Wednesday's Words! Encouragement from God's Word!

(C) Allen Pearson Photography

"Now faith is the

assurance of things

hoped for,

the conviction of 

things unseen."

- Hebrews 11:1

Sunday's Thought!

"Beautiful Dahlia Blooms"
(C) Allen Pearson Photography

Jesus Runs Alongside You

By Adrian Rogers, Love Worth Finding

"… looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”  - Hebrews 12:2a

If we will look to Jesus, Jesus will be the author and finisher of our faith. The word “author” in the Greek literally means “example,” “leader,” or “originator.” Jesus is the example of faith, but He’s also the originator of our faith. Faith comes from beholding the Lord Jesus Christ, from looking at Him.

You see, all the other heroes of the faith mentioned in Hebrews 11 can cheer us on, but they’re not our chief example. Jesus is the One who never sinned, who never failed. The more you behold the Lord Jesus Christ, the more you’ll know He is the author and finisher.

He’s the one who originates the race. He’s the one who fires the starting gun. He’s the goal toward which we run. He is the coach who runs alongside us and gives us courage and strength to run.

It is Jesus all the way. If you want faith, fix your eyes upon Jesus Christ. Keep “looking unto Jesus.” Your faith will grow.

For more from Love Worth Finding and Pastor Adrian Rogers and to learn about salvation, please visit http://www.lwf.org/assurance-of-salvation

Devotion used by written permission of Love Worth Finding.

Railroad Photography! A Coal Train Waits near Welch, WV

"Railroad Photography! A Coal Train Waits near Welch, WV"
(C) Allen Pearson Photography

A few years ago, I was visiting the Elkhorn Inn and Theatre in Landgraff, WV to learn about the railroad industry along what is known as the Pocohantas Division of Norfolk Southern. I would love to move to the area, if the winter weather was warmer, as there were places to watch trains, photograph, and video very easily.

As I was traveling back to Elkhorn Inn from exploring the towns and villages along Coal Heritage Rd, US Rte. 52, I came across a place where the railroad tracks crossed the road and creek. As I drove under the bridge noticing the coal train had stopped, I turned around and went back to photograph. I was able to get several images.  

Please visit my Railroad Photography work at Allen Pearson Photography.

Wednesday's Words! Encouragement from God's Word!

(C) Allen Pearson Photography

"....But as for 

me and my

house, we

will serve the

Lord."

- Joshua 24:15

Sunday's Thought!

 

"Iceland"

Photo by Davide Cantelli on Unsplash

The Truth About Being Born Again

by Jack Graham, PowerPoint Ministries

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, 'Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.' Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.'”

--John 3:1-3

Just like Nicodemus, hearing that you have to be born again for you to have eternal life may be startling to you. 

You may think of yourself as religious, you may go to church, you may live a good and respectable life. You may even see yourself as a good person… an intelligent person. But I say to you with the words of Christ, “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 

Nicodemus’ greatest need was to see his need for Christ. Which is the same need for every human being on the face of this earth! Including you. But as long as you’re chasing something, you will never get to the bottom line of your real need for God.

The world offers so many things that seem like they will satisfy… so we chase after those things thinking the yearning in our hearts will be fulfilled. It might be riches… or getting married… or having children… or a successful career. But even when you when you achieve these things… in your heart there’s still something missing, there’s still a nagging emptiness. 

Proverbs 27:20 tells us, “Never satisfied are the eyes of man.” The heart of man has an insatiable appetite that is never satisfied by the things we can do, gain, or accomplish. 

That great and aching need of the human heart was what Jesus was talking to Nicodemus about. And God is talking to you today about that same need… your need for a supernatural birth from above… a spiritual birth that is called salvation in Jesus Christ.

THE HEART OF MAN HAS AN INSATIABLE APPETITE THAT IS NEVER SATISFIED BY THE THINGS WE CAN DO, GAIN, OR ACCOMPLISH.

To learn more about God's Plan for your life, please visit PowerPoint Ministries with Jack Graham, New Life in Christ.

