A New Viewpoint- Look, See, Pray

A new viewpoint. Generally, we like to see butterflies with wings extended thus showing off the colours and patterns that make them so spectacular. This one is part of the Owl Butterfly species, with patterns and “eyes” on the underside- and brilliant electric blue tops of their wings. You can see the colour breaking out…

So the photo is intriguing AND disappointing at the same time!

I have concluded that many of the truths and insights of the Christian faith are like this “on edge” butterfly. We get hints; partial revelation that promises “more to come.”

Jesus announces the coming of the Kingdom of God. It is here, it is growing, but its fulfilment is “not yet.” We begin to follow Jesus with a handful of faith and a bagful of questions. Our footsteps are stumbling, yet we keep on getting back up and we learn from the Master as we travel.

We read the Scriptures and marvel: and there is always more to find. The old Puritans said “There is yet more light to break forth from His Word.” We never manage full understanding- but we will find wisdom.

Our eternal life has begun in Christ. There is so much more for us to enter into! Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2 v9f –

“We, of course, have plenty of wisdom to pass on to you once you get your feet on firm spiritual ground, but it’s not popular wisdom, the fashionable wisdom of high-priced experts that will be out-of-date in a year or so. God’s wisdom is something mysterious that goes deep into the interior of his purposes. You don’t find it lying around on the surface. It’s not the latest message, but more like the oldest- what God determined as the way to bring out his best in us, long before we ever arrived on the scene. The experts of our day haven’t a clue about what this eternal plan is. If they had, they wouldn’t have killed the Master of the God-designed life on a cross. That’s why we have this Scripture text: No one’s ever seen or heard anything like this, Never so much as imagined anything quite like it- What God has arranged for those who love him. But you’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit has brought it all out into the open before you. The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along. Who ever knows what you’re thinking and planning except you yourself? The same with God- except that he not only knows what he’s thinking, but he lets us in on it. God offers a full report on the gifts of life and salvation that he is giving us. We don’t have to rely on the world’s guesses and opinions. We didn’t learn this by reading books or going to school; we learned it from God, who taught us person-to-person through Jesus, and we’re passing it on to you in the same firsthand, personal way.”
(Message Translation by Eugene Peterson)

Autumn Gold! Look, see, Pray

Autumn glory! Strong colours, harvest, fruit, mist, mellowness.

Yesterday we looked at the way Autumn can bring us to a sad moodiness… Today the focus changes. Three different takes on the season: the almost poetic transitions of a cherry tree where leaves slip from green through to scarlet. One twig hangs perpendicular to the ground: the purity and clarity of the colours speaks to me of change. Gentle progression, then exit with fireworks!

Then the beech leaves: gold and russet, backlit by warm low sunlight. Details of the veins stand out, the edges have crisped, and the strong golden light speaks of richness- the final triumphant fling, screaming out praises to the Creator who has made all things well.

Finally, the fruitfulness of an apple tree. Three perfectly formed fruit, representing the fulfilled promise of God in Genesis 8v22: “For as long as Earth lasts, planting and harvest, cold and heat, Summer and winter, day and night will never stop.”

Mild days, the hints of early frost, the approach of the season of rest. This is Autumn at its best. Respite before the rigours of winter, with the joyful echo of the best of spring and summer blended into a vibrant encore.

To finish, here is a prayer for Harvest by “Christians against Poverty” (C.A.P.).

Dear God, thank you for the rhythm of the different seasons. Thank you for the beauty of autumn, for the changing colours, the cooler air and the harvest food gathered. As I reflect on autumn, help me to see your hand at work, both within me and in nature. Help me to fix my eyes on you so that this season can be a time of gratitude, blessings and generosity towards others.

Faithful, loving God, at harvest time I pause to remember your goodness. Thank you for the wonderful things I have: the beauty of your creation, the kindness of others and the hope you give me in every season of my life. I’m grateful for moments of joy, for the people who walk with me in life and for your love. Help me to hold onto that gratitude, even during hard times, and to share that hope with other people. Amen.

Autumn Blues? Look, See, Pray

A sad time of year? For some the changes in the weather and shorter days can affect our mood.

Justin Hayward (appropriately from the Moody Blues) wrote a classic song “Forever Autumn.” Here are the first two verses. Hope they don’t make you sad!

“The summer sun is fading as the year grows old
And darker days are drawing near
The winter winds will be much colder
Now you’re not here
I watch the birds fly south across the autumn sky
And one by one they disappear
I wish that I was flying with them
Now you’re not here
Like the sun through the trees you came to love me
Like a leaf on a breeze you blew away…”

Autumn can affect us emotionally and spirituality. That impact can be quite strong and make us moodier. Individual circumstances can cause vulnerability; and being aware of that is important. Our physical existence impacts everything.

It is a time to strengthen family/friendship links- mutual support is so helpful. It is also good to remember that life doesn’t centre on us- we are important and valued, but our focus stands on Jesus and He is with us ALWAYS. In every season, spring or autumn. James has a few worthwhile things to say about fruitfulness AND patience.

James 5:7
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.”

(Tomorrow I’ll look at the positive aspects of Autumn!)