On Mission Photography by Bryan Nowak

When it gets dark, you need a light to illuminate the way. Trust God to guide you down the road of unfamiliarity. The prophet Isaiah quoted God as saying: I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do. (Isaiah 42:16)

Does anybody else feel that life is just too busy? Almost overwhelming? I draw a peaceful feeling when photographing in the Smokies, but unfortunately feelings come and go like the wind. It was at the birth of Jesus that the angels proclaimed, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth PEACE to those on whom His favor rests." (Luke 2:14) I have come to realize that there will never be peace with all people and in all circumstances. I take comfort in the following words of Jesus: “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) There is no life struggle where you cannot find peace internally and eternally when you know Jesus. He said "in Me" you may have peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, therefore He is the only real source of peace and the only giver of true peace.

I've been asked, "How do I pray?" Jesus was asked the same thing by His disciples after being observed talking to His Father. Read Matthew 6:5-14 for this conversation. There's one thing you should be prepared for, however, because Jesus is not a magic genie in a lamp. If you petition God's help according to Jesus' model prayer then you should be willing to accept the results. Remember, it's THY will be done and not MY will be done. Verse 10 of Jesus' prayer is: "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." We are used to walking up to the fast food counter and getting OUR order done OUR way. But if we accept His "Yes" then we must be willing to accept His "No" or "Wait" as well based on God's will and plan. Regardless of how our prayers are answered, He is still good and He is still God. He knows what's best for the present and He knows how it will all work out for the future...

For many of you this scene is very familiar from internet posts. For others, you've traveled it countless times and in your mind you can easily travel around this curve and into the next scene and the next because you know each foot of those Cades Cove Loop Road 11 miles intimately. I don't know about you but my heart still beats rapidly with excitement and anticipation for what may lie around the next bend or over the next hill. I can honestly say this is also true of my faith journey. While walking with Jesus is familiar territory, I am in constant awe of what God has in store for me around every curve and over every hill. There's nothing boring about my relationship with Jesus and He keeps my heart pounding for more. I truly have no idea where my faith journey will lead in this life -- I only know of my final destination... and I know who will be with me all along the way. In Matthew 1:23 we read of an angel's proclamation to Joseph. “Behold, the virgin shall ...

It was only a couple years ago that this area was ravaged by wildfires. Unfortunately, there was significant loss to life, property and natural resources. However, I thank God that He is in the restoration business. He is restoring the land and lives of those affected by the fire. He can also restore those areas in your life ravaged by personal loss, grief, sin or unforeseen circumstances. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. ~Psalm 23:1-3a Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Recently I shared a post about the importance of rooting yourself firmly in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Doing so enables you to hang on and stand firm in the worst of life's storms. BUT... what if your roots of faith are causing others to stumble. The Apostle Paul wrote the church in Corinth and advised mature believers to be careful not to offend or cause unbelievers and new Christians to stumble over things that are a matter of conscience rather than sound doctrine. So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God — even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) Paul suggested that we ought not argue our point (even if valid) but seek the good of others so that in time they might grow into a healthy, well-rounded and mature faith. Paul never says we ought to dis...

This is the Roaring Fork in the Great Smoky Mountains. It doesn't look like much right now but it got its name from the roar that resounds through the mountains after a rainfall as water surges violently downward carrying with it rocks, trees and debris. This bridge is located right beside the Jim Bales Place. I don't know if there was a bridge located here when the Bales' lived here or whether they only crossed the stream on good, low-water days. It's not a real photographic bridge but it is certainly functional for the purpose in which it was intended -- even on high-water days. Like this bridge, you were made for a purpose. God Almighty Himself formed you for His purpose and plan. You may be thinking that you've never done anything grand and glorious, or never will, but maybe God created you just to help someone over that stream of difficulty they are facing. Maybe what you do everyday as you love on others and serve their needs IS the grand and glorious plan...