Earth Day Devotion: Sacred Seeds - Genesis 1:11

Genesis 1:11   Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so. 

For the first time in years, I’ve planted some seeds in a box and am hoping to grow perennial flowers that I enjoy. The plants are nasturtiums and lupines. They are both different kinds of plants. The nasturtium is a Chinese creeping plant with beautiful orange and yellow flowers. Butterflies are attracted to them and when the Fall comes, they’ll probably be covered in a host of caterpillars. The lupines are tall plants which attract honey bees. They are usually white, pink, and lavender blue. If they grow successfully, they will constantly re-seed and eventually cover a large area of my front garden.

I need to look after the seedlings in order to give them a strong chance of growing and developing into mature plants. If I neglect to water them or if a late frost gets to them, they will soon die. Every day I keep an eye on them and so far I am delighted with their progress. Hopefully, I will be able to plant them outside in a month’s time and watch them bloom all summer long.

I am constantly amazed at Creation. God’s imagination, artistry, and skill are all around me and I feel both humbled and privileged to enjoy the wonders of His natural works. I like to think that when God first created plants, flowers, and trees on this planet, He not only saw that they were good but that He was absolutely delighted and thrilled with His own work.

Within each of us, God plants seeds of faith that have the potential to bear fruit and multiply through the sharing of our beliefs, the worshipping of Christ, and our participation in His ministry in our own communities and throughout the world. God’s work never stops growing because He is actively involved in the Church’s mission. Our task is to discover where our faith can best be used to bear fruit and where our Christian beliefs can blossom among the people we love, work with, and encounter.

Question for Personal reflection

Where does my faith in Christ produce the most fruit for the future?

Prayer:            Lord Jesus, thank You for creating the Church in the world and for allowing us to be participants in Your mission. Help us to rely upon You to guide our thoughts, ways, and deeds so that we may produce fruitful works that glorify You and attract other people to Your Kingdom. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor at Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. if you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org. John is always delighted to read your comments and to receive feedback.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest drawings called “Smoky Mountain Sunset.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click the following link: http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5330/6926536366_3bd793f073_b.jpg

John’s drawings can also be found on his art website which you can view at www.stushieart.com.

Erin Church Devotional: Making a Bethel (House of God) in our Hearts

Genesis 28:19 He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz.

I’ve always loved the story of Jacob because he is just so human. He tricks his brother and father. He ends up being a fugitive. He outsmarts his father-in-law and ends up becoming one of the most important people in the Bible. I guess if Jacob were alive today, he would either be the most successful broker on Wall Street, or even the front runner in a presidential campaign!

In this part of his life, he is fleeing the wrath of his brother. Jacob doesn’t want to be killed, so he high-tails it out of town and runs away as fast as he can. When he eventually stops to rest, he has nowhere to stay but out in the open. And using a stone as a pillow does not sound as though he was in cozy surroundings.

In the midst of all his anxiety, Jacob receives a glorious vision from God. This assures him that God is with Jacob, and that he shall overcome his troubles. Fear is replaced with faith; helplessness is changed into hope. Jacob is so delighted with God’s presence that he makes the place into a shrine, and promises to give a tithe of all that he has to God. His relief and thankfulness are sincere. His devotion and dedication to God are strengthened.

We all go through troubled times and we each entertain fears and worries. In the midst of our crises, God wants to be our strength, savior and deliverer. When we turn over our concerns to Him, He helps us through the worst of times. When we make a Bethel (house of God) in our hearts, He supports and guides us. And, after the crisis has ended, we should make and take time to thank God in a fitting and appropriate manner.

Prayer: Lord God, thank You for the stories of faith from people like Jacob in the past. Thank You for their ability to depend upon You when they were weak, lost, and fearful. Grant us Your blessing of assurance and presence in the midst of our own troubles and concerns. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.