Tag: creation

Seeking God Requires No Browser

Jeannie Waters6 Comments on Seeking God Requires No Browser

How quickly we can access information and products in 2019! With a browser and a device at our fingertips, we can locate recipes, find steps for a DIY project, retrieve information from the Cloud, or track a threatening storm. We can read a book online or purchase one.  

Connecting with family, friends, and colleagues is just as easy. Internet access paves the way for face-to-face online meetings, electronic greeting cards, texting, calling, or connecting on social media.  

Once we desire information or contact, it’s instantly available unless there are technology glitches.

What about our search to know God more intimately and to access the resources He promises to provide? How can we obtain peace, joy, comfort, wisdom, and other treasures that are only available from a heavenly Source? This week I studied a verse that reveals the answer.

The verse instructs us to seek the Lord’s strength as well as His presence. God is omnipresent and not difficult to find. He is always available to those who call on His name. However, we connect with Him to develop a closer relationship and to access blessings He longs to provide.

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!

1 Chronicles 16:11

Seeking the Lord through prayer and Bible study teach us more about Him and the gifts He prepares for us each day. Christian fellowship furthers our learning and encourages us in the quest for connection and a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  

Here’s another idea for a cool summer morning or late afternoon. Take a walk in a park, in your neighborhood, or simply around your yard and notice signs of creation that glorify the Creator and remind us of His presence. Ask God to use the wonders of nature this season to remind you to seek His strength and His presence each day this summer.  

What is helping you seek God’s presence? Please share your thoughts with us.

Blessings Abound

Jeannie Waters10 Comments on Blessings Abound

I learned an unexpected lesson while walking in my yard admiring the beauty of spring.

Our snowball bush is a profuse bloomer this year. Its huge white, ball-shaped flowers demand attention. There are so many blooms, I can’t imagine one more fitting onto the branches. This glorious shrub reminds me of God’s blessings—bountiful and perfectly selected for us. His provisions shout out His love to us when we pay attention. I wonder how many times I miss them and how many times I notice but forget to express gratitude.

Heavenly Father, lift my chin to notice the numerous ways You bless me. Thank You for the beauty of spring and eyes to see it.

At the foot of the snowball, two spirea bushes grow. As a child, I named these plants “Bride’s Bouquet” because they bloom with small clumps of tiny white flowers. These decorative shrubs are graceful and add a delicate, lacy touch to the spring parade. God’s blessings also delight us, adding beauty and grace to our lives and preparing us to serve others. I wonder how many opportunities I miss to share these God-given gifts.

Father God, remind me that blessings are not mine to tuck away and admire. Rather, they are designed to appreciate and share with those You place in my path. Make me a worthy steward of Your gifts.

 After admiring the large shrubs, I wandered around the yard and noticed weeds and wildflowers peeping through the grass. They, too, reminded me of God’s work in our lives.

The onion grass and its characteristic smell pepper the lawn with light green stems and white flowers. “Weeds are a nuisance,” I thought. Upon closer examination, I observed pretty, delicate little flowers heralding a new season. Instead of characterizing onion grass as a pest, I appreciated it as a unique sign of spring and another of God’s creations. Do I look for the good in everything or am I too quick to complain?

 Dear God, remind me to thank You in all things. You give only good gifts.

The next wildflowers I spotted impressed me with their royal color and dramatic shape. They stood in sharp contrast to the surrounding grass and urged me to take a closer look. Although their appearance was stunning, I’d almost missed them. I wonder if I ignore people in my path whose lives would enrich mine or vice versa.

Heavenly Father, slow me down when I’m too busy to notice the people You send to teach me and the people You plan for me to serve. Use me to encourage someone today.

As I studied other wildflowers through the lens of my camera, I realized they would disappear as soon as my husband cuts the grass. They would only provide colorful accessories to spring’s fashion show for only a few more days. How I wished they could stay. Some blessings are fleeting—ours to enjoy for only a brief time. A sunrise. A sunset. A new acquaintance. An opportunity to share the blessings of Christ Jesus.

Lord Jesus, let me fix my gaze on You each morning so that I notice and embrace all of the gifts You prepare. May I not miss a single opportunity to share Your love with others.

 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

                                                                                                             –James 1:17 ESV

Is God’s creation reminding you of blessings? Please tell us about those you’ve received or shared recently.