Tag: Devotional

  • Changing Seasons – God’s Signposts

    autum leaves on ground

    It happened yesterday. Did you notice? 

    At 2:19 PM EDT, the sun crossed the equator, and the autumnal equinox occurred. From that moment, the days began to get shorter, a trend that continues until the vernal equinox in the Spring, when the trend reverses.

    The word “equinox” has its roots in Latin. In Latin, “aequs” means equal, and “nox” means night. For a brief moment, at least at the equator, the day and night share equal time.

    The equinox divides the year into two distinct parts. Our days are marked by hours, minutes, and seconds, as well as by the passage of time from dawn to morning, afternoon, evening, and night. Our month can be divided into days and weeks, and our year into months and seasons, marked by equinoxes—very sensible arrangements.

    We don’t like the autumnal equinox because it signals the shortening of days and the coming of the winter months. We much prefer the Spring with its fresh new growth and warmer weather, leading us into the lazy, hazy days of summer.

    The equinox always brings to mind a couple of Scripture passages.

    And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons,and for days and years, and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.” And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars. Genesis 1:14-16

    Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.Give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever.Give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever;to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever;to him who spread out the earth above the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever;to him who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever;the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever;the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever… Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1-9, 26

    The predictability of the changes, year in and year out, unchanging since time began, should give us pause to reflect and praise our creator.

    The God who loves us reveals Himself in His Word, but also in the wondrous nature of the creation itself. It’s no wonder Paul could write.

    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. Romans 1:18-20

    Next time you are pondering the shortening of the days, pause and give thanks that gives signposts that all can see.

    Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

    Be blessed, 

    Kevin

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  • Loving Touch

    God’s Hand in our lives

    A creek and walking trail run through the center of a local forested park. It’s a beautiful spot, with several small bridges that cross the creek, making great places for creek watching.

    Near one of the bridges is a small clearing and “beach” where local kids love to play, kindergartens do field trips, and one of the local forest schools meets. On the edge of the clearing stands an ancient hollow tree.

    This tree is the perfect size for kids to climb through, and for adults to fit in. At the entrance, you will find a spot where the old bark has been rubbed smooth and polished by thousands of loving touches from the kids. They touch it when climbing in or out, and often simply rub their hands along it because it’s smooth and polished. I had to give it a rub myself.

    I’ve seen something similar in old wooden banisters or the back of ancient church pews. The tiny amount of oil in each hand’s touch shapes, smooths, and polishes the wood.

    There is a sense in which, on every day of our lives, the Lord lovingly touches us. He molds us, shapes us, and directs us. If we were able to see, I suspect we might look lovingly shaped and polished as well.

    There is nothing about us that escapes His notice.

    For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them. Psalm 139:13-16

    But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace. Galatians 1:5

    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29

    He knows us and shapes each of us individually.

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10

    Each day, He continues to work in us and will not leave the job unfinished.

    And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

    No matter what life throws our way, we remain secure. Our circumstances might change radically, and life is far from easy much of the time. Still, we can hold fast knowing the hands that hold us.

    I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. John 10:28-30

    There will come a day when we will see what His loving hands have shaped us to be. What rejoicing there will be on that day.

    Hallelu Yah (Praise God)

    Be blessed, 

    Kevin

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