Christian Living

Blooms and Scripture 13

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments
First Magnolia Blossom 2013

First Magnolia Blossom 2013

This magnolia blossom isn’t perfect but it is significant. Sharon has always wanted a magnolia tree so she could smell the blossoms. This is our first blossom from our first magnolia tree – the tree was planted last Fall. And it does smell wonderfully. Success!

Significant but not perfect is pretty good in life. But we have a God Who is perfect and, oh so, significant.

“This God–his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him” 2 Samuel 22:31 ESV

Blooms and Scripture 12

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments
Starburst Hydrangea

Starburst Hydrangea

I found this plant for sale in a grocery store – not my usual place of purchase. But, it was blooming at the time, I thought it was neat, and I didn’t remember seeing one before. So, I decided to give it a try.

If we think correctly, beautiful plants such as these will cause us to praise God for His Creation. And, we need to tell others about it.

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you” Psalms 22:22

Blooms and Scripture 11

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments
Wildflowers 3

Wildflowers 3

Here are some planted wildflowers in the side yard (if you plant them, are they still wildflowers?)

Wildflowers 2

Wildflowers 2

Actually, this is the second year of the flowers. I planted them last year where the ground was bare due to a new drain field installation. Then I noticed they were coming back, so I left them alone. Glad I did.

Wildflowers 1

Wildflowers 1

“I will give to the LORD the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the LORD, the Most High” Psalms 7:17 ESV

Blooms and Scripture 10

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments
Devils Trumpet

Devils Trumpet

Devils Trumpet

Devils Trumpet

Always a wonderful plant – it was a gift several years ago and has continued to bloom. It also has liked the abundant rain this year. The blooms open at night and wilt away the next day when the light gets bright. Maybe that’s where the name Devil’s Trumpet came from – loving the darkness and hating the light.

The passage I’ve included with this second series of Blooms and Scripture is from 2 Peter 1:3-8. It begins by saying God has given us everything that we need to live a fruitful and effective life – and it’s only through that power that we can live such a life. It then outlines the process we should follow to reach that goal. Three thoughts from that: 1. it is a lifelong process, so we can’t expect instant perfection 2. but we should be working toward that. 3. The love God has given us, allows us to live in love – which is our goal.

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3-8