In Sunday’s ‘bulletin’ for First Baptist Satsuma, my Associate Pastor, Bruce Holmes, encouraged us with an article.  He has graciously allowed me to share it with you all. I think it will bless you even as it did me.

        Many of you know I enjoy nature. I’m not the type to be dropped off by a helicopter in a secluded location and find my way back to civilization like the guy on television. But, I am the type of guy who loves to go walk through the woods and listen to the wind blow. I am the type of guy who loves to hear rain fall. I am the type of guy who will go hunting, occasionally, just to see the sun rise or the sun set. I’m the type of guy who loves to see the different animals and how they were made uniquely different. I love being in nature.
       But, there is another reason I love being in nature. This is where I find the highest quality of time with God. Have you ever had one of those weeks? I mean, one of those weeks where you just had to get away for some time with God. I’ve always thought that was a little hokey, in a sense. It is always good to spend time with him but I’m talking about getting away from everything, every responsibility, every concern and just seek His Will for whatever you need an answer to. This past week I did just that.
       I was seeking an answer of a personal question that took me all over South Alabama to various locations to be in the nature God created. As I began to pray aloud I felt God’s presence. (If you have ever experienced His presence you know what I’m talking about. If you have not ever experienced His presence, it may sound hokey, and that’s OK. I’ll claim hokey!) And even though I was standing in the freezing drizzle on a dock in a lake in 30* weather, I didn’t want to leave His presence. I heard the wind blow in the trees and watch it make ripples in the water. I got to see fallen trees and examine how nature changes over time. I got to see a hawk fly above. I heard the sound of a light rain hitting the lake. And, I heard from God.
      He again allowed me into His presence at another location while I was walking through the woods. Again it was freezing and getting dark but I stood longer this time and as He was talking I got to enjoy His nature. There was no other person in either location, too cold I guess. So I was able to talk with God, right by myself.  And, I heard from God.     
     There is no feeling like it in the world! I urge you, if you are seeking an answer to something, find your place and get alone with God. Pray, read His Word, listen to Christian music, sing and praise. He is everywhere around us. He’s just waiting on you. Then you can say, “And, I heard from God”.

Written by: Michael Bruce Holmes
Associate Pastor of Administration
First Baptist Church of Satsuma

Praying for These

Thank You, ABBA, that You speak and every soul who desires to hear from You can. I pray for each who comes to this page that they will be willing to hear from You. Thank You for Bruce and the ministry You have called him to at Satsuma First. Thank You for the strenght, wisdom and intergity You give him. As I set this to post I pray for strength, wisdom, integrity for all our Readers and for our Praying for These, thank You for the plans You have for them; thank You for what You are doing; thank You for the healings, the restorations and the mendings of broken and bruised hearts. Thank You for ears to hear You and eyes to see You.  Thank You for our IDOK Troops, for keeping them safe and for calling them to a closer walk with You; we pray each will answer yes in JESUS Name.  Amen and amen.

Until then + + +
Kathie