What do these 2 pictures have in common? Think about it ......

They both have no earthly explanation. The picture from the beach is a sunrise that I got see with 3 students while at the beach this summer. It was such a beautiful picture of God revealing the things of beauty that he creates for us. I cant imagine what heaven will one day look like because that morning, we all sat there in "Awe" of the colors and the beauty of it all. Gosh its hard to wrap you mind around it. As Elevation University was launched yesterday as a new campus - I got to be a part of the plans, the work, the setup, the praying over every single seat in that YMCA gym and beg God to do something amazing. Being bold in faith and begging God for 1000 people to show up and experience him in a new life changing powerful way... 1435 people came - I sat in "Awe" once again as God shows us time and time again that he is faithful, he answers the bold prayers of his children and know your hearts before we have to even say a word. I am reminded of a saying from Augustine - "Faith is to believe what we do not see; and the reward of this faith is to see what we believe."

At the end of Matthew 16 Jesus is teaching his disciples that what good is it if a man gains the whole world but forfeits his soul? Matthew 17 After 6 days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as while as the light. Just them there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters - one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground terrified. But Jesus came and touched them. "Get up" he said. "Dont be afraid." When they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus. The disciples had their mountain top experience. They couldn't explain exactly what had happened to them. If you have ever been to the top of the mountain you know that on a clear day - it looks as though you can see across the world. The view and experience is unbelievable. Imagine being Peter, James or John that day after climbing that mountain with Jesus, enjoying the view from the summit and you get to see the Son of God in his dazzling, eternal glory! They reacted the same way we would today and that would be probably "Terrified" Fear seems like the normal response to what was taking place. Fear holds us back from really believing God for the big things. It keeps us from being on our face begging him for what only he can do. Faith is to believe, loved ones, of what we do not see...I cant imagine that sunrise without him. I cant believe what I saw yesterday at church with all the people who kept coming in. AND - the reward of this Faith is to see what we believe. - What fear is it today that is keeping you from seeing what you believe?

Jesus tells us today just as he did his disciples, "Get up" and "Don't be afraid." Believe with all you have that you will see what you believe. God will then do amazing things and paint a tapestry of colors and "Awe" in your life.

Do you believe that today?

Lonnie~