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The Beauty of Creation: Appreciation of God's Handiwork Part 5: Identifying God’s Nature with Nature

Spanning the warm mellow tranquility of a light breeze on a sunny day, the impenetrable aura of the towering mountains, to the titillating delight and satiety inclusive to the bite of a tenderly lush piece of fruit, nature offers us a glimpse into the heart of God and His eternal truths. We invite you to read along as we consider the symbolism of implicit wisdom embedded within the physically tangible aspects of creation. 

Discovering the Natural Essense of God

One of the most striking aspects of creation is the fact that the natural world is not simply a collection of random phenomena, but a living testament of who God is; revealing His intent, power, wisdom, and love. 

The examples below unmask God’s fingerprint:

+Aerodynamics of Birds: birds flying overhead represent the freedom we find in Christ, soaring above the cares of this world and resting in His promises. 
+Aurora Borealis: represents God's wonder and majesty; a manifestation of His glory on display in the heavens.
+Bamboo: represents God’s ability to bend but not break His people. 
+Bees: represent God's industry. 
+Cacti: represent God's resilience and the unceasing assurance of His sustenance. 
+Caterpillars' Metamorphosis: represents God’s desire for us to become new creations in Christ. 
+Changing Colors of Autumn Leaves: represent the beauty of letting go and trusting in God's timing and provision.
+Circle of Life within the Food Chain: represents God’s foresight and provision of nourishment. 
+Clay: represents God's sovereignty as the Potter, His creative power, and the molding of His people according to His purpose.
+Clear Quartz: represents God's clarity, purity, and the reflection of His light and truth. Doves: represent the presence of God's grace and guidance.
+Fish: represent the discipleship, referencing Jesus' call to his followers to become "fishers of men."
+Flowers in Bloom: represent God's promise of renewal and resurrection.
+Fossils: represent God's enduring presence- His faithfulness spanning across all time. 
+Geodes: represent God's hidden treasures- His beauty found within seemingly ordinary places.
+Gravitational Pull of the Moon and Tides: represent the inherent ebb and flow of mortal life and our unique spiritual journey, marked with junctures of abundance, scarcity, joy, and sorrow. 
+Hawk: represents God's watchfulness and  His care for His creation. 
+Icebergs: represent God's veiled depths- His boundless excellence beyond what is visible, and His mysteries yet to be revealed.
+Lambs: represent innocence, purity, and the atoning sacrifice of Christ.
+Lightning: represents God’s sudden intervention and His power. 
+Moss-covered Rocks: represent God's grace and the covering of sin. 
+Mountains: represent God's strength, majesty, and the steadfastness of His character.
+Mushrooms: represent God’s ability to bring forth life from decay. 
+Ocean: represents the mystery of God’s ways and the vastness and depth of His love and mercy, stretching out endlessly and enveloping us in His embrace. 
+Rain: represents the outpouring of God’s blessings upon the earth. 
+Rainbows: represent God's promise, faithfulness, and His covenant relationship with humanity. 
+Rivers and Streams: represent refreshment of the soul.
+Rocks: represent God's stability, strength, and the foundation of faith upon which His people stand.
+Fruit: represents the abundance of God's blessings.
+Seeds: represent the potential, growth, and abundance of God's blessings. 
+Sunrise: represents the light of Christ, who illuminates the darkness of our lives with His grace and truth. 
+Tsunamis: represent God’s caliber to humble humanity. 
+Waterfalls: represent the cleansing and purifying power of God's Spirit, washing away our sins and renewing us from within. 

The sampling above is substantially modest, as a plethora of epitomes infuse all of creation. Ruminate on this for a moment- can you think of additional cases? 

He is Everywhere

Every aspect of creation is a meticulously crafted masterpiece, intricately woven together to reflect God’s nature and purpose. In the rhythm of the waves and the whisper of the wind, we hear His voice speaking life and love into the world, inviting us to draw closer to Him. As you gaze upon the glorious wonders of the world, aim to perceive past the surface beauty and recognize the deeper values and basis lurking beneath. Continue to explore and discover the spiritual riches, allowing each sunrise and sunset to awaken your soul to the limitless depths of His grace and goodness. 

-Torrance Church of Christ

Reimagining the Woman in Proverbs 31: A Contemporary Perspective

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching and as we prepare to celebrate the amazing women in our lives, it’s natural to reflect upon the significant roles these special women have had in our lives. 

