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Category: Scripture Index

  • Birdsong – Thoughts on the complexity of the created order

    Birdsong – Thoughts on the complexity of the created order

    White crowned Sparrow
    White Crowned Sparrow

    I stumbled out of bed for a few minutes around 4:30 this morning. Although the sun didn’t officially rise until 6:59, it was already getting light out. I opened the door and listened for a while. As expected, I heard the wonderful sound of birds singing. It was an early morning serenade.

    The birds love greeting the day, or so it seems. Yet, there is more happening than the birds visiting. Bird calls travel further early in the morning because of differences in barometric pressure. 

    Some studies have also shown that many plants begin photosynthesis up to 30 minutes earlier if they hear bird calls. I don’t know how plants “hear” such things, but the result benefits both birds and plants. Earlier photosynthesis means earlier flowering, flower opening, and increased production. It is similar to the response to plants growing with classical music playing.

    I am always amazed at how our Creator intricately designed the systems of life. The details are often so much more complex than we see on casual observation. The systems are far too sophisticated to have randomly evolved “by chance.”

    Everyone and everything in creation is linked together in some fashion. Each impacts the other.

    The entirety of the complex systems the Lord designed eagerly awaits God’s restoration of all things. Our very home planet is harmed by the sin of mankind.

    Paul writes,

    For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. Romans 8:18-22

    That knowledge shouldn’t turn us into Earth worshippers, but help us remember to be good stewards. It should also help compel us to work to see God’s kingdom come in full

    Paul goes on to say,

    And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

    When you hear a bird sing or see a flower blooming, may it remind you of the God we serve and help steer us on the path of becoming more like Him.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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  • An Impossible Task

    An Impossible Task

    The Easter season is over for another year. In Jesus’ day, it was  still a time of intense instruction for the original disciples. They would spend their next few weeks being tutored and instructed by Jesus, and He would appear to many people, confirming his death and resurrection.

    It would all come to a head when Jesus gathered His disciples on a mountaintop and gave them the Great Commission to evangelize the world. 

    Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

    It was a seemingly impossible task. How could a few followers who just weeks before had been hiding for their lives take such a message to an entire world? Of course, they couldn’t, although they got well into Europe, Asia, and Africa, most giving up their lives in the process.

    It was an ongoing commission taken up by every successive generation of believers, and continues today. Every believer has been tasked with sharing the gospel and making disciples. You and I are included in this group of “every believer.”

    Not all of us are evangelists or pastors, but we all have a story, a “testimony” of how Jesus changed our lives. Each of us has been given a unique circle of influence to reach.

    We don’t all have to travel to strange and foreign lands to be “missionaries.”  There are plenty of people around us who don’t yet know Him. We can serve from wherever we are.

    Do you remember your joy at discovering Jesus? You can help bring that joy to others.

    We can share our stories, pray, and love the people in our circle. It can be uncomfortable to do at times and may lead to some rejection, but the results and rewards are eternal.

    Are you unsure where to start or how to do it? Pray for the Lord to give you opportunities and courage and to put receptive hearts in your path. It’s impossible on our own, but He empowers us, dwells in us and goes before us.

    Our efforts don’t have to be perfect and polished. We don’t have to know everything or have the answers to every question and objection. It is the Spirit who does the work of opening hearts.

    Our job is to be faithful with what knowledge and gifts the Lord has given us.

    I pray you learn to be bold for the Lord.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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