On Mission Photography by Bryan Nowak

The rails are shiny. Trains travel them regularly. But weeds are growing up in the rail bed. I suppose it must be a real challenge to constantly maintain the steel, timbers and gravel for thousands of miles of rail lines without having a few weeds here and there. Where am I going with this? Consider your life and activities. If you are a Christian then you may find yourself very busy with activities that abound with every church. Don't get me wrong -- activities are good if they fulfill the purpose for which you exist: to glorify God and lead others to faith in Him. But in the busyness, sometimes we can get weeds growing in our lives because we have failed to pray sincerely, study God's Word diligently, and practice Christ-like behavior and attitudes whether in the public eye or in our private times. Just like in your yard and this rail bed, weeds can get out of control quickly, and this is true for our lives too. Consistently walking and talking with God, learning and gro...

The sign beside the front door reads: Last Meeting September 25, 1987   Last 3 Members: Ollie Maddox Kinard Lillian Maddox Rivers Shirley Rivers Ray ALL DECEASED   Last Pastor Elder Rubert E. Nobles   That sign is sad and depressing to me. Looking at the graves, it is obvious that this church building has been in this location for 150+ years. There were countless families who worshiped here, had picnics on the grounds, married here, and were eventually buried here. It is a reminder that no "earthly thing" lasts forever. Everything material has an expiration date. However, the Psalmist tells of things that have no end: God's reign - 9:7 Our heavenly home - 23:6 God's plans - 33:11 God's punishment for those who hate Him - 81:15 God's covenant/promises to man - 105:8 God's righteousness - 111:3 God's love - 136:1 God's faithfulness - 146:6 God's character, His Word, and this promises are eternal. If all things material are t...

Some would say this old barn was looking a little worn, weathered and rusty. I would rather think of it as having "character." Character is defined as: the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing one such feature or trait; characteristic moral or ethical quality Solomon wrote, "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." (Proverbs 31:10) And Paul wrote, "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33) What traits do others see in you? Do they observe noble character demonstrated by kindness, sincerity, love and godliness? Or do they see see bad character demonstrated by greed, hatred, selfishness and ungodliness? Character is more valuable than rubies according to Solomon. You can't buy it. It's earned by reputation. Because character can be so easily damaged, be sure to protect it with your whole being.

As surely as I am getting older, things around me are showing their age and vulnerability to time as well. This old homestead is a prime example of that. Still, I love the design and its charm. Wouldn't this be a great fixer-upper? Sometimes our lives may resemble this old house, but God is in the restoration business. The Psalmist wrote, "Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" (Psalm 85:6) And God's answer to this question is "Yes" ...but revival begins with our heart's desire for it. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) WHAT WE MUST DO: 1. Forsake pride/arrogance and humbly approach God. 2. Pray earnestly/urgently 3. Seek the face of God (to know Him intimately) 4. Turn/repent from wickedness/sin... and don't look back...

You can probably tell that I like photographing barns. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they also are constructed of many different materials. I've seen log barns, rock barns, as well as those covered in wood boards, sheet metal, plywood and assortments of the three all at once. The substance(s) from which they are made may depend on its purpose, location or material available at the time. I too was made for a purpose and my Builder did not skimp on materials when He designed me. The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4) I may be flesh and blood, but I am also soul and spirit. I am being made for His glory and praise. Yes, I am a work in progress but my character is being shaped more and more each day to take on the appearance of Christ Jesus. Not that I will ever attain perfection in this life, but one day I will be like Him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we kno...

I don't know about you but we have a refrigerator full of leftovers and my pants are a bit tighter than normal, but thankfulness is something that we should never get over. It ought not be a one day occasion but a year round lifestyle for Christians. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossian church and reminded them several times about living with a heart of gratitude. It's a good reminder for us too. Be established in faith, and overflow with thanksgiving. (Col.2:7) Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts... and be thankful. (Col.3:15) And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Col.3:17) Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Col.4:2) Thanksgiving is a natural reaction when your heart is occupied with Christ. Faith, peace, service to others and prayer are the results of a life overflowing with grateful praise. Don't be a closet Christian in hiding. Demonstr...

This is the McDaniel farmhouse, sheds and barns. It is the oldest home standing in Evans County and even predates the county itself (founded in 1914). It stands as a testament to quality workmanship and ongoing maintenance. Perhaps if we did as good a job at maintaining our lives then we too could look this good when we're 115+ years old. Keep your mind, body, soul and spirit active and sharp by daily exercising each. It does you no good to be physically alive yet spiritually dead, and you certainly won't enjoy your latter years if all you do is increase your intellect but fail to keep that heart muscle pumping strong. We ought to be like the Psalmist who wrote, "I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." (Psalm 119:16) And Paul, who wrote to Timothy, "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come." (1 Timothy 4:8)  Be fit for life -- now...