Devotion used by written permission of PowerPoint Ministries with Jack Graham.

Wednesday's Words! Encouragement from God's Word

(C) Allen Pearson Photography

"The heavens declare the glory of God,

and the sky above proclaims his 

handiwork." 

- Psalms 19:1

Sunday's Thought!

"Men Walking in Street Wearing Masks to Prevent COVID-19"

Photo by Macau Photo Agency on Unsplash

 Last week, as the Pastor was teaching from Galatians he got me to thinking about the question I am often asked, "How Can I Believe in God When You Can't See Him?" 

It's called faith. I can believe in God all I want but I have to have faith. Faith in things unseen. Reading the Bible, talking with my Pastor and Christian friends, and witnessing God's Power throughout my life is how I can believe in God whom I haven't seen yet. I will one day for sure.

I compare that question to COVID-19 and it's associated chaos. Chances are, you have not seen COVID-19, the research, the studies, the cases nor met the people who decided to close the country to supposedly save your life and prevent the hospitals from being overcrowded with cases. Yet, you know it's there. I know it's there. You are willing to mask up, to stay 6-feet away from others, and to follow whatever instructions the leaders tell you to do. The leaders have made COVID-19 out to be something that will attack you just by going outside. You have not seen COVID and you probably do not even know someone who has it. Yet, you will drop everything and believe. Not giving much thought to the scientific side of this and it's reality. You are placing your faith in man telling you something. You place your faith in the face masks to protect you from the terrible disease and should you be asymptomatic from sharing it with others.  

Some might say that's not a correct comparison. Yes, it is. It's about faith and trust. You cannot see COVID-19 and chances are, you cannot see someone who has or has had it. You are placing your faith in others to be honest with you about the facts of the disease. I am saying that's what it's like to believe in Jesus, God, and the Bible. While you cannot see God or Jesus, you can see the Bible. You can meet people who have had experiences with God who will share those with you. You can meet Bible Scholars, Teachers, and Pastors who are inspired by God to teach us His Word and the Truths of the Bible. You can sit down with my Pastors and discuss the Christian faith all want. Each of those people will do their best to help you understand Jesus, God, Bible, heaven, hell, and the Christian faith.

God will not steer you wrong. He will always want the best for you. He will not send you out on a wild goose chase or to do something that isn't right or good for you. Though we may go through trials and tragedies of this life, God will always have our best at heart. 

What does it take for you to believe? Are you interested in learning more about the Christian faith and becoming a Christian? Please visit Peace With God. 

Just to say, I am not saying to not prepare or take care of yourself in regards to COVID-19. You should do as necessary to prevent the spread of the disease or from getting it yourself. As with any virus, including COVID, you should take hygiene precautions seriously. 

Railroad Photography! Canadian American Railroad Freight Car! Art of the Freight Car, Rail Art Series!

"Canadian American Railroad Freight Car"
(C) Allen Pearson Photography

While in Manassas, Virginia, a few months or so ago, I captured this image of a Canadian American Railroad freight car. I wish I could have gotten an image of the entire freight car but my position where I was standing and the train's movement didn't allow it. I've included a side view of the freight car below. 

Also, I have to admit, the train was hauling these huge pipes which I had never seen before. Much less, a train hauling them. So I was a little more distracted than usual. I get distracted easily when a train, especially a freight train is around. 

I haven't heard or read anything about the Canadian American Railroad. Have you? I did an internet search which didn't provide much information other than it operated between Brownville, Maine, and Lennox, Quebec.  The railroad appears to have operated between the years 1995-2002.

If you have any information about the Canadian American Railroad, please share it in the comments. 

Please visit my photography work at Allen Pearson Photography.

"Canadian American Railroad Freight Car, Side View"
(C) 2020, Allen Pearson Photography

Remembering September 11, 2001!

 

(C) Allen Pearson Photography

Today, September 11, 2020, I pause from photography work to remember the fateful day of September 11, 2001. I remember where I was and the scary and tragic events which followed.  It's a day that I will never forget. I was blessed with my wife coming home that day while too many others were not.  As you go through this day, pray for those families who lost their loved ones.

