Grounded by Brodie Swisher I just wrapped up a great weekend with the folks at First Baptist Church in Kimberling City, MO. I was blessed with the opportunity to speak at their Beast Feast event on Saturday, share in their church services on Sunday, and then spend a few days with some of their men in Texas for a hog hunting retreat. It’s been a great time and I’ve watched God move in a big way in the lives of the men and women here. But as I’m writing this, I find myself sitting at an airport in the midst of an ice storm….grounded. Flights are being cancelled and delayed due to the ice, snow, hail, wind, and weather all across the Midwest. My only desire right now is to get home to see my sweet wife and kids. I don’t really care to hang out with the fellas, I’m not interested in seeing another hog, and to be really honest, I’m not that interested in “doing ministry” today. But I’m finding that my plans don’t seem to be the plans for the day. My motives are pure and my thoughts are family focused. But even with the best of intentions, we often see that our ways are not always what God has in store for us. Job opportunities, situations with our kids, health of our families, and plans for tomorrow; we like to think we’ve got it all figured out and know the best possible scenario for the journey we’re on. But God’s ways are typically different. It’s frustrating as heck…but that’s why He’s God. He sees way beyond my limited vision, and I can do nothing more than rest in that. He is God...He is good…and His goodness keeps us grounded. "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9
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The Shed by Brodie Swisher As winter makes its way towards spring, deer hunters across the country begin the welcomed chore of looking for shed deer antlers. The antler obsession continues to grow with each passing season as more and more hunters discover the excitement, and benefit, of finding the sheds of bucks that made it through another hunting season. Shed hunting…it’s like an Easter egg hunt for big kids! And despite what the past season brought our way, the discovery of a shed antler brings a new perspective for the season ahead. Hope is renewed, the passion is stoked, and we long for the next opportunity to live the hunt once again. The cool thing is that no matter what size antler we find, we know that we are holding a part of the past. And the change that is taking place in the life of that buck will bring bigger and better things in the days ahead. The buck shed off his old self, and with each passing season will continue to grow to his true potential. The Bible speaks of a change that needs to take place in our lives as we put off the old nature of our lives and begin fresh with a new season of life. And despite what many think, the new nature brings the best yet. “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God--truly righteous and holy.” Ephesians 4:22-24 When we shed off the old ways of our life and commit to live our lives for God, there ought to be a significant change in who we are, how we live, and what we look like to others. We were created to be like God. Are you more like Him today than you were in seasons past? Riding Out The Storm by Brodie Swisher A snow storm blew through the other day dumping fresh snow across our valley in western Montana. I took some time in the midst of the storm to get out with my camera to see what critters I might find. At one point in the morning I found a small herd of deer bedded down, riding out the storm’s pounding snow. They didn’t seem to have a care in the world. For them, it was just another day in paradise. They had no doubt seen it before…and would surely experience it again. The storm was simply part of life. They had somehow found comfort, even in the midst of a snow storm. My encounter with these deer reminded me of the story from the Bible when Jesus was sleeping in the boat while the disciples were freaking out as they did their best to ride out a storm on the lake. “Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" Jesus responded, "Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!" Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.” Matthew 8:24-46 I don’t know what storm of life you may be going through right now, but I want to encourage you to keep the faith. Maybe there’s a storm on the horizon for you or your family. Hold fast! Never forget that the One who calmed the storm, with mere words from His mouth, is the same one that helps us ride out the storms of life today. Regardless of the situation or circumstance, our God is bigger. He is greater. He will carry you through the storm. |
Brodie SwisherBrodie Swisher is a World Champion game caller, accomplished speaker, a notable writer, a skilled hunter, and all around down to earth guy! His travels take him across the country as a well known public speaker in the arena of outdoor events such as wildgame dinners, banquests, archery classes, and filming. Above all Brodie Swisher loves Jesus and he can't wait to share his passion for Christ with those he meets. Archives
September 2013
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