Mothers and motherly figures embody the virtues of the woman in Proverbs 31–strong, diligent, and compassionate. One of the most well-known biblical passages about the epitome of virtuous womanhood, Proverbs 31:10-31 poetically forms a compelling image of the ideal woman–one who is devoted to her family and her faith, balancing multiple responsibilities with grace and wisdom. But what does it mean to be a Proverbs 31 woman in today's world? Today, we'll explore the qualities of this remarkable woman and consider how contemporary mothers can apply these traits to their own lives.

Overview of Proverbs 31:10-31

Inspiring countless women over the centuries, the woman described in Proverbs 31 offers a timeless model of noble character. The passage emphasizes her many roles: a devoted wife, a caring mother, and a shrewd businesswoman rooted in faith and integrity.  Tending to her responsibilities with vigor and purpose, she is known for her diligence, rising early to provide for her household, and her resourcefulness, managing her family's affairs with wisdom and efficiency.

Let’s take a better look at some of her key attributes:

• Trustworthy: Her husband trusts her completely, knowing she will bring him nothing but good throughout her life (Proverbs 31:11-12).
• Industrious: She vigorously tends to her daily chores and tasks (Proverbs 31:17).
• Compassionate: She has a heart for the poor and opens her hands to those in need (Proverbs 31:20).
• Mindful: Her words carry wisdom, and her tongue is filled with kindness when she speaks.  (Proverbs 31:26).
• Faithful: Her strength comes from her deep reverence for the Lord, guiding all her actions (Proverbs 31:30-31).
• Diligent: She works with eagerness and wakes up early to provide for her family (Proverbs 31:13-15).
• Resourceful: She’s like a merchant ship, bringing food from distant places, and considers a field carefully before buying it (Proverbs 31:14, 16).
• Confident: Clothed in strength and dignity, she can laugh without fear of the future (Proverbs 31:25).
• Family-Oriented: She watches over her household diligently and doesn't let idleness take root (Proverbs 31:27).

Relevancy Today

The attributes of the Proverbs 31 woman can seem daunting at first glance. How can a modern mother juggle work, family, and personal growth while being compassionate, wise, and fearless?  While some aspects of this ancient depiction may seem distant or outdated, her core values remain relevant today. 

Mothers can apply these traits by adapting them to fit the context of their lives. Examples of modern applicability include:

• Trustworthiness: Being trustworthy means being reliable and dedicated to your commitments. It incorporates relationship maintenance through honesty, dependability, and open communication. 
• Industriousness: Today, mothers can struggle to balance work and home life. Establishing a routine and adopting time management skills, finding creative solutions when problem-solving, and ensuring your family’s needs are met signify an industrious spirit. 
• Compassion: Compassion is timeless. Whether it's volunteering, supporting a friend in need, or raising children to be kind and empathetic, mothers can exemplify this trait by showing genuine concern for others.
• Mindfulness: Being mindful involves making sound decisions and guiding others with discernment. This includes seeking God's guidance in parenting, giving thoughtful advice, and modeling a life of faith.
• Faithfulness: A faithful mother prioritizes her relationship with God. She understands that her strength and guidance come from her faith. You can do this through regular prayer, Bible study, and involvement in a faith community.
• Diligence and Resourcefulness: Often, mothers juggle various roles–work, home management, childcare, and community involvement. Embrace your unique skills and find joy in your work, knowing it contributes to your family's well-being.
• Confidence: In today's atmosphere of high-functioning anxiety and stress, seek inner strength through prayer and a deepening relationship with God. Remind yourself that your dignity comes from knowing who you are in Christ, not from external validation.
• Family-Oriented: As a mother, you set the tone for your household. Use your words to build up your family and share wisdom. Teach your children the value of kindness and compassion, expressing it through your actions.

Challenges in Modern Society

Despite the feasibility of the wealth of enlightenment provided in Proverbs 31, mothers now experience newfangled challenges that may render it more difficult to fully encompass the woman’s qualities and shape them to fit various circumstances. Unrealistic pressures of external and internal demands can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and inadequacy. 

Importantly, while the woman is an admirable and constructive paragon, her traits are not a checklist to be completed.  Instead, they should encourage you to live with purpose, compassion, and faith. Your value comes from God, not from meeting a set of standards.  God doesn't expect you to be perfect; He simply wants you to seek Him and trust His guidance.

