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The young man sought wisdom, direction and answers from the old sage. "Where, oh where can I find God? I want to find and experience God." The older man took the young boy to a small lake where they looked, listened and experienced all that was around them. Suddenly, the old man grabs the young boy by the scruff of his neck, thrusts his head under the water and holds him there. The boy struggles to find his breath, but is only surrounded by water. Fighting and seeking freedom, he grabs this old man, but to know avail. Finally the boy gives up and runs out of fight. When the boy becomes relaxed, the man pulls him up out of the water and the boy, breathes in that first life restoring breath. The sage looks the young man in the eyes, and says, "When you desire to encounter God and seek His face, as you seek that first breath, You will find Him, because He is in fact there!

Hear the Good News, seeking the face of God is the ultimate desire of our heart. The even better news is that He is there for us. Running this morning at Martin Lake State Park, the water was smooth, the birds were the violators of silence and the peacefulness was almost holy. The sun coming up over the tall pines can even remind me of the rising Son. Yet, where is it that we find God? Scripture, life, and the small tugs within our heart. Scripture and the study of it, opens our life to where God has been, is and will be. Life, watching the small miracles of how God works within life is where we can find God. And of course our heart can and will lead us to experience God's presence, grace, calling upon our life, and love. Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God . . .

Gracious Father, it is Your face that I seek. I hope to be surrounded by all that is You, that I might be able to recognize and share who You are with others. When I read Your word, open my mind and heart to the inspiration of Your Holy Spirit. When I watch the world and all that is in it, open my eyes that I might see Your hand. And please, oh Lord, open my ears to hear the calling You have placed in my life. Thank you Father, for all You have done and all You will continue to do in my life. Amen.