to confirm something all of us need to take more time to discover. There is a reason God so often spoke to the Psalmists and Prophets while they were out of doors beholding creation. Sometimes we must escape enclosed spaces, sheetrock and paint to get a sense of the "largeness" of God. Faith must rest on the object, and the object is YAHWEH THE CREATOR!
Have a great family trip. We will take good care of Cricket!
Doug
Thank you so much Doug for your encouraging words. Sometimes we get so busy with work, family, and just every day life, that we don't take the time to see what God has given us. Yesterday I took a drive after work and looked at how beautiful Moses Lake really is. Thank you for being my Pastor. God bless you and yours.
ReplyDeleteAnd all Gods creatures sing "Glory, Glory, Alleluia! He Reigns!
ReplyDeleteHi Doug! Everyday I have the privilege to commute to work. I love this time to reflect on all that God has given me to enjoy. We live in a beautiful world!
Remember we have a responsibility to take care of this earth and all its creatures too!
Love your Sister-in-law,
Rose
Rose,
ReplyDeleteYou are right on about this one. I really believe many of God's people are starting to finally embrace the idea of stewardship of creation as being part of our calling. It is encouraging to see. Bless you. We miss you much.
Doug
I am once again amazed at how God strategically works in His people. I ran to my office on Sunday morning before I went to church, about 6:30 am. As I was driving home. I was blinded by sun rise in my rear view mirror.The sun was positioned so it look like it was rising at the end of the paved road I was on. It could not have been positioned any better. I was overtaken by His beauty.
ReplyDeletePastor Doug
ReplyDeleteIt is quite interesting to read all the articles posted in your blogg. I was reminded of the privilage we are having in our country to practice our faith without harrasement.