Warmest May Greetings, Dear Family and Friends!
Many years ago, King Solomon penned these verses…
“Look around you: Winter is over;
Song of Songs 2: 11-13 (The Message)
the winter rains are over, gone!
Spring flowers are in blossom all over.
The whole world’s a choir—and singing!
Spring warblers are filling the forest
with sweet strains.
Lilacs are exuberantly purple and perfumed,
and cherry trees fragrant with blossoms”
How inviting is the month of May! Six weeks of spring have passed. Cherry and apple trees have blossomed; early morning birdsong sweetly fills the air. Daffodils, forsythia, budding lilacs—the glorious artwork of our Heavenly Father colors our days. Sunlight. Warmth. Our Creator God brings renewal, refreshment to winter weary souls.
Sheridan Voysey, contributing author of Our Daily Bread Ministries, shares this insightful reflection of God’s beauty in nature: “Lord Howe Island is a small paradise of white sands and crystal waters off Australia’s east coast. When I visited some years ago, I was struck by its beauty. Here, one could swim with turtles and with fish like the shimmering trevally, while moon wrasses drifted nearby, flashing their neon colors like a billboard. In its lagoon I found coral reefs full of bright orange clownfish and yellow-striped butterfly fish that rushed to kiss my hand. Overwhelmed by such splendor, I couldn’t help but worship God.
The apostle Paul gives the reason for my response. Creation at its best reveals something of God’s nature (Rom. 1:20). The wonders of Lord Howe Island were giving me a glimpse of His own power and beauty.
When the prophet Ezekiel encountered God, he was shown a radiant Being seated on a blue throne surrounded by glorious colors (Ezekial. 1:25–28). The apostle John saw something similar: God sparkling like precious stones, encircled by an emerald rainbow (Rev. 4:2–3).
When God reveals Himself, He is found to be not only good and powerful but beautiful too. Creation reflects this beauty the way a piece of art reflects its artist.
Nature often gets worshiped instead of God (Romans 1:25). What a tragedy. Instead, may earth’s crystal waters and shimmering creatures point us to the One standing behind them who is more powerful and beautiful than anything in this world.”
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made. Romans 1: 20
Light of the World, open our eyes to see your wonderful works. Open our ears to listen to your voice. We are grateful that you go before us, preparing the path you walk with us each day. May your wisdom guide us; may your love overflow, as we touch many lives with your goodness and beauty. Amen.
In His great love and grace,
Pastor Maureen