Also, I want to say THANK YOU to all of the First Responders who risk their lives in their daily line of duty to help citizens in their communities. Many times, this is done with regard to their own lives and often without any thank yous.  

Whenever I hear a siren, I pray for the First Responders and the people they are going to assist. Remember to pray for them too.

Wednesday's Words! Encouragement from God's Word!

(C) Allen Pearson Photography

"This Book of the Law

shall not depart from

your mouth, but you

shall meditate on it day

and night, so that you 

may be careful to do

according to all that is

written in it. For then

you will make your way

prosperous, and then you 

will have good success."

- Joshua 1:8 

Happy Labor Day!

(C) Allen Pearson Photography

May you have a blessed day of relaxing from your labor.

Sunday's Thought!

"An Office Worker"
Photo by Studio Republic on Unsplash

(8) “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 

(9) Six days you shall labor and do all your work, (10) but the seventh day

 is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, 

nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. (11) For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea,

 and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed 

the Sabbath day and made it holy."  - Exodus 20:8-11

When I was growing up, there were the Blue Laws which didn't allow some businesses to open on Sundays. And, the Ten Commandments where it states to keep the Sabbath holy and rest. My parents weren't the strictest people about honoring the Sabbath but we were not allowed to work. We could play in the yard, with our friends, or with the dog, or really anything of that nature. However, we were not allowed to do homework, yard work, washing the car or work at a job. We were to rest!

I got to thinking about that this week. It's been quite a busy few weeks in my household. Sometimes the tasks seem never-ending. Regardless, I try to get everything done so that I can have a "day off" on Sunday. It has gotten to be so refreshing.

Many years ago when I was single and starting my career, I began working in a Christian radio station. My shift was on a Sunday morning. Christian or not, a radio station has to continue broadcasting every day of the week of their approved hours. To me, the work turned into a blessing because every Sunday, I got to assist an elderly lady caller hear her worship service when she couldn't get her radio to work. It did mean, I could not go to my church but I was able to listen to worship services while I was working. Not too long after, I was "promoted" to an opening on the Saturday afternoon shift and was able to return to having Sundays off and going to church.

Several years ago, I was volunteering for a rescue by doing some writing and photography. I loved it quite a bit and was diligent at getting it done many times on a Sunday afternoon or evening. However, since that is my work too, it didn't take long for it to become another task of my workload. It became an obligation I had to fulfill before I could have some time to myself. What I didn't realize it that it was taking time away from my day off to relax, though I didn't miss church for it, and from my wife and dog. I didn't realize it was building up within me as another thing to do not allowing me to refresh before the following week started.

Although I didn't want to do so at first, I decided to quit part of the writing for the rescue. It needed to be done, but helping to get dogs adopted is a passion of mine so it wasn't easy. The next day, I woke up feeling rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world! Not long after, I quit the rest of the responsibilities of writing for the rescue. I still have my writing for the newspaper and website to help dogs get adopted so I wasn't dropping everything. Again, the next day, I woke up feeling rejunated and ready to conquer the world.

By trying to follow God's Word and Commandments, He was blessing me with feeling refreshed. After all, if God worked six days and rested on the seventh and instructs us to do the same, we should be doing it.

Being a Christian means following God's Will and His Word in our lives. Of course, none of us are perfect but if we trust in Him, He was help us to do His Will. Some people think they want to have complete control of their lives not God. Well, you are missing out on the greatest life you can have by not trusting God.

One of the best websites to learn about the Christian faith and to have a relationship with Jesus is found at Peace With God.

(Writers note: If you find my work to be beneficial for someone else or in your ministry, please do not hesitate to share. "Sunday's Thought!" is written to share the Gospel with others.)

Wednesday's Words! Encouragement from God's Word!

(C) Allen Pearson Photography

"In him was life,

and the life was the light of men.

The light shines in the

darkness, and the darkness has

not overcome it."

- John 1:4-5