Manassas National Battlefield – Deep Thoughts & Little Happenings

March 25, 2021March 25, 2021

How to Be Part of a Controlled Burn

Today’s Scripture Passage:

James 3:1-12

Key Verse:

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30 (NASB)

Two weeks ago, we were at Deep Cut Trailhead in the Manassas Battlefield National Park (MNBP). It was a beautiful day, but we hadn’t even gotten to the low-lying sections when we found ourselves squishing and sinking with every step. We decided to turn around and come back another day.

One week later, we returned to find something entirely different. The trail was no longer surrounded by fields covered with golden windblown grasses. The gold was now a blackened scar lining each side of the trail and stretching out in all directions. The change was startling.

This was no haphazard burning.

The burns smoothly outlined both sides of the trail.

We were witnessing the aftermath of a controlled burn!

This week we were on another MBNP trail when we saw a Park Ranger and stopped to chat. He asked if we’d been to Deep Cut since the burn.

Turns out he was one of the rangers who watched from afar. He was still excited about seeing professionals from all over the state use their knowledge and equipment the day of the burn. He was also eager to share his experience.

Did you know the MBNP does a controlled burn twice a year? They do! He explained the benefits. He talked about all the time and effort required to plan and execute such a precise burn. He shared the months of planning and coordination required between the park and the one who would eventually oversee and be held responsible for the results of the burn.

He told us those assisting with the burn must be qualified fire fighters. They must also be unwavering in their commitment to follow instructions throughout the entire process.

I was barely walking away before I was hit with the spiritual parallel.

There is a big difference between burning a field and a controlled burn.

The timing and conditions must be exact. Those doing the planning must know the importance of both. They must also know how to keep track of them. Delays and cancellations of a burn are sometimes necessary. Burns are not done unless all conditions are right. Burns are not done if the timing is not exact.

To burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions can bring destruction instead of benefits!

It is much better to cancel a burn than to burn at the wrong time or under the wrong conditions!

So, what’s the parallel? The Bible (God’s written word) tells us…

Our God is a consuming fire; He uses fire to refine our faith and test our works. God lives in all those who have been saved by faith in Jesus and are sealed with His Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit baptizes us by fire at the time of our salvation. This is the fire God uses to test and refine our faith.

The Bible is also very clear about the fire in our tongues. Yes! What James wrote about the tongue was written to those who were already Jesus-followers.

So, who’s the expert on a controlled burn? Holy Spirit!

Holy Spirit uses our tongue (words) when we are completely committed to following His instructions. Using the right words at the right time and in the exact right conditions will bring benefit to those who hear them.

Even the right words at the wrong time or in the wrong conditions can do damage and grieve Holy Spirit.

Read today’s verses again…

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

I do not believe it’s an accident these verses were written to us in back-to-back order.

Our words are supposed to give grace to those who hear them.

BUT

We grieve Holy Spirit whenever our words do not give grace to the hearer.

I think words that grieve Holy Spirit must be the careless words Jesus was talking about in Matthew 12:36. Look at what He said, “But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.”

I don’t know about you, but I’m all too often guilty of using careless words!

And since my words originate in my thoughts, I can only assume when my words grieve Holy Spirit, my thoughts grieve Holy Spirit too!

“May the words of my mouth
and the thoughts of my heart
be acceptable in your presence,
Adonai, my Rock and Redeemer.” Psalm 19:15 (CJB)

For the curious…

There is already new growth at Deep Cut (we went to look). That’s Right! The controlled burn removed what was not healthy and made room for new growth. How’s that for exciting?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Take some time to remember the most encouraging words others have spoken to you. What was it about those conversations that influenced you to make wise choices that were pleasing to the LORD?

2 Spend some time thinking about your conversations during this past week. How many of your words were spoken (or written) carelessly? Ask Jesus to make you sensitive to His timing and conditions in every conversation.

3 Talk to Jesus about learning a new way of thinking, so your words will give grace to the hearers and won’t grieve Holy Spirit.

Digging Deeper:

Matthew 3:11, Acts 2:3, 1st Corinthians 3:12-14, Hebrews 12:28-29, & 1st Peter 1:6-8

If you have not yet met Jesus, you can meet Him today. He created you. He loves you. He wants you to be a part of His family. I encourage you to step into the life He created you to live. You will still have the troubles of this world, but you will no longer be facing them alone. I’m praying for you! https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic

March 18, 2021March 18, 2021

Receiving the Renewable Energy of Trusting Jesus

Key Verse:

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)

Photo taken by George Coulson at Manassas National Battlefield Park, November 24, 2020.

