July/August 2005

“Scenic Overlook”

The sign said, "Scenic Overlook". We stretched our necks to see over the ridge to see what they were talking about. All we could see was a large open field, some trees and bushes and a set of distant, railroad tracks. I wondered, "If they could have a scenic overlook why couldn't Upsala?" I guess that was pretty scenic for western Nebraska.

This struck me as funny because we had just left the Colorado mountains. Three hours before, we had been at the top of the Alpine Pass in Rocky Mountain National Park at 12,183ft. They also had a turn-off identified as a Scenic Overlook, but I can assure you the view was considerably different. Now, I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I would dare anyone to say that the two views had anything in common. As you turned your head, you saw a panoramic view of the snow covered, Colorado Rockies. The majesty took your breath away, (and not just because the air is thin at over 12,000 feet). The peaks quickly rose into the snow from the tree carpeted, valley floors. The individual creeks and streams cut their way down the rocky walls to an energizing reunion in the Big Thompson River. You wanted to sit there and let it soak in for hours. That was a "Scenic View". The view of God's creation filled you with wonder.

As I was thinking of this article and a reflection on the week at "The Feast", the whole concept of the scenic view came together. We had a great week at "The Feast". This National Covenant Conference was filled with prayer, music, seminars and challenges from God's word. We came away blessed and energized in our faith. We truly had again a scenic view of God and all his love and mercy.

What directed me, in reflection, was the thought of how much God wants to give us and show us and how little we actually grab hold of. We refuse to let God really bless us and we settle for a life that is far less than God intends for us to have. We don't want to give any more of ourselves. We don't want to let God have control and we miss out on the life that God wants for us. He wants to give us a life that is "immeasurably more than we could ever ask or think." Ephesians 3:20 In other words, we are sitting at the scenic overlook of faith in western Nebraska and fail to realize that just down the road are faith, scenic overlooks ready for us at the Top of the Rockies.

We are reminded over and over again, the blessing of obedient and committed living to Christ and yet by choice, we settle for something less than God's best. It is my prayer that you will experience the wonder and Majesty of God, in Christ Jesus, as you walk this month in your faith. Don't be afraid to give God your whole life, your time, talent, money and service.

Be willing to set aside time for Prayer and Bible Study, carve out time to give service to others, spend less on yourself and give more to others. Live your life as a servant to your family, friends and at your job.

It is in that devotion that you will know that you are receiving the full blessing that comes from being at the right "Scenic Overlook".



Pastor Craig