Admittedly, it may not always be easy, which is why we’ve shared helpful tips for mothers to press forward through some of the more common challenges mothers face today:

• Perfectionism: The drive to be a perfect mother can lead to stress and burnout. Embrace God’s sufficient grace, and lean on Him for strength and direction You don’t have to do it all, understand that you’re allowed to have off days. 
• Balance Work and Family: Balance doesn’t mean victoriously accomplishing all that needs to be done; it means setting aside the time to focus on what matters most. There will always be more work, so aim to build strong relationships; prioritizing quality time with God, family, and friends. 
• Social Comparison: Social media can create a distorted image of motherhood. Limit your time online, and focus on real-life connections and experiences.
• Personal Faith: With busy schedules, it's easy to neglect personal spiritual growth. Prioritize time for prayer, Bible study, and church involvement to stay connected with God.

Happy Mother’s Day

There is no doubt that motherhood is marked with exhaustive responsibility and honor. Throughout the passage, the woman’s noble character and deep reverence for God is an aspiration for all women who seek to live a life of purpose and faith. While the specifics of her life may differ from those of modern mothers, her core values of goodwill, selflessness, and love remain as suitable today as they were centuries ago. As we seek to follow in her footsteps, place your trust in God, knowing that he will grant you the strength to serve your family with love, the wisdom to efficiently manage your resources, and the courage to live with integrity. 

May you find peace and joy in knowing that God sees your efforts and loves you unconditionally. Happy Mother's Day!

(Before you go, don’t forget to download or print a copy of Affirmations for Mom and Prayers for Mom!)

-Torrance Church of Christ

The Beauty of Creation: Appreciation of God's Handiwork Part 4: The Roles of the Divine Co-Creators

The book of Genesis opens with the resounding declaration: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1); establishing that through His will and omnipotent power, God is the Creator of all things. However, while the Old Testament primarily focuses on God as the Creator, the New Testament offers insights into Jesus' preexistence and contribution to the process behind creation. Together, their involvement highlights the orchestrated unity that brought about creation.  As we explore their roles, we challenge you to consider both the origins of creation and the ongoing relationship between the Creator and His creation.

The Father

Unfolding His grand design, God's role in creation encompasses the full spectrum of celestial activity, from the initial act of creation to each subsequent act ranging from the separation of light and darkness to the formation of humanity to the ongoing maintenance and eventual climax of the universe. 

His presence and authority over the land are unmistakable through His continuous involvement in upholding the natural order of life. From the moment of creation, God imbued the land with the capacity to support life, furnishing it with resources and ecosystems designed to meet the varying needs of all creatures. The intricate web of ecological relationships, from the symbiotic interactions between plants and animals to the delicate balance of predator and prey, unequivocally establishes His supremacy. 

As portrayed in Proverbs 6:16-19: There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue,  hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community, His rule extends beyond physical formation, and is manifested through God exercising  His sovereignty over the land through His moral and ethical guidance, establishing laws and ordinances that govern human conduct. 

In addition, the Old and New Testaments reveal God’s motive to restore creation to its intended state of harmony and righteousness. His redemptive role is realized through covenants, promises, and ultimately through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.

The Son

John 1:1-4 affirms Christ as an active agent in creation: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.  Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. Again Colossians 1:15-17 certifies: The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.  For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.  He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Both passages articulate Christ’s participation in creation alongside the Father, with his presence permeating every aspect.It was through Christ that creation came into existence, and everything finds its origin and purpose in Him.

Just as John testifies, Christ’s role in creation is thoroughly intertwined with his identity as the Word made flesh. As the Word, Jesus is also the embodiment of revelation that bridges the gap between humanity, intrinsically linking Him to redemption. As the Messiah, His life, death, and resurrection are central to God's plan to reconcile creation with Himself. Throughout His earthly ministry, Christ taught, healed, and performed miracles; revealing God's character and intentions to humankind. Through His sacrificial death on the cross and succeeding resurrection, the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity becomes possible. Christ’s triumph over sin and death demonstrates mankind’s agency and, most importantly, offers the promise of rejuvenation and rebirth for all creation. Even more, it instills the concept that creation is a living and persistent process that is breathing today and forevermore;  culminating in the utmost renewal of all things.

Joint Operation

Mirroring the description of the New Jerusalem, Revelation 21:23 sheds light upon the mutual foundation of creation: for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 

While distinct in their persons, working together in perfect harmony as co-creators to accomplish the plan of creation emphasizes the shared purpose and inseparable relationship between the Father and Son. 

Final Thoughts

From the first moment of time to the ultimate fulfillment, the collaborative undertaking as creator, sustainer, guide, and redeemer underlines the breadth of the sacred development of creation. The unified relationship calls each of us to recognize the divine fingerprints in the world and welcomes us to participate in the ongoing story of creation and renewal.

-Torrance Church of Christ