2023-12-23 19:59
42 years, 255 pages, and dozens of attempts later, it’s done. I’m finally a published author!
Though He Fall: My Journey Through Surrender, Loss, And A Thousand Healings… Read More
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Green P@stures | Amazing Grace. Amazing Places. Blog
pasturescott.wordpress.com
Amazing grace. Amazing places.
2023-12-20 19:24
Each year, Sandy chooses a word or phrase that serves as a theme for our holiday season. This year’s word is “merry.” In years’ past, she has displayed “gat… Read More
2023-07-02 15:44
Rain, rain, go away.
Come again, some other day…
We sang that tune as children, hoping that rain wouldn’t ruin our summer plans. As adults we hope and pray our family trip… Read More
2023-05-19 13:00
Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD.
Psalm 95:1
Back in the day I was “a singer who happened to preach.” It all started with “The Fire” followed by “Wha… Read More
2023-05-05 13:00
In my Father’s house are many rooms…I am going away to make ready a place for you.
John 14:2
By the time they arrived The Dwelling would be set up.
Numbers 10:21
Its… Read More
2023-04-21 13:00
“Come, let’s build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves…”
Genesis 11:4
We’ve long believed t… Read More
2023-04-14 13:00
I call out to you, “Violence!”But you do not deliver!
Habakkuk 1:2
Two Fridays ago was meant to be when 9-year old Evelyn Dieckhaus was to sing “What a Wonderful Worl… Read More
2023-03-17 14:17
little children, guard yourself from idols.
1 John 5:21
Content my soul in you O Christ,who alone are sufficient to my longings.
When my heart is beset by wheedling desire for what… Read More
2023-03-10 17:48
God springs into action.His enemies scatter;his adversaries run from him.As smoke is driven away by the wind, so you drive them away.As wax melts before fire,so the wicked are destroyed befo… Read More
2023-03-01 14:00
The Road to Emmaus, artwork by Daniel BonnellC. S. Lewis identified many of us as “ordinary privates in the huge army of the bereaved, slogging along and making the best of a bad job… Read More
2023-02-17 14:00
In the year of King Uzziah’s death, I saw the Lord seated on a high, elevated throne. The hem of his robe filled the temple.
Isaiah 6:1
I heard another Christian Recording Artist… Read More
2023-02-10 14:00
Have you ever seen someone in pain who’s not handling it well? I know you have and I have too. It’s not pretty is it? They can become bitter. Sometimes they get angry and strike… Read More
2023-02-03 14:00
Should anyone’s life illustrate the maxim, “If God brought you to it, he’ll bring you through it” it’s Joseph. Very much against his will Joseph was “brou… Read More
2023-01-27 14:00
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about God?
Jesus told a story that is clearly about God the Father. In the story there are two villains, a younger brother and… Read More
2023-01-20 14:00
Most of you know I was blessed to draw a line through a big item on my bucket list last year. There we were, Sandy and I, road trippin’ with two best friends, Alan and Kelli, across th… Read More
2023-01-13 14:00
Resting Ships by Paul KleeBut Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.Genesis 6:8There was once a man named Noah. When he was born, his dad looked at him and said, “Finally, some hope… Read More
2022-12-30 14:00
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,
Hallelujah!
Revelation 19:1
“Hallelujah” appears twenty-four times in the B… Read More
2022-12-23 14:00
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Luke 1:41
This verse gets me. An unborn child leaping with the new… Read More
2022-12-16 14:00
The death of a beloved is an amputation.
C. S. Lewis, A Grief Observed
There’s a 10-foot tall Christmas tree in Tustin, California for families who grieve the loss of their childre… Read More
2022-12-09 15:41
Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?1 Corinthians 3:16Christmas is nearly upon us. We can be certain we will be treated to all forms of… Read More
2022-12-02 14:22
If you’re at all familiar with the sitcom Friends, you know Chandler. The likable character, played by Matthew Perry, captured fans’ hearts through his youthful innocence and mem… Read More
2022-11-09 19:43
If you googled Charles Templeton you would read about a gentleman who traveled with Billy Graham in his early years of ministry. People called them the ‘Gold Dust Twins,’ a term… Read More
2022-10-04 15:24
I was reading an ‘anti-abortion’ scripture passage, when the Holy Spirit jostled my heart. A sudden parting of a curtain allowed me a peek inside a gospel mystery. In a quick ins… Read More
2022-09-03 14:24
In Eugene Peterson’s classic, A Long Obedience In The Same Direction, he writes of a time when he needed to sharpen the blade on his lawnmower. He got the biggest wrench he could find… Read More
2022-08-19 16:29
I want to open with a story, but it’s not mine to tell. It is an intensely personal story for Sandy and I needed to ask her permission before sharing it. She felt it was right and agre… Read More
2022-08-05 15:19
Y’all remember when “sloppy wet kiss” was sung in churches a good many years ago? Thank the kind Lord for Crowder’s good save with “unforeseen kiss.” It… Read More
2022-07-28 17:44
Do you seek great things for yourself?Seek them not.Jeremiah 45:5Jeremiah’s sidekick, Baruch, is plotting his next move.