Bernie's Grocery is closed now in this location but is open in a more modern building just down the road. That seems to be the way it is with much of what we have... it's relevant, practical, useful and even state-of-the-art when new (or slightly new) but eventually it no longer serves its purpose or cannot keep up with the changing times. In Ecclesiastes 3:1, Solomon reminds us, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." So, we understand that life happens--good and bad. Everything has its place and time and purpose. Solomon goes on to say in verse 11, "[God] has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart." While things come and go, and what was once beautiful eventually fades or rusts away, there is something that lasts forever -- a relationship with our Heavenly Father. Personally, I think it's wise to waste less time on temporary things and invest more time in tha...

Not everybody trusts paintings but people believe photographs.” – Ansel Adams Well, even the famous Ansel Adams magically tweaked his photographs. The photo you see here was actually taken during the day and I added the night sky and mood in order to bring a sense of realism. You shouldn't believe everything you see any more than you should believe everything you read. Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you." (Mark 13:5) For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (Mark 13:22) Even Christians can be deceived/fooled if they are not regularly in God's Word, studying together with other believers, and having an active part in a faith community. If you don't know the Word then you will fall for smooth talking, false teachings that will lead you astray and far from God's will. How can you know deceptive words. The last book of the Bible gives us the answer in a warnin...

If you saw the movie Forrest Gump then you'll remember the scene where young Forrest is being taunted and chased by bullies and he takes off running, freeing himself from the literal shackles of medical equipment that was attached to his legs. When we were in Yellowstone National Park in 2011 we were photographing this grizzly when a loud noise spooked it from a time of quiet grazing and digging... and it ran. I had never seen a grizzly run so fast. You can see the dirt and mud flying up behind this bear. It's not a great shot because I was not prepared to shoot at that speed, but you get the point -- this bear was hauling! Like Forrest Gump and this grizzly, there ought to be things in our life from which we hit the gas and fling mud behind us as we high-tail it out of sight. In the New Testament we read: Flee from sexual immorality. (1 Corinthians 6:18) Flee from idolatry. (1 Corinthian 10:14) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil... flee from all th...

God adorned this grouse with the perfect camouflage for hiding among the grasses in Yellowstone to evade detection from predators. We too can find ourselves looking like our environment, our culture, our coworkers and neighbors. As Christians we can look just like everyone else and go undetected as being "different." However, God did not save you to go into hiding. He desires for you to be witnesses of His saving grace. The King James Version Bible translation reads: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9) Peculiar might have some negative connotations, but in actuality it means "a people for God's own possession, dedicated, consecrated, a purchased people, or people who belong to God." Christians are not like everyone else. We are special and set apart and ought to live like it, showing fo...

For thousands of years, from Ancient Greek legend to modern literature and TV, humans have portrayed owls as sage and wise. The wise owl appears in everything from The Iliad to Winnie the Pooh. But, it turns out, though they’re excellent hunters, owls probably aren’t any smarter than a lot of other birds. Many people consider themselves wise in their own eyes or according to the world's standards, but God's ways are much higher. In fact, one must acknowledge their total lack of understanding before they can become teachable by God and truly wise. The Bible tells us: Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18) So, what does it mean to be wise? How do I live as a wise person? 1. First, know and do that which is good. A bank teller can quickly detect a counterfeit bill, not because they've studied bad currency but because they authentically know the...

I encountered this unique moment in Yellowstone a few years ago with a hawk and eagle flying together. Believe it or not, there are two verses in the Bible (also together) that mention these two beautiful birds, and they were spoken by God to a man named Job, and He begins with the question... "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them." (Job 38:2-3) When God tells you to brace yourself like a man, you can bet He's going to speak hard truth into your life. And it should be understood upfront that you will NOT win an argument with God. Job was in a very bad place in his life and questioned God's wisdom and actions, so God began to ask Job many questions for which he had no answers, including the following... "Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings toward the south? Is it at your command that the eagle rises to the heights ...