I sat on the porch and marveled at all the colors the LORD was using to paint the morning skies. I listened as songbirds sang a chorus of praises and marveled at the grace of the larger birds soaring overhead.

Those large birds are birds of prey and have captured my attention a lot lately. I’ve pointed them out to George and together we’ve watched and marveled over their ability to stay aloft without ever moving their wings. They appear to just rest on the air, pivoting and tilting, rising and swooping down only to rise again, slowly moving closer and further away until they are only a dot on the horizon.

Those birds are part of the path the LORD’s been leading me to follow for a while now. It started with The Joy Challenge last Thanksgiving and continued with an in-depth look into Matthew 11:28-30 as we welcomed in this New Year.

Through it all, the LORD was opening me up to a place of new understanding. Revealing more of the relationship between joy and trust, and obedience and rest. I began asking questions.

How is it possible to live a life of wholehearted obedience and still be rested.

How is it possible to live in full tilt faithfulness to Jesus without becoming weary in my walk or work?

His answer came yesterday morning. I was reading what King David wrote in Psalm 23:3 when the connection finally came like a spark of electricity running straight to my heart.

I was seeing the same paradox Isaiah wrote about in today’s key verse, and I realized something new and wonderful. Read what Isaiah wrote…

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint.

Now look at what David wrote about the LORD…

He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.

My strength is renewed as the LORD leads me along right paths!

Renewed strength comes while I live my life trusting Jesus.

Trusting is following wherever He leads.

Trusting is doing what it is right in His sight!

It is in the trusting enough to follow that you and I are refreshed and our strength is renewed!

The LORD’s strength is like renewable energy!

I quickly looked up renewable energy.

Renewable Energy is energy from a source that is not depleted when used, such as wind or solar power. (Oxford Dictionaries – Cortana)

This led me to look up what Jesus said in Acts 1:8 about the power we receive from Holy Spirit. Read what He said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Holy Spirit is the source of our power and His power will never be depleted. No matter how much Holy Spirit power we use, there is an endless source of Holy Spirit power at our disposal.

Holy Spirit power is the original renewable energy!

I finished by reading what Paul wrote in Galatians 5:25. “Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”

I know, none of this is new information, and yet…

I’m beginning to realize just how much more there is to experience as a Jesus-follower.

I feel like the child who knows she’s supposed to catch the ball in her glove but can’t seem to make her body obey what her brain tells it to do. That’s why opportunities to practice what we know is such a big part of learning.

I definitely need a lot more practice when it comes to living a life of joy, trust, obedience, and renewed strength in Jesus. I don’t want to settle for knowing about it. I want to experience it – ALL of it! Don’t you?!

Jesus Journaling:

1 Be on the lookout for any of those big birds soaring high overhead. Notice how they allow the air to determine their direction. Talk to Jesus about the areas of your life where you are weary. Ask Him if it’s possible you’re so weary because you’re fighting the direction He’s taking you. Ask Him to help you find a place of renewed strength.

2 Is there something you have a desire to do but are struggling to begin? Talk to Jesus about your struggle. Maybe it’s because you’re not sure it’s a desire He’s given you, or you’re not sure how to start, or maybe it’s something else entirely. Whatever your reason, be honest with Him. Expect Him to hear you and respond!

3 Write down one thing you’re going to do as an act of trust and obedience and begin practicing it. Stick close to Holy Spirit and allow Him to lead you AND renew your energy as you trust and follow.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020

Growing Through the Hard Places, Wicked Winds, and Broken Places

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Jeremiah 29:4-14

Key Verse:

If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. Jeremiah 29:13 (NLT)

I’ve always been fascinated by trees. It doesn’t matter the season. Full of leaves, bare, green or decked in an array of colors. Trees are beautiful. They grow in all sorts of climates and terrain. Their differences are beyond numbering (for me anyway).

Trails are a great place to see trees and witness just how tenacious they are when it comes to living.

Lost Mountain Trail in Sky Meadow State Park – September 15, 2020

Trees are unbelievably persistent in their efforts to reach the light and water they need to live.

