- Baptist Press - https://www.baptistpress.com -

He Is Coming

[1]

EDITORS’ NOTE: Baptist Press is featuring a photo each day this week from “The Wonder of It All,” a devotional coffee table book published by Broadman & Holman Publishers.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–When Jesus came the first time, He came in a manger. When He comes again, He is coming in majesty. The first time, He shed His royal blood for our redemption. When He comes again, He is going to be dressed in royal robes to reign in righteousness. The first time, He came to a crucifixion. When He comes again, He is coming to a coronation. No longer will He wear a crown of thorns, but He will wear a diadem of glory. The first time He came, He was despised and rejected of men. When He comes again, every knee will bow. The clouds will be resplendent in glory as He triumphantly steps out of heaven. And we will meet Him face to face. Hallelujah — it may be sooner than we think!
–30–
Stand-alone photo reprinted from “The Wonder of It All,” a coffee table devotional book of scenic photography by Tom Fox, with text by Adrian Rogers, published by Broadman & Holman Publishers of LifeWay Christian Resources. Text copyright Adrian Rogers. Photo copyright Tom Fox. Used by permission. Tom Fox Fine Art Photography is on the Web at www.tomfoxphotography.com. Fox, of Memphis, Tenn., became a professional photographer 10 years ago, leaving his practice as a medical doctor to follow God’s call “to exemplify the beauty of the Creator’s works and to encourage all of us to walk in his ways.” Rogers is pastor of the Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church. Fox and Rogers are collaborating on a second collection, “The Nature of Hope,” for release in September 2003.



Additional photos in this series:

Enter by the narrow gate
By Adrian Rogers; photo by Tom Fox

Click to download Hi-Res Photo
Matthew 7:13,14
“Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction. … For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Every path is going somewhere. In fact, the path you’re on right now is headed somewhere. Let me ask you, “When you get to where you’re going, where will you be?” You have the greatest of privileges — it’s called a free will. God, in His infinite wisdom, gave each of us the opportunity to map out our journey choice by choice. You are free to choose, but you are not free not to choose; you are not free to choose the consequence of your choice. Knowing this, you must choose your path wisely, for it will determine your destiny. And praise Jesus, He has walked the way before and has promised to guide you. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Joy in the Morning
By Adrian Rogers; photo by Tom Fox

[2]

Click to download Hi-Res Photo
Psalm 30:5
Weeping may last for the night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–I lived through many a storm during my childhood in Florida. And one thing I can say with certainty — God always brings a calm after a storm. Though the night may be torn apart by gale force winds, crackling peals of thunder, and blinding flashes of lightning, the sun will blaze through the clearing clouds on the horizon the next morning. I see such a thing in this poignant sunrise at Tennessee’s Reelfoot Lake. It’s as though God’s power has burst through the darkness and given us new hope and renewed joy. The calm has once again returned. His peace has robbed the night of its despair. Oh, that we might trust God’s Word when He promises that joy will follow weeping. My friend, you can rest assured that if you go to bed despondent and hopeless, His joy will come in the morning.

Field of Dreams
By Adrian Rogers; photo by Tom Fox

Click to download Hi-Res
Photo
Matthew 6:28,30
Observe how the [flowers] of the field grow…. If God so arrays the grass of the field … will He not much more do so for you?”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–If you’ve fussed and fumed through life’s challenges, wondering if the Sovereign Creator was napping under a shade tree, I have a message for you: God is still on the throne and He is still watching over you. The God who hung the stars, poured the oceans, and raised the mountains is still here. Look at the flowers in this field. Your loving Father has dressed this hillside with beauty. He will do the same for you. Perhaps you’ve made Jesus the Savior of your life but have never allowed Him to be the Lord of your life through your darkest hours and most difficult days. You can do that today by asking His forgiveness and surrendering to Him: “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7). He cares. He truly does.

The Blessing
By Adrian Rogers; photo by Tom Fox

Click to download Hi-Res
Photo
Psalm 16:11
In Thy presence is fulness of joy; in Thy right hand there are pleasures forever.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BP)–Nestled in the hills of the Great Smoky Mountains is this quaint country church. With nothing else around and the mist hugging the trees, it would almost appear that this little church is lost. Yet, in Psalm 139, we read that wherever we go, God’s presence is there. And in His presence is joy forevermore! Like the mist that shrouds this little church, the Spirit of God is present in the world. What a blessing to know He is always there. And He is calling your name. Job 36:16 says, “He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction” (NIV). Will you answer His call?