Nature

The Parable of the Hidden Light

/ Bill Jones / 5 Comments
Path Through the Woods

Path Through the Woods

Now, it’s an inviting 2 rut road through the woods but a month or so ago it was more inviting. That’s when I started looking at it as I drove past on the highway. I kept thinking I needed to stop and take a picture – but waited until last week to finally do so.

A month or so ago it had one particular sight that made it more inviting. That was before the trees were so full and the limbs and leaves hadn’t put on a burst of growth (lots of rain!). Particularly the one bush in the middle of the photo on the left side of the road. It covered a spot that revealed the field beyond the woods and the blaze of sunshine from the morning sun.

Thoughts of journeys through the dark woods into the light and other such post themes came to mind. But, I guess the theme now is – if we hesitate long enough, the light can become obscured. So, let’s enjoy the inviting paths into the light before we lose the way.

“Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12 ESV

Sure Signs of Faith

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments
Budding Pecan Tree - Sure Sign of Spring

Budding Pecan Tree – Sure Sign of Spring

Want a sure sign that Spring is here? Then, look for the budding pecan  trees. They seem to be the last large trees around here (south Georgia) that bud out.

Want a sure sign of faith? Then look for the huge pecan trees and oak trees around the homesteads in the country. I don’t know how old this tree is, but it’s on the edge of our property and has obviously been there many years. And I do know that whoever planted it is not around to enjoy the fruits of their labor. But, they had the faith to plant it anyway.

That’s even more evident with slow growing live oaks. You can see one oak tree large enough to shade an entire house. Yet, the planters knew they wouldn’t be around when the tree reached that point. Again, they had the faith to plant it anyway – not necessarily for themselves but for generations to come.

Hebrews Chapter 11 is sometimes called the “faith” chapter because it speaks of the faith of a number of saints from Biblical times. Their acts exceeded the simple planting of a tree, but the concepts can be compared. Much of what we do, in faith today, will not have an effect until sometime in the future – whether it be tomorrow, next week, next year – or in a lifetime following ours. Chapter 12 refers to these witnesses (showing faith) and gives us instructions on how to join them as witnesses for the future generations.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

God’s Love Becomes a Forest of Beauty

/ Bill Jones / 2 Comments
Wisteria Spreads Through the Trees

Wisteria Spreads Through the Trees

Here’s a shot just down the road where the wisteria vines have spread through the pine trees. Sharon and I have watched as it expanded over many years. You can see why the vine is considered invasive – it goes everywhere it’s allowed to go. Many of those places aren’t where you want it.

But, if you want to have an interesting vine/bush most of the year, and a spectacular blooming vine/bush in the Spring, you can diligently prune and shape it.

A couple of thoughts came to mind –

Some of our habits and activities, even if they’re good ones, can get out of hand. We need to keep them diligently pruned and shaped so that they don’t interfere with our following God.

This beauty began in one place at one particular time when the original vine was planted. That beginning has spread from tree to tree and, years later, is a forest of beauty. Our beauty comes from God – we can spread His beauty through love. And, at times, just one act of love, at a particular time, will spread into a forest of beauty in the years to come.

“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'” Matt 25:37-40 ESV

God’s Faithfulness – Springtime is Here!

/ Bill Jones / 4 Comments
Dogwood, Cardinal and Springtime

Dogwood, Cardinal and Springtime

Some of our Winter days were more like Spring than the days since Spring began last week – it’s been wet and a bit cool (though,nowhere near as cold as some of you were). But, there are definitely signs of the change  in seasons – with trees and azaleas blooming everywhere. God’s faithfulness continues (Great is Thy Faithfulness!).

Sharon pointed this shot out to me – the dogwood blooms, bird feeder, fence and pump house.  “And wouldn’t it be great to get a cardinal in it!”.  So, when I went outside to take the shot,  the cardinal and the Lord blessed it.

It made me think of how the Lord blesses us even when we’re not expecting it. All the little (and big) surprises He gives us  if we just pay attention. What a wonderful God we have!

“O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.” Psalms 117 KJV