Nature Hikes

Since I had a brain tumor removed five years ago, I have taken up walking or hiking. My favorite places to hike are on nature trails through nature preserves and state parks. And my favorite time to hike is early morning. If I can catch a beautiful sunrise, I am all that much happier. I am enthralled with the awesome beauty of the forests, mountains, rivers and lakes. Every day I spend time in these scenes thanking God for the wonder of His creation.

I have also changed my diet since my tumor was removed. Now I enjoy lots of fruits and vegetables instead of my previous fast food dominated cuisine. The flavors are fantastic and give me a glimpse into my future home in heaven, where the tree of life will bear fruits in their seasons.

Genesis 1:11-12 says, ” And God said, “Let the earth sprout vegetation, plants yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind, on the earth. And it was so. The earth brought forth vegetation, plants yielding seed according to their own kinds, and trees bearing fruit in which is their seed, each according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.” The beauty of nature declares the goodness of God. Don’t miss partaking of it by observing God’s handiwork and being nourished by it.

Experiencial Knowledge

At least for me, knowledge gained by experience is more impactful and has longer term benefits than knowledge learned simply by reading or hearing. Both aspects of knowledge are important, but when I learn through experience I retain the knowledge longer and use this knowledge more in my life.

II Peter 1:2-3 says, “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 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.” The purpose of life is to know God. It is through the knowledge of God that we are granted grace and peace, as well as all things that we need for life and living in a godly way. We gain this knowledge through the teaching of His Word and by learning through faith lessons each day. God is constantly teaching us how to live righteously and well through His Word and by our experiences with Him each day as we learn to walk faithfully with Him moment by moment.

Love Covers

It is a common practice in this part of the country to spread mulch around the trees every year. This helps the ground retain water and prevent growth of weeds and other tree damaging invaders.

I Peter 4:7-8 says, “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” We are instructed to keep our hearts and minds ready for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. Along with this comes the ability to readily forgive others because of the love God places in our hearts. Love motivates us to forgive others while recognizing that we have been forgiven for our sins.

Gifted For Service

No matter how weak we think that we are, God has given each of us talents and abilities. If we are believers in Jesus Christ, God expects us to use the gifts that He has given us to build up the church. But God also wants us, believers and nonbelievers, to use our abilities to serve others, rather than to seek personal glory.

I Peter 4:10 says, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Whatever gifts, talents, and abilities that we have, were given to us by God to serve others, not for our own glory but for His. After all, it is only by His grace that we have these abilities.

Doing Good Can Be a Pain

Last Saturday, my wife and I went with a team from church to help a community in Chicago. We spent the day cleaning up and beautifying a community park. This was hard work and I am suffering now with numerous sore muscles. These pains are minor compared to the suffering that others endure because they try to do something good, like free medical work around the world, disaster relief, teaching, first responding, etc. Even beyond the pains that these people endure are the persecutions and murdering of believers in Christ in many parts of the world. These people are giving their lives to spread the good news of salvation, redemption, and hope.

I Peter 2:19-20 says, “For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.” Doing good often requires sacrifice. It is this suffering that God sees and honors among those who believe in Him. God knows this suffering well as He gave His own Son that we might have eternal and abundant life through the salvation provided in His sacrifice.