Sunday, June 24, 2018

My Private Retreat



 Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as
we have seen evil. Let your work appear to your servants: your glory to their children. (
Psalm 90:14-16 WEB)

            While a lizard scampered across my porch floor, black and yellow striped bees buzzed in the midst of purple, white and orange flowers a few feet away. Across the lake, a deer grazed at the shore. On the still water, its reflection followed the doe along the bank. Fish waves wrinkled the lake. Crickets, birds and frogs joined in a dawn symphony. 

            Hidden birds chirped. Remnants of spider webs hung on the trees. Little waves appeared from underwater critters. Though not seen that day, other birds, snakes, armadillo, squirrels, otters and unknown animals inhabited my neighborhood. When I sit quietly and watch intently, I see much wildlife.  

            In the same way, when I take time with God, I see evidence of Him around me in creation, other people, situations, and the Bible. What seems hidden, becomes clear.

            When someone says they are too busy to read the Bible, pray, attend church or help others, I wonder how they can keep going on empty. Like food maintains the body, time with God maintains a godly life. 

            Few people only watch TV or go on the Internet for an hour or two a week. However, that is all some people give to God by attending church on Sunday. 

            Over the years, I have learned I need to spend time with God each morning in order to face my day. Peace, comfort, and strength from Him have gotten me through countless trials, pain and grief. I can’t imagine skipping that time to do “more important things”. 

            From my front seat on the patio, I marveled at the wondrous beauty of nature before me. For a while, the tranquility and splendor of my private retreat pushed aside all concerns. The magnificence of God’s creation enveloped me and prepared me for the day. Because He has been faithful, I trust that He will get me through whatever lies ahead. 

Loving Father, thank you for teaching and guiding me every day. Help me learn to trust and obey even when it doesn’t make sense to me. Amen

             

Monday, June 18, 2018

My Perfect Bird Feeder



But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved… For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2: 4-5, 8-10 NIV)

            Purple and orange spikes rose from vibrant plants along my patio. I marveled at their transformation. 

            Last summer, I purchased the dejected plants from the clearance rack at Lowes. Some appeared almost ready for the compost heap. But as I searched through the scraggly sale items, a few looked salvageable and could grow when given tender care. 

            With water and sunlight, they improved and even bloomed. But after last winter’s repeated freezes, the plants turned brown and drooped to the ground. In the spring, I cut them almost to the ground and hoped they would recover. Within a short time, green shoots appeared. Stems grew tall and flowers covered the towering spikes. 

            Never had the plants been so tall and hearty. They soared three feet into the air and waved delicate blooms. Bees zoomed from orange to purple blossoms and back. 

            A hummingbird visited daily while I read my devotions. His long beak dipped deep into the flowers. With nearly invisible wings, he hovered and performed a happy dance around the colorful display.  

            I remembered years ago that Alan continually filled our hummingbird feeder with red syrup to attract the tiny birds, but we rarely had visitors. Even though I loved watching birds, I didn’t want to care for bird feeders. 

            How thankful I am that God rejuvenated my pitiful plants.  He brought beauty into my garden and transformed the flowers into perfect feeders for my daily guests. 

            God also revives and saves dejected, messed up people so they can bloom and share His love with others. 

Creator, thank you for providing for all of your creatures. Help us share because of what you have done for us. Amen