Wild Flowers or Weeds?

But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Matthew 6:30 KJV

In the days before hay bales were 1,000 pound rolls we used to pile them on the hay wagon and stack them in the barn. My favorite job was to sit on the top of them bales as we the truck slowly chugged across the fields to the barn. The slight breeze felt deliciously cool against my face and the aroma of the freshly cut grass smelled like perfume. I remember looking down and seeing wildflowers of every imaginable shape and color. They were nestled in among the remnants of the hay showing off their beauty. That scene remains in my heart reminding me of God’s artistry in the simplest things. All around us He leaves behind reflections of His grace.

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Imagine now that this God, who has taken such care in each detail of a wild flower, has also made you and I. It may seem that the world passes us by, but instead of seeing flowers, they see us only as weeds. Weeds grow where they are not wanted and where no one has planted them. Maybe we ourselves pass by some people without noticing a single thing of beauty. But all around the world God’s wildflowers are on display to remind us that He is involved in every life and that every life has value.

Flowers are not concerned that their time here is short, nor are they worried what others think. In the brief hours that God has given them they simply give all that they have. They are at peace knowing that the hand that crafted them will care for them. If days come in your life when everything seems dark, remember that as He cares for wildflowers. He will certainly care for you!

Wings of the Morning

 

Forty five years ago we left the Christian commune where we lived which had slowly degenerated into a cult. Thankfully unlike other groups our leadership majored in booting people out rather than trying to force them to stay.  That morning we hurriedly packed our car with suitcases while squeezing our 6 week old son in between all the stuff in the back seat. A grey cloud of spiritual confusion surrounded me, but then God brought to my mind His promise.

If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;  Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:9-10

That morning I wished that I had real wings so I could fly fast and far from my fears and disappointments. People I had trusted had misled me but on the other hand, I was young and foolish enough to follow them away from what I knew was right. Thank God that His love was greater than all my sins and stupid choices.

Looking back, I now can see that He has kept and led us all through the long years to heal and rebuild our faith. Over and over He has patiently shown what true humility and forgiveness we can find in following Jesus Christ.   People say that you can’t run away from your problems, but the good news is that God can fly faster than our problems! He always has a plan in place for us even when we don’t know what it is. When we fly away with morning wings we will discover that when we land on the other shore He is already there. In our darkest hour He reaches out His hand to lead us and then He takes in His arms and holds us through the night until the new day dawns.

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Wings

He lays the beams of his chambers  on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot;  he rides on the wings of the wind.  Psalm 104:3 ESV

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Run, John, run, the law commands, but gives us neither feet nor hands. Far better news the gospel brings: It bids us fly and gives us wings.      John Bunyan