Flames leaping high above the treetops are quite a sight. The smoke from multiple fires in the area may reduce the distance we can see, but it doesn’t keep us from seeing the hard work and long hours the firefighters are putting in. The planes and helicopters flying overhead and the trucks rushing by are ample evidence of their enduring efforts, for which we are very grateful.
It is hard to see residents from fire-threatened areas having to evacuate. They go back to their homes with hopes that everything is as they left it. Red fire retardant everywhere is almost a welcome sight compared to burned homes and belongings.
Visitors come from far away to see the sights of Alaska, the Great Land. Hopefully, the smoke and fire conditions don’t alter their plans too much. They will see compassion and companionship in operation as neighbors help neighbors in their time of need.
I remember a quick trip to South Dakota one spring. I was in Rapid City and wanted to see Mount Rushmore (why are they in a hurry?). However, fog covered the giant sculptures and I didn’t get a glimpse at all. That was my only “window” of opportunity to see that landmark.
God gives us many opportunities to see his power at work. Many times we have witnessed great things he did in answer to prayer. Our desire for him touches divine favor. The Lord responds to the cry of faith with compassion. The lyrics say it well in the song by Michael W. Smith, “Open the eyes of my heart Lord, Open the eyes of my heart, I want to see you, I want to see you.” Our focus can be to see him and his glory, not just what he can do for us. A heart focus can open the heavenly visions. The song continues; “To see you high and lifted up, Shining in the light of your glory. Pour out your power and love, As we sing holy, holy, holy.”
Worship and praise of Jesus is the right response to the display of his power. That divine connection is strong and satisfying.
Summer is a time of camp meetings. I well remember the events of previous church camps. A. J. from Wasilla had his sight restored after 11 years of being blind. Hearing was restored to a woman from California who had never heard in that ear since birth. A woman with diabetes was healed after 18 years of that condition. Another woman could walk without her cane because her back pain was gone. Amazing events take place when people focus their faith on the Lord Jesus.
The Bible mentions those who by faith seek a city “whose builder and maker is God.” They had faith in the promises of God, “having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them.”
Follow divine directions in the Bible like Acts 2:38, and focus your faith on your Heavenly Father. Amazing sights you will see when you walk by faith in this life and even greater sights at the heavenly destination.
Mitch Glover is pastor of the Sterling Pentecostal Church located on Swanson River Road and Entrada. Services on Sunday include Bible classes for all ages at 10:00 a.m. and worship at 11:00 a.m. Thursday Bible study is at 7:00 p.m. (sterlingpentecostalchurch.com)