He’s stood faithfully beside Judah’s wildly unsu… Read More
2022-07-19 17:08
Is anyone among you suffering? Is anyone cheerful? Is anyone among you sick? James 4Hey James, how about, Is anyone just plain sick and tired?
Have any of you felt like it doesn’t m… Read More
2022-06-16 22:26
I come to worship you, Lord. I desperately need it, but I’m having a hard time getting my head in a right place.
“Nothing in my hands I bring”?
Hardly. I come with… Read More
2022-06-08 17:39
My apologies for the recent post, “A Little Wine For Your Troubles” re-publishing three or four times. Turns out it was a software (faulty plug-in) issue.
I pray the issue is… Read More
2022-04-13 17:33
Today I’m braving a huge ask of the Father.
letitwine.comI find myself emboldened to do it based on a morning reading from one of the ancient prophets. No doubt we’re all fami… Read More
2022-03-20 16:21
©️ Pasturescott I am struck by this sledgehammer of words that careened off the page in the direction of my heart:
“The noonday devil of the Christian life is the tempta… Read More
2022-03-04 18:14
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:15-5:4
Fellow pilgrim, follower of Christ, brother and sister in the faith, we are not built for this world. We are made for the next.
Paul invites us to GRO… Read More
2022-01-20 18:48
Today I’m 48 years old.
In the Lord.
It all started on a Sunday in our family room, kneeling in front of the couch. Dad was on his knees beside me. A half-eaten Sunday dinner was… Read More
2021-12-23 18:00
©️ Pasturescott “X-mas” was close to a cuss word in the church circles in which I grew up. Borderline sacrilege. People who wished you a “Merry Xmas” were… Read More
2021-12-17 14:00
“How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
— Mary, Luke 1:34
FreeBibleImages.comIf you know me at all, you know how much I love the writings of the late Eugene Peterson… Read More
2021-11-15 16:27
©️ Pasturescott Looking back on this blog, I can spot times where I’ve written angsty at the church or when I’ve made the gospel seem as though it was only for the el… Read More
2021-11-04 18:03
Image: Freedom Studio/ShutterstockIt’s the month of thanks, or, if you’re born anew, a continuation of the theme.
Here I’ll raise mine Ebenezer and join the family sing… Read More
2021-10-02 13:35
I’m dedicating this post to the grandest of earthly companions, my wife, who’s gone everywhere with me since the start. Thank you, Gracious Lord, for the gift of Sandy. You know… Read More
2021-09-23 14:45
Crazy times, huh?
Back in the 80s Billy Joel had a hit song, “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” in which he lyricized his life from 1949 to 1989 through the headlines, some goo… Read More
2021-08-28 20:22
Which of these is true:
Your life is temporal and ultimately lacks meaning and lasting valueYou are imperfect at best so do what you can with what you haveYou were created for a divine pu… Read More
2021-07-31 11:03
“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain
Once upon a time a Sunday school teacher got a b… Read More
2021-07-26 15:17
Scott’s sick. Again.
Scott’s in the hospital. Again.
We need to pray for Scott‘s health. Again.
In recent weeks yet another ambulance crew carried me from my home… Read More
2021-07-05 14:53
Luke 1:68-79 —
Then Zacharias, his father, filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking like a prophet, said, “Blessings on the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has turned his… Read More
2021-06-30 19:14
2 Chronicles 32:20-21Then Hezekiah the king and Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, prayed because of this and cried to heaven. And the LORD sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty warrio… Read More
2021-06-17 15:48
Photo by Sandy Mitchell, Gatlinburg, TNThe old joke goes like this: a doctor called in his patient following some tests and told him, “I’ve got some good news and I’ve got… Read More
2021-06-05 20:48
I’m not a Muslim because of two words. I have friends who follow the teachings of Mohammed regarding Allah, and I love them, but could never take their path.
These two words safegu… Read More
2021-05-28 14:32
Occasionally you’ll find some really good stuff on Xian social media. This was a Twitter thread I ran across,* instantly saw its value to this site, and ‘unrolled’ it to eq… Read More
2021-05-28 13:16
Anywhere you find an anemic church, the problem can easily be traced. The issue is certainly not with Jesus, or his Word, or our mission statements. When Jesus said “I will build My ch… Read More
2021-05-24 14:45
Dickens penned one of the greatest opening lines in a novel with “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
It takes a whole other level of creativity to f… Read More
2021-05-16 16:48
I can’t walk.
