Old Things and New

I love my neck of the woods. There are some really incredible things to see and explore. A while back Jim and I went on a little drive in the area and we got some neat photos of history.

This old building really captures the imagination. On the same piece of ground, however, is this glorious old barn and car. I have an aunt who oil paints and I think this would make a great picture for me - hint hint.

Here it is in the snow. :D Can you tell I really love this old barn?

We went west to an area called Norris. There's a hot springs here, a bar and gas station, oh and a wonderful custom outdoor furniture maker, but not a whole lot else. Here's one of the few remaining old buildings and some of the scenery around there.

What I find most amazing is how you can go for a little drive and find things, practically in your own backyard, that you never knew were there. The same thing is always happening to me when I open the Bible. I can have already read over a passage many times before, but then traveling by the same place, I suddenly see something new and wonderful. Sometimes I joke about how I'm sure that verse wasn't there before, but of course it was and I just didn't pay attention. So as I explored the Word, I found some real gems in Romans 4. The entire chapter speaks about Abraham being justified by faith and not through the law or works. It's an amazing chapter and I encourage you to read it. I was particularly drawn to the verses of 13 - 17.

"It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring--not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations.' He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed--the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were."

Wow. I'm just blown away by that passage. I know I've read it many times before because I've got it highlighted in different colors. Plus I did a study of Romans with the Bible Study Fellowship. But seeing it again really caught my heart. Especially that last part, "the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." Imagine calling those old buildings new and useful. But they're worn down old shells, worthless, useless reminders of what was. That's how we are without Jesus. Yet by faith, we can be given life and called something precious where only old dry bones once existed. Again, I have to say Wow! So linger in the Word a little today and remind yourself that you're a new creation. That God called you when you were nothing, in order that with Jesus you could be everything. God Bless You! Oh and for the next 4 weeks our dear friend Steph Whitson will take over for me on Fridays while I travel. Everyone be nice to her, she has some really cool things to share. Tracie