Thornberry Loop Trail in Manassas National Battlefield Park – September 27, 2020

Some are clinging to the soil, others reaching into the water.

Fern Hollow Loop in Bull Run Mountain Natural Area Preserve – October 9, 2020

Some have faced destructive disease or pestilence.

Stoney Man to Little Stoney Man Loop Trail in Shenandoah National Park – October 15, 2020

Some twist and turn their way toward sunlight while others push their way through and around huge rocks.

Thornberry Loop Trail in Manassas National Battlefield

Each of these trees are a beautiful example of how I can be spiritually healthy no matter my circumstances or location. First, I must remember:

Jesus is the Light.

Jesus is the Living Water.

Just as trees need water and light, I need Jesus. He’s the Light and the Water I need. He’s the Giver of life to all of us!

In today’s scriptures, Jeremiah is talking to the people of Israel about how they are to live in bondage to Babylon under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. He was a cruel king and there was nothing wonderful about being taken from their homes and made to live in this foreign land under his rule. They were facing adversity!

The promise in verse 13 requires participation. We’re to look for the LORD wholeheartedly. Not for a little bit or halfheartedly. We’re to be as tenacious in looking for the LORD as a tree is in seeking water and light.

What’s the promise for those who wholeheartedly look for the LORD? We will find Him. It’s the old testament equivalent to what Jesus said, “Seek and you will find.”

I think these trees perfectly illustrate the wholehearted looking for described in these verses. They persevere in their search for water and light. They know they need both to live and they don’t let anything stop them from finding the light and water they need.

So, although this is not a new verse for me, it has me evaluating my life. I’m asking some tough questions of myself and I invite you to ask them of yourself as well.

—What do I spend my time and energy trying to find? Am I wholeheartedly looking for Jesus?

—Who or what am I expecting to sustain me through the difficult times of my life? Am I placing unreal expectations on someone in hopes they’ll give me what only Jesus can give?

—Am I making excuses for not following Jesus and His ways? Am I blaming my locality? My circumstance? Others? Am I pointing to the adversities meant to strengthen me as a reason for not living the abundant life I’m created to live? Do I compromise and miss out on all the benefits?

—When the struggle gets intense, do I turn to Jesus, cast my cares on Him, and allow Him to help me through the struggle? Or do I turn to the distraction of busy-ness, eating, exercise, mind-numbing entertainment, or something else to make me feel better or give me the illusion of control?

—Do I see and acknowledge the beauty emerging from my struggle? Am I learning to release my worries and receive His peace? Am I growing in the joy of living and trusting Jesus through it all?

LORD, we’re so thankful to be citizens of Your Kingdom. We’re thank You for the privilege of being your representative in the foreign land we live in now. Help us to grow in our relationship with You, so we will represent You well. Give us compassion and courage and teach us to love those around us as You love them. We want to love as citizens of Heavens and not citizens of this world!

Digging Deeper:

John 1:1-5, John 10:10, Romans 5:3-5, Philippians 3:7-16, James 1:2-4

October 15, 2020October 15, 2020

I Was Just Trying To Help!

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Matthew 7:1-5

Key Verse:

How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? Matthew 7:4 (NLT)

I started paying extra attention to the numbers of downed trees on the trails after reading these verses in Matthew.

Notice how these trees are cut at both sides of the trail’s edge to create a passageway.

Pictures taken by George on the Bull Run Mountain Fern Hollow Loop Trail – October 9, 2020

These were left uncut and create an obstacle course.

Picture taken by George on the Hawksbill Gap Loop Trail – October 2, 2020

Jesus was talking to the people about what happens when we try to help others before letting Him remove the log of sin from our own eye.

Jesus created a vivid word picture of terrible pain, struggle, and abuse with His words!

Read the key verse again…

How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?

This verse is what prompted me to take the following picture during a hike on the Thornberry House Loop Trail. I wanted to “see” what it would be like to have a log protruding from my eye. I set my camera on the cut end of the log and snapped the picture.

Imagine with me…

This log is lodged in your eye. It’s protruding outward. Imagine the pain. Notice how little you can see. Consider the damage you inflict on everyone around you.

Sin fills our vision and hinders our ability to see and follow Jesus.

Sin creates division and distance between us and others.

Sin grows when left unchecked.

Every relationship is affected when we have a log of sin painfully embedded in our eye.