It’s not a temporary condition. It doesn’t only afflict me on certain days. It’s lifelong. If my overhead lift in the bedroom loses power I have to w… Read More
2021-04-22 17:11
©️ Scott Mitchell Moody’s my guy. I grew up reading his sermons, learning about his life, quoting him, reading stories about him. D.L. is my categorical “can’t… Read More
2021-04-07 19:02
For such affrontery, he should have been slapped and shown the door. The unmitigated gall. Such gumption.
A rich kid, wanting to see the world, asked for – nay – demanded his… Read More
2021-04-01 19:56
No, it’s not what you’re thinking. My theological sensibilities are well aware the title is misleading, but hear me out.
I was once in a coffee shop talking to someone who had… Read More
2021-03-31 18:11
My first mistake was getting on Twitter. My second, reading the comments from armchair prophets. A particular tweet asked if Christians might not be dogwhistled by the implications of vaccin… Read More
2020-11-03 21:41
In a few hours the polls will mercifully close around here. Who can stand another political ad or text? Not I. As reported, I can safely say there is no hand-wringing in heaven. The angels… Read More
2020-06-09 19:53
This article was inspired by a recent exchange I’ve had with one of my nieces. She lives in NYC and asked for some spiritual guidance for understanding how we as a people could possibl… Read More
2020-04-29 16:22
Let me tell you a Jesus story.
Several days later, Jesus returned to Capernaum, and the news quickly spread that he was back in town. Soon there were so many people crowded inside the hou… Read More
2020-04-21 23:11
©️ Pasturescott You must be new here.
By new, I’m guessing you may be a newcomer to this thing called faith, and if that’s the case (since the rest of us are exper… Read More
2019-12-16 20:17
©️ Pasturescott One of my favorite words is ‘snug’.
‘Snug’ makes you feel all tucked in as a down comforter beside a warm fire on a snowy night. It’… Read More
2019-10-22 16:51
“O, Theophilus…” Acts 1:1
I was recently in a conversation with a close friend and regular reader (and commenter) here, about how our respective ministry lives have shrunk… Read More
2019-10-09 17:23
Luke 18 is all about being heard.
First, in Jesus’s signature story-form, we find a widow hanging on to her last thread of hope; unfortunately, her hope is found in a Gentile judge (no… Read More
2019-10-03 01:26
©Pasturescott Today is sacred to me.
I understand every day is sacred, but this one has an extra blast from the ram’s horn for yours truly. Not coincidentally, on days like this… Read More
2019-09-30 00:21
©Pasturescott John 11:25-26Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in… Read More
2019-09-09 15:51
Photography ©️ Pasturescott John 10:17-18For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down o… Read More
2019-08-31 16:07
photography ©️ Pasturescott
“His desire is toward me.” (SS 7:10)
My Savior, it is this especially that I crave at your hand: unveil to me the love of your hea… Read More
2019-08-16 17:57
WHY CAN’T I GET ANYTHING OUT OF MY TIME IN THE WORD?!?!?
God told Ezekiel to eat the scroll, the whole scroll, and nothing but the scroll. John the revelator was told to do the same… Read More
2019-08-03 21:55
My friend J____,
Your words leave me grasping for words that don’t smack of buttoned-up pietism or following predictable lines. As I mentioned earlier, I believe the Lord has kept me… Read More
2018-09-23 17:31
St Augustine Beach ©️PasturescottIt helps, now and then, to step back and take a long view.
The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts, it is even beyond our vision.
We accomplis… Read More
2018-07-08 15:21
“Vulture takes flight” ©️ Pasturescott2 Chronicles 20:22Now when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount… Read More
2018-07-07 23:58
“After the rain” ©️ PasturescottI do not have the courage to force myself to search out beautiful1 prayers in books. There are so many of them it really gives me… Read More
2018-05-13 23:35
Photography ©️ Pasturescott[this shot is for Sandy on her fifth Mother’s Day without Graham; it symbolizes her world blown apart by grief for a son lost too soon, even as h… Read More
2018-05-04 16:14
Photography/Art ©️ PasturescottSimon Peter may have been a pro at fishing but he still had a lot to learn about discipleship. (Don’t we all?)
Let’s talk about that t… Read More
2018-04-25 13:19
Photography ©️ PasturescottPsalms 42:7
Deep calls to deep
at the roar of your waterfalls;
all your breakers and your waves
have gone over me.
[Is it possible, Lord, that the inmo… Read More
2018-04-15 13:57
Photography ©️ PasturescottMatthew 6:25 (Passion Transl)This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, c… Read More
2018-04-13 11:19
Photograph ©️ PasturescottIn this edition of the “Pasture’s Podcast” we’ll be contemplating the question ‘which side of the Truth will you find your… Read More
2018-04-11 12:40
Photography ©️ PasturescottJude 1:21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.
