Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Luke 12:27.
In their original perfection all created things were an expression of the thought of God. To Adam and Eve in their Eden home nature was full of the knowledge of God, teeming with divine instruction. Wisdom spoke to the eye and was received into the heart; for they communed with God in His created works…. The earth is now marred and defiled by sin. Yet even in its blighted state much that is beautiful remains.
Why did not our heavenly Father carpet the earth with brown or gray? He chose the color that was most restful, the most acceptable to the senses. How it cheers the heart and refreshes the weary spirit to look upon the earth, clad in its garments of living green!… Every spire of grass, every opening bud and blooming flower, is a token of God’s love, and should teach us a lesson of faith and trust in Him.
The beauties of nature have a tongue that speaks to us without ceasing. The open heart can be impressed with the love and glory of God, as seen in the works of His hand. The listening ear can hear and understand the communications of God through the things of nature. There is a lesson in the sunbeam, and in the various objects of nature that God has presented to our view. The green fields, the lofty trees, the buds and flowers, the passing cloud, the falling rain, the babbling brook, the sun, moon, and stars in the heavens—all invite our attention and meditation.
You who are sighing for the artificial splendor which wealth alone can purchase, for costly paintings, furniture, and dress, listen to the voice of the divine Teacher. He points you to the flower of the field, the simple design of which cannot be equaled by human skill.
He is a lover of the beautiful, and above all that is outwardly attractive He loves beauty of character; He would have us cultivate purity and simplicity, the quiet graces of the flowers.
The Faith I Live By p. 25
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Prayer Requests
—–Please pray for Emma. She is having problems with seizure activity again. Rose
—–Please pray that God will make His will for my life known to me. Pray that He
will make it obvious to me. I feel so lost right now. M
—–I have an important unspoken prayer request. Eileen
—–I have a request from Carolyn. She needs someone to donate a kidney to her. Carolyn is a very caring Registered Nurse and Caring for others is her gift and now she is the one in need. Joyce
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Dear Friends,
When I first started going back to church, there was an elderly man who was often asked to give special music. Each time, he sang the same song—My Father Watches Over Me. I got really tired of hearing it over and over again. But over the years, as I think back upon that time, I realize that it was the song of his experience. It has become a precious memory.
*”I trust in God wherever I may be, Upon the land or on the rolling sea, For, come what may, From day to day, My heav’nly Father watches over me. I trust in God, I know He cares for me, One mountain bleak or on the stormy sea; Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul, My heav’nly Father watches over me.
“He makes the rose an object of His care, He guides the eagle thru the pathless air, And surely He Remembers me, My heav’nly Father watches over me. I trust in God, I know He cares for me, One mountain bleak or on the stormy sea; Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul, My heav’nly Father watches over me.
“I trust in God, for, in the lion’s den, On battlefield, or in the prison pen, Thru praise or blame, Thru flood or flame, My heav’nly Father watches over me. I trust in God, I know He cares for me, On mountain bleak or on the stormy sea; Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul, My heav’nly Father watches over me.”
The valley may be dark, the shadows deep, But O, the Shepherd guards His lonely sheep; And thru the gloom He’ll lead me home, My heav’nly Father watches over me. I trust in God, I know He cares for me, One mountain bleak or on the stormy sea; Tho’ billows roll, He keeps my soul, My heav’nly Father watches over me.
Our Loving Saviour never forsakes us, though our whole world is crashing in around us. He is there assuring us, “Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” Ps 32:8; Isa 43:1-3 He is our Shepherd, our Redeemer, our Guide, our Creator, our Re-creator, our King “Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace!” “He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.” Isa 9:6; 40:11 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.” Ps 23
Let us daily allow the Good Shepherd to lead us. Let us trust Him to care for us in the troublous times ahead. Let the song of our experience be, “Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.” Amen! Ps 32:7
Rose
*My Father Watches Over Me
by W C Martin