MOUNTAIN STREAMS… CALMING WATERS

If you could pick the perfect place to relax, where would it be?  For many it would be the beach, or the lake, or in their garden.  For me it would be in a rocking chair on the porch of a cabin in the mountains with a stream running by it.   I find the sound of the running water in a mountain stream so relaxing and invigorating.  The rush of the cool crisp mountain spring fed water running over the smooth rocks in the stream is pure music.   Add in the surrounding sounds of nature and you have a beautiful natural symphonic concert.   In my college days I lived and worked in the Smoky Mountains.  One of my buddies and I would whitewater canoe the various mountain streams.  Such great memories, great fun, and even though it could be challenging and often exhausting, at the end of the run we felt recharged and knew that we had successfully accomplished our challenge.

Jesus loved the water.  At times would escape either into the wilderness or out in a boat on the water.  While teaching on the beach, he took a boat out so that he could teach the crowds that had gathered on the shore.  Early in his ministry he entered the waters of the Jordan River and was baptized by his cousin John.  During his baptism, he was acknowledged with great pleasure.  Water was significant to him.  Here he could find rest and recharge.  Even in the midst of storms, he found respite.  

One of my favorite water adventures with Christ happened after a full day of teaching by the shore. He had the disciples take the boat out while he dismissed the crowd.   Jesus then went up on the mountain to pray.  Later in the evening, while the waves were rough, He walked out on the water to the boat.  The disciples saw something coming towards them and they were terrified.  Jesus told them "Take courage!  It is I.  Don't be afraid."  However, Peter questioned.  Jesus invited him to walk out and join him.  So, Peter stepped out of the boat and was doing great until he started looking around, feeling the wind, and began to fear.  He started to sink.  Jesus reached out and caught him.  And I believe with compassion, said to Peter, "You of little faith.  Why did you doubt?"  

For me, heading into the mountains and sitting by a stream sometimes clears my thoughts.  I am reminded that in the streams of life no matter how fast the water is running, or how strong the storms may be creating rough situations, one thing that I can be sure of is that God is in control.   And I can step out, with confidence, knowing that my Lord is with me.  And when I doubt, He is there to catch me.  This gives me the assurance to keep going with faith and confidence.  What an incredible, loving, caring, Savior!  

This Sunday we will be looking at 1 Timothy 4.  We will also recognize our Graduates both in the Service and at a reception following  Worship in the Grace Center.  I hope you will come and join us as we Worship and Celebrate.  I look forward to seeing you!  And Always Remember...  

You ARE Loved!  

Pastor Lonnie 

"More in '24"

Here is a little video from our recent visit to the Smoky Mountains.  This is Abram's Creek in Cades Cove.  There had been several days of rain.   Just click on the link.  Enjoy!

(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)