“What drives our life mu… Read More
2018-04-02 14:26
Dogwood blossoms ©️ PasturescottIt’s been a long while since my last podcast (the good-intention road being paved and all), so I dusted off the ol’ mic and Audacity r… Read More
2018-03-25 11:44
Dogwood blossoms Photo ©️ PasturescottRide on, ride on in majesty!In lowly pomp ride on to die;O Christ, thy triumphs now beginO’er captive death and conquered sin. … Read More
2018-01-04 19:33
David, like his namesake, is an unashamed worshipper of JesusDavid Illidge is one of several young men I’m privileged to mentor. I often give my guys homework each time we meet and Dav… Read More
2018-01-02 17:59
Photo © Scott MitchellGod is very particular about his grammar, especially where it concerns us. Consider the back-and-forth gospel pronouns of this glorious scripture,
He has made him… Read More
2017-12-31 19:46
We’re getting ready to ring in a new year. Let’s pause a tick and put a gospel checkmark in the ledger of 2017, shall we? Whether we failed or succeeded…or failed a b… Read More
2017-12-22 17:23
It rained. Oh, how it rained!
A rather unfestive three days before Christmas, the storms were so bad we couldn’t get out of the van to watch the men lower our son’s body into its… Read More
2017-12-20 01:57
Photo ©️ Scott MitchellBut this is the one to whom I will look:
(s)he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at my word. Isaiah 66:2
The cries of ‘fake news&rsqu&hell…Read More
2017-12-11 19:12
Photograph ©️ Scott MitchellJust as surely as you placed the life of Jesus in Mary, you have done the same for me. Though in an entirely different way than Mary, I too am pregnan… Read More
2017-12-01 00:31
Photograph ©️ Scott MitchellRecently I was looking at the Ephesians text about husbands and wives, and the mystery of Christ and his church. The verse that says “he who lov… Read More
2017-11-23 19:57
Photograph ©️ Scott MitchellThis thanksgiving…
…There are no children at our table…God is good.
…There are no grandkids to spend the night and kiss on… Read More
2017-10-31 12:45
Today marks the 500th anniversary of Luther’s pounding 95 indictments into the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. An Augustinian monk, Luther was converted to Christ on… Read More
2017-10-13 16:27
My friend, Joshua, has been published here before and I wanted him to share more of his grace story; he’s graciously obliged, as you’ll see. Joshua is an on-staff missionary with… Read More
2017-10-03 15:45
Photograph © Scott Mitchell
mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13)
36 years ago yesterday I learned who God is at the bottom of a cliff. He met me there, stooping as a Friend, my &l&hell…Read More
2017-09-21 00:38
Photo © Scott Mitchell
Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us…
1 John 3:1
“Behold”
– not simply conceived towards us and willed unt… Read More
2017-09-17 17:51
© Scott Mitchell
Just think of stepping on shore—and finding it heaven!Of touching a hand—and finding it God’s!Of breathing new air—and finding it celestial!Of w… Read More
2017-09-08 17:24
© Scott Mitchell
Today was a confession session with Jesus. I went to my High Priest because, frankly, I’ve just been letting some things go. Spiritually speaking, I’v… Read More
2017-08-27 20:49
© Scott Mitchell
“How great is the happiness of loving and serving God while journeying through this valley of tears! This is the sweet peculiarity of the religion of Jesus. Oh h… Read More
2017-08-25 17:07
© Scott Mitchell
Jesus said we must be first drawn to the gospel of salvation by the will of the Father (John 6:44). We don’t come on our own; we are invited. I once heard a reno… Read More
2017-08-19 18:41
Bumblebee at Summer’s end. © Scott Mitchell
Just this morning I retweeted this to my Twitter friends [now *there’s* a sentence I never dreamed I’d write twenty years… Read More
2017-08-17 15:14
Sunflower © Scott Mitchell
The summer’s flower is to the summer sweetThough to itself it only live and die.– Wm. Shakespeare
Mostly, God speaks to me through scripture, b… Read More
2017-08-15 17:06
Blue Grosbeak
Jeremiah 31:3I have loved you with an everlasting love;
therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.
Ephesians 1:4-6
even as he chose us in him before the foundation of… Read More
2017-08-13 16:19
Carolina Wren
Let not the greatness of your transgressions appall you; let not the deep needs of your soul discourage you; let not the turpitude of your guilt dismay you; let not the intensi… Read More
2017-05-14 16:05
Gracious Father…I praise you for the wet crunch of celery, the soothing texture of ice cream, the alluring aroma of baking bread. I praise you for my wife’s gentle kisses and m… Read More
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