The path leading up to Trout Lake is short but very steep. Between the high elevation and arduous incline, it's difficult to make it to this body of water without a rest stop or two. But once you arrive, the path around the lake is a scenic wonder. And it your timing is just right, perhaps you'll see some otters dining on freshly caught trout. There is only one path that will take you to this heavenly location. Likewise, there is only one path that will take you to heaven. Show me the right path, O Lord. (Psalm 25:4) And in case you need further assistance getting started on that right path, Jesus said... "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6) Trout Lake Yellowstone National Park

We find encouragement in God's promise to us that those who trust in God, young or old, will find NEW strength and enable us to keep the course laid out before us. It is not a physical strength of and by ourselves but rather measured out generously by the everlasting Creator of all the earth. Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.  Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. 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 40:28-31) Are you soaring like an eagle or strutting like a turkey? If you're strutting like you're something, then one day you will become weak, tired, exhausted and powerless. Trust in ...

There are a lot of confused people in this world who are convinced that right is wrong and wrong is right. Their vision of truth is blurred. If that's the case then we ought to be more like Paul and Silas... people who were seen as turning the world upside down. "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." (Acts 17:6) Although the above statement was intended to be a derogatory remark about these two Christian missionary preachers, I'm sure for them it was a badge of honor. And we too ought to be accused of turning the world upside down for Jesus. Why? Because there will never be a time when sin is okay with God. His truth should be in your heart, on your lips and in your actions so that people see that the world they're living in is already upside down. We're just here to help people flip their thoughts back to right side up.

If you live in Atlanta (like I do) or another urban area, then you are quite familiar with traffic jams. In the Smokies I have often been in bear jams and deer jams. Pictured here you have a log jam after high water in Yellowstone National Park. Sometimes you may also encounter "jams" in your personal life where a relationship is not developing as you had hoped or maybe you're in a career where you don't seem to be getting anywhere or advancing as you dreamed. Time certainly changes our perspective as we look back and see where it was favorable that we were in a holding pattern. God works things out like that for our good and His glory... although we might not always see His hand at the time. There is another area of your life that you might not think about often with regard to jams and that is your personal spiritual growth. Is it stifled right now? Not growing? Are your prayers bouncing off the ceiling and you feel like you're in a dry spell? There's go...

Most organisms can only survive in certain environments. While one may be able to survive extreme cold, another may be able to withstand life deep underwater. Yet another may thrive in a very hot environment. The bacteria in Yellowstone are accustomed to the heat of the water, but at varying levels of comfort. You'll note the varieties of bacterial growth by their color - blue fades into green into yellow, orange, red and then brown. As LiveScience explains: In the orange band, which is a "cool" 149 degrees F, you’d find Synechococcus and Chloroflexus bacteria (which also contain both chlorophyll, for photosynthesis, and the carrot-colored carotenoids). God created this bacteria to live and thrive in these extreme temperatures. He created you to live and thrive too where you are. Unfortunately many people are just getting by or trying to survive. From the Psalmist we learn that thriving isn't about WHAT you have but rather WHO you have. You have given me greate...

This bison calf is doing what calves are supposed to do... drink milk. How absurd would it be for a full-grown bison to still be living off of mother's milk? Crazy, right? The writer of the book of Hebrews in the Bible warns that we should "grow up" as Christians and mature from drinking milk to eating solid foods. He is not talking about literal food but about spiritual food. We should read, study and learn God's Word so that we will not be deceived by false teaching and lies from other sources. See below... "You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong." (Hebrews 5:12-1...

Some of you may get a little squeamish at a sight like this, but in Yellowstone the animals all realize they are either predator or prey. And that status can change one moment to another depending on their size, speed, agility, and persistence. This harsh reality is not limited to the animal kingdom because if you look closely you'll see this to be true of many human beings... although it's debatable whether their actions are indeed humane. The TV news reports a continuous cycle of greed, murder, abuse, neglect, suffering and violence. Why do people act like that? Because it's in our nature -- well, our old nature... the one we were born with. Paul, to the church in Ephesus, wrote... And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the d...

You can't help but be amazed at the sight of a tree growing out of a rock. I image the day when that seed found its way into a crevice of that lava rock boulder. After a little rain, a little sunshine, and a lot of persistence, roots appeared and began making their way into that hard surface. Trees mature slowly in Yellowstone because of a limited growing season and harsh winter conditions, so the skinny evergreen on the right could be decades old. Who knows? The point is, it stands tall... firmly rooted and established securely in the rock. As Christians, we too mature at different rates depending on our environment and influences, but we all have one thing in common -- we are rooted in the Rock of our Salvation (Jesus Christ) in whom we can have full confidence and faith. Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith. (Colossians 2:6-7) ‘You are my Father, my God, and the Rock of my salvation.’ (P...