The Sun is Rising

The little video that this photo is taken from is worth watching: The Sun is Rising

Trees - Men

" “I see men, but they look like trees.” (Mark 8:24). Lord, leave me not with one lone touch. Keep touching till all is clear. " - John Piper

The cry of the needy

"He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap." - Psalm 113.7

"You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed...." - Psalm 10.17-18

Photo & stencil graffiti by icy

The face of Jesus

"'I see the face of Jesus in disguise,' said Mother Teresa about the dying beggars she would invite into her home in Calcutta - 'sometimes a most distressing disguise.' She, like Gandhi, understood that the direction of charity is not condescending, but rather ascending: in serving the weak and the poor, we are privileged to serve God himself." - P.Yancey

A crown of thorns.

"It ill becomes you to make much of dress and show, when you are so soon to see the face that was crowned with thorns." - RMM via J.Piper

He opened not His mouth

"Never man spake like Him (John 7.46) and never was man silent like Him." Spurgeon

I still can't comprehend how Jesus always spoke so beautifully. His every word is absolutely perfect. What blows my mind even more though, is His silence. I love this God-man. And I love His words. Out of everyone, He has a right to defend Himself, yet He doesn't... instead, His silence speaks in my defense, when I'm the guilty one.

Let me sail..

Photo by Sarah V. Elston

I caught a glimpse of You today, as shards of light danced across the ocean, merging sun and sea into single sapphire dewdrops; it was a timely unison. A summer radiance overthrew yesterday's grey countenance, and every resident of that water-city seemed to sing with victory. For a moment, Your laughter was written into the face of the great deep.

When You withdraw, all pleasing colours fade from those waves, like blood that drains from a broken man's skin. They have no brightness of their own.. they are not whole... like a bride without her groom. With no metronome to tame it's song, the current writhes at the hands of fierce winds, like a restless troubled soul. It's breakers crash upon the rocks, unleashing heavy salty tunes.. and my own heart echos their cry, releasing heavy salty tears. We toss as one, the vast ocean and i... we utter sounds simultaneously, as we share our longing for Your rays again.

Yet today, as i gazed into the waters heart and You unveiled Your shimmering eyes, hope surged through the fragments of my soul. I heard a faint whisper of the voice that stills the waters; a faint promise that the day is not far off. And I burst with gratitude at Your faithfulness. But still my every fibre flows with yearning... I long to sail peaceful seas again, to let You calm my ocean. I wait in hope for Your voice that speaks to my depths and hushes mighty storms. I wait in hope for the gentle tide that draws me to You, my desired haven.

"He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven." - Psalm 107.29-31

Old Brighton Pier

I like these double exposures by Dan Mountford

Twenty Three

"Arise Oh Lord

Lift up Your eyes

Don’t forget I’m helpless

Oh You lead me to waters and pastures so green

Oh You pour out Your oil and choose goodness and mercy for me

No I will not be in want

You’re with me

I will not fear

You comfort me

I will not fear.

Everything i've ever wanted, i find in You. I could run away and You will never leave. You will always stay, right by my side."

- Song Lyrics to Twenty Three by Aaron Strumpel -

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Photos by Ibán Ramón.