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 51:7-13, Psalm 139: 23-24, Luke 11:34-36, John 3:17-21, Romans 12:1-5, Galatians 5:14-15 & 24-26, James 1:13-15 James 4:17, 1 John 1:9, 1 John 5:17,

October 1, 2020October 1, 2020

Trail Thoughts on Temporary Treasures

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Luke 12:13-34

Key Verse:

“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:21 (NLT)

I believe “cloudy with a chance of rain” days are for taking a quick walk someplace close. That’s why we chose to walk the Matthew’s Hill Loop Trail last week.

We stood at the top of the hill and admired the beauty surrounding us. That’s when I noticed the hay in the field across the way. Seeing those giant hay blocks stacked beside rolls and rolls of hay reminded me of what Jesus said in Today’s Scripture Passage.

All that hay had me thinking about the focus of my daily choices.

LORD, what motivates my choices? Am I trusting You to take care of my needs? Is my mind fixed on the things of the Spirit or the things of the flesh? Am I rich in my relationship with You?

Now, please don’t misunderstand. I believe the owners of the field should reap the benefits of their hard work. A workman is worthy of his wages. The LORD brings increase by blessing the work of our hands. He shows us His goodness in the land of the living, and absolutely everything we have comes from Him. He wants us to enjoy it and be generous with it!

No, as I thought about all that hay, I began to feel the LORD calling me to set aside some extra time with Him; a time other than our standing morning appointment together.

This was a special time set aside for a specific purpose: to seek the LORD’s point of view on what I’m gathering, stacking, and storing away. This was a time to let Him take out my daily activities and reveal the motives behind each one. A time to ask if my riches are temporary or eternal treasures in His sight.

The encounter was both sweet and salty. My relationship with Jesus was strengthened and enriched. It was a time to be savored, but it also left me thirsty for more of the living waters of Jesus. I was humbled by His gentleness in revealing the answers to my requests with such clarity. I was encouraged to be diligent in seeking His full exposure of my heart more often.

I learned much of what appears eternal is not.

and

Not everything I consider temporary is.

George took this picture so you could see what we passed on our way over to Thornberry Loop Trail — the very next day! We’ve passed this barn a zillion times since moving to the area ten years ago.

Now it’s become another constant and gentle reminder to store my treasures in heaven where neither moth nor rust can destroy.

Yes, Jesus has a great sense of humor. His word tells us laughter is good medicine. I think He pointed this corn field, silo, and barn out to me, so I would laugh with Him. Reminding me of His presence and soothing the sore places of my heart.

I encourage you to set aside a special time with Jesus. A time to ask Him to let you see the treasures of your heart. I promise, you’ll be glad you did!

Digging Deeper:

Matthew 6:19-21, Matthew 6:24-34 & 1 Corinthians 3:12-15

September 3, 2020September 3, 2020

Trail Lesson 101

Today’s Scripture Passage:

Psalm 25:4-9

Key Verse:

The Lord is good and does what is right;
he shows the proper path to those who go astray.
He leads the humble in doing right,
teaching them his way. Psalm 25:8-9 (NLT)

Maps help us figure out how to get where we want to go.

Truth? I’m horrible when it comes to reading a map. I’m one of those directionally challenged people who’s continually twisting the map one way and another trying to figure out where I am and how in the world I’m ever going to get where I want to go.

That’s especially true when I look at a Manassas National Battlefield Brochure Map. For instance, just last week, we walked Chinn Ridge Loop twice.

The first time we misread the map and found ourselves on the opposite side of the loop than we thought we were on. We discovered what happened while retracing our steps. We’d missed a turn!

It’s easy to see where we went wrong…now.

The map seems so easy to understand…now.

We went back later in the week and walked the entire loop without a single difficulty.

Map Reminder:

Point of View is important!

Point of View is the position from which something or someone is observed.
(Oxford Dictionaries – Bing Translator)

To properly use a map, I must see it from the map maker’s POV.

The same is true when I read God’s word.

Reading my Bible helps me see things from God’s POV.

The more I align with His POV, the more I understand what I’m reading. The more I understand, the easier it is to know which way to go; the more confident I am in following the directions I read in His word.

Have you ever noticed how the LORD will bring us back to the same place of decision more than once? I like to think it’s His way of helping us practice what we’ve learned.

Digging Deeper:

Psalm 119: 35, 59 & 105, Psalm 139: 23-24, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 47:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, & Hebrews 4:12