Consider
the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you,
that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Luke 12:27
June 1, 2017
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Scripture Reading — Luke 12:22-31
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
My
interest and ability in gardening is only mildly
remarkable—especially considering I grew up in a family that did
not garden. I do remember showing a keen interest in my grandparents’
garden. And one of my first jobs as a bumbling teen was to help my
Aunt Helen in her gargantuan garden.
My interest in gardening grew gradually with experience over the years. But I think my interest goes deeper because Jesus, our Creator and Savior, is a most insightful observer of how his creation grows. He uses examples from nature to make important points in his teaching.
As Jesus sits on a mountainside teaching his fickle followers and the distractible crowd, his sharp eyes light on the splendor of nearby wild flowers. Considering them, Jesus makes a stunning comparison that produces a simple and profound life lesson. In God’s garden, fretting and wearisome work are not only unnecessary but are actually a counter-productive insult flung in the face of our caring Creator. If God renders such beauty from nature, will he not care for you?
This month, we’ll follow Jesus’ counsel to “consider” how we grow and are being formed in God’s garden. Although you may not feel at home in an actual garden, the beauty and glory of life have deep roots in our souls, which need to find their home in the Lord.
Prayer
Then Jesus said to his disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?
“Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you—you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
"Consider The Lilies" -- Great gospel song. Words and music by Joel
Hemphill. Hear one of the greatest songs in Southern Gospel Music as
sung by its writer. This Christian video produced by J. Dan Gill, 21st
Century Reformation. Go to http://www.21stcr.org to hear more of Joel Hemphill. Go to http://www.thehemphills.com
for music by the Hemphills. Joel Hemphill is a respected Bible
teacher; author of the book "To God be the Glory" and writer of over 350
recorded gospel songs. These include many of the greatest songs in
southern gospel such as: He's Still Working On Me, The Master of the
Wind, Consider the Lilies, Let's Have a Revival, The Sweetest Words He
Ever Said, The Only Real Peace, It Wasn't Raining When Noah Built the
Ark, When the Praises go Up, Sing the Glory Down, I Claim the Blood, I'm
In This Church & others. LaBreeska Hemphill was a member of the
Happy Goodmans. The Hemphills have appeared often in the popular Bill
Gaither Homecoming Christian Videos. They are father & mother to
"The Hemphills" one of the great families in gospel music in the 20th
Century. Their daughter Candy Hemphill Christmas is a popular singer in
Christian Music.
Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or
spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed
like one of these.
— Luke 12:27
My interest in gardening grew gradually with experience over the years. But I think my interest goes deeper because Jesus, our Creator and Savior, is a most insightful observer of how his creation grows. He uses examples from nature to make important points in his teaching.
As Jesus sits on a mountainside teaching his fickle followers and the distractible crowd, his sharp eyes light on the splendor of nearby wild flowers. Considering them, Jesus makes a stunning comparison that produces a simple and profound life lesson. In God’s garden, fretting and wearisome work are not only unnecessary but are actually a counter-productive insult flung in the face of our caring Creator. If God renders such beauty from nature, will he not care for you?
This month, we’ll follow Jesus’ counsel to “consider” how we grow and are being formed in God’s garden. Although you may not feel at home in an actual garden, the beauty and glory of life have deep roots in our souls, which need to find their home in the Lord.
Prayer
King of Creation, as I walk with you to consider God’s garden, open my eyes to your abundant blessings of life. Amen.
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Don Byker
Read more devotionals from Today's Devotional, here.
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