It's a beautiful day in North Carolina today. It's the kind of day that reminds me of Psalm 19:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the firmament shows his handiwork.
photo courtesy of FreeFoto.com
Ever since the beginning of the church, Christians have been in the business of wanting to become Christlike. Spiritual formation is something of a trend right now, but it is nothing new. For two centuries devoted people have wanted to become more Christlike. Many books have been written on the subject, and I'll talk about some of those as this month goes on. Today, though, I want to commend to you the two great books that Christians have been using for two millenia.
The first great book is the Bible. Of all generations we are particularly blessed in that we have the Bible in such a wonderful form. We can have a translation into nearly any language; we can have a Bible in many different versions; we can have a large study Bible for our desktops and one that fits into our purses or even on our smartphones. The trick is that we need to read this great book.
The second great book is the "book" of Nature. As Psalm 19 says, "the heavens declare the glory of God." This is true! Taking a real look at the creation of God can do much to fill your soul with glory and drive you to your knees in praise, adoration, and gratitude. This is good for your soul.
Now, simply reading the book of Nature without ever looking at the Bible would be a mistake. But just reading the Bible without ever pausing to adore the God of creation would also be a mistake. I suggest that reading deeply of both of these great books is an essential step on the path to Christlikeness.
What do you think?
Amen! God's creation is His general self-revelation. It is the artistry He has given us to ignite our souls with the desire to find out more about the Artist. The Bible is His specific self-revelation--the book we can read to find out who the Artist of creation is so we can know Him intimately. It is the account of His love for us through Jesus Christ, His Son.
ReplyDeleteGreat point, and I think you're right. We see Him through His word and His creation - we need to look at both.
ReplyDeleteYes! Great post.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is beautiful in NC today! Recently I've been having my prayer time outside and it's reminded me that there is such beauty in God's creation (and how often I walk past it w/o appreciating it)
ReplyDeleteI think you are exactly right! And I agree, it's a beautiful day in NC today; I wish I was not stuck inside my office builing all day.
ReplyDeleteVery good point! "The skies proclaim the work of His hands." I don't think the Bible would have that verse if we weren't meant to look around and check it all out. :)
ReplyDeleteSo true Richella! I love that verse from the Psalms.
ReplyDeleteAnd along with reading the Word and looking to His creation... I also LOVE to sit by the ocean and think of his power, and pray to Him with my eyes wide open. (Of course I have to be on vacation to do that, since I live in Kansas!)
But here in Kansas I can take a drive in the country and praise Him too, especially when I see our beautiful sunrises, and sunsets
Another one of His creations that makes me dwell on the Lord, is when I see a newborn baby! The miracle of birth is so amazing.
You sure live in a beautiful place. I have visited there in the early fall and the trees hadn't fully changed, but it was still beautiful!
Yes, I specially love reading His Word outside. It is like apples of gold in settings of silver!
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