A heartfelt message to my friends and family.
There’s just something majestic about the mountains. Their vastness and grandeur are a healthy reminder of God’s enormity and of our own relative smallness. As Matt Chandler says “No one ever stood at the Grand Canyon and said “Hey remember that time I bench pressed 300 pounds in high school”.”
The beauty and diversity of the mountains remind us of God’s creativity and artistic touch. The vast views are breathtaking. To stand and look over such beauty it is hard to imagine that God considers humans the crowning touch of His creation.
Mountains are an important part of the biblical story. They are a reminder that God speaks to people. God spoke to Moses on the mountain. Jesus showed his glory to Peter, James and John on the mountain. He still speaks.
This Easter, the empty tomb is a reminder of God’s love and that we don’t have to summit the mountain to meet God. Instead, Jesus came to us. Jesus death paid the price for all of our sins. His resurrection demonstrates His power over sin, death, and the grave.
I am grateful for such a diverse friend group from many walks of life. If you’ve read this far and find yourself in a difficult spot in life, please know there is hope in Jesus. God loves you. God has not turned his back on you. Whatever thing you’ve done, God is not looking to “smite” you; He is pursuing you. He waits with open arms.
Whatever your battle, He fights with and for you. He is for you. I know first hand. I have struggled with identity and fear of man my whole life. Instead of finding my identity in Jesus and His love for me, I’ve sought approval, acceptance, and achievement. I’ve fed an insatiable lust for pleasure, power, and belongings. I’ve been the religious Pharisee, priding myself in my good works and reveling in the attention they often result in. I am defensive, petty and quarrelsome. I am a black belt in word weaponry. Those of you who know me best know it’s true but you have never heard me admit it. If you’ve been left in my wake, I am sorry. By His grace I will be different.
Yet, even though all that is true, as the sun rose onto the peak of the Colorado mountains, God was pursuing me. As I marveled over and over out loud at how by beautiful the mountains were, God whispered again to my soul. You are more wonderfully made than these mountains. I did not give my Son for them. I love you more. More than your sin. More than your rejection of me. I have not rejected you, you are my son. His love washed over me afresh. Like the sun that was just touching the peak of that mountain, soon sunlight filled the entire valley.
I am convinced He loves us more than we can ever imagine. Friend, open your heart to His love. Satan would have you believe you are alone. You are not. Even there Jesus is there. His grace is full and free. He is better. And you can always call me I will walk with you.
In His grip,
Carl
Thank you Zeal Church for being a means of grace to me this morning and for being a home away from home for my daughter this semester.
Snapshots For The Soul 