Jacksonville, 1 John 1:9 by Humbly Serving Christ

The white, clear waters of Friendship Fountain contrast sharply with the dark storm clouds hovering over the city of Jacksonville. ABOUT JACKSONVILLE & ITS BEACHES: I am a native resident of the unique coastal metropolis of Jacksonville. With more than 850,000 residents living within its limits, Jacksonville is Florida’s largest city and the 12th largest city in the United States. In many ways defined by its aquatic setting, Jacksonville is bisected by the curving, north-flowing St. Johns River and flanked by a beautiful string of islands and beaches including the idyllic towns of Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach, lively Jacksonville Beach, exclusive Ponte Vedra Beach, and an array of preserved city and state park beaches. Between the river and the ocean, scenic expanses of coastal wetlands and oak hammocks provide pretty settings for nature trails and residential neighborhoods alike. Jacksonville is the hub of Florida’s First Coast region, a metropolitan area home to more than 1.5 million residents that has seen European visitors reach its shores since the 1500’s. Jacksonville has been getting increased attention as a destination for its beaches, the arts, sports, dining, and ecotourism. WHY WE NEED JESUS, AND HOW TO FIND HIM: We sure live in an amazing world, full of natural wonders, diverse creatures, and reliable scientific forces that all reflect the glory and splendor of Almighty God. From the brilliant reefs to the high-altitude peaks, God's handiwork has inspired generations of travelers to see the far corners of this magnificent planet He created. That said, man is the most special of all God's creations, as it is mankind with whom He seeks a personal relationship. One need not look far, whether in the big cities or remote rural outposts, to see that regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, economic status, or even religious background, all people need a Savior. Though some people strive for perfection, all will always fall short. Fortunately, our Father has seen to it that we don't need to be perfect; we need Jesus. While religion is about man trying to reach God, Christ is God reaching man. Christ died on a cross with all the weight of the past, present, and future sins of humanity on His sinless shoulders. Then, He rose from the dead, conquering death for all eternity. All men and women are broken, but if anyone confesses this brokenness, repents of all that makes him unworthy, and sincerely accepts Christ as Lord and Savior, then the gifts of salvation and eternal life will be his. Too often people find themselves playing games, hiding their true selves, or going through the motions of performing ritualistic "religious" behaviors with apathetic hearts. That said, Jesus already knows everything about every one of us. He created us. He knows our weaknesses, our failures, our temptations, and our insecurities. He sees us for who we really are, regardless of the masks we wear. No amount of money, no respectable status, no fancy clothing, and not even any kind of good works can fool Him. Don't try to be a better version of yourself than you really are. Jesus loves YOU and will meet you exactly where you are. Just be sincere, and if you truly submit yourself to Him, He will help change whatever needs to be changed from the inside out. Trust Jesus! He loves you and wants a relationship with you. Accept Him into your heart, and He will free you from bondage to sin, and the guilt associated with it. If you don't know how to ask Him into your heart, then try saying the following prayer. The exact wording is not important, but the attitude and intentions of your heart are very important. Do it today! Lord Jesus, I recognize that I need you in my life. Thank you for accepting me just as I am. I seek You and want to receive You as my personal Lord and Savior. Please come into my heart, and forgive me for all my sins. I am Yours. Thank you, Jesus! Amen! ABOUT "HUMBLY SERVING CHRIST": The notion of "Humbly Serving Christ" is something that the Lord has really placed on my heart over the past couple years. The profile picture I have chosen, a close-up of my own bare feet with the words "HUMBLY SERVING CHRIST," is symbolic. I love the freedom that I feel when walking barefoot, but with that freedom I also get a sense of vulnerability and humility. Similarly, since accepting Christ into my heart over a decade ago, I have found great freedom in being able to humble myself before my loving Creator. You see, being humble doesn't mean being a weakling or having low self-esteem, or any of the other misinterpretations that often come to mind. Being humble involves knowing who you are in your relationship with Christ, and having the freedom to be open, honest, and vulnerable before the King of Kings, the Creator of the Universe. While I have always struggled with pride and shyness issues, I am trying, with the Lord's help, to take what can be a prideful hobby of mine (photography) and make it something that will bring Him glory. It is also my hope that the Scriptures seen on my photos may serve as some kind of needed encouragement or well-timed "sign" to that person (perhaps you) who needs just one more nudge to seek Jesus. I pray that my photography stays true to this mission.