One of the first things we noticed when we crossed the Canadian border into
Manitoba was the numerous, striking fields of sunflowers.
"Why do sunflowers look like a miniature sun?" Asked one of my boys.
Good question! And isn't it true? Sunflowers are one of the only flowers that
always face the sun. Throughout the day the flower turns with the sun, soaking
in the sunshine until the last rays sink into the west, then they slowly turn
back towards the east so that they don't miss even one ray of the precious light
at sunrise. Is it possible that one of the reasons they resemble the sun is that
looking at the sun has become their primary goal in life?
There is so much we can learn from these beautiful flowers! How different our
existence would be if our whole purpose in life became to soak in the grace of
God's Son, to reflect His spender to others around us! People would notice that
we were different. People would begin to wonder why!
Remember Peter and John? It was clear to anyone that they had been with Jesus.
Their whole countenance reflected their relationship with their Maker. It
couldn't be hidden! "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized
that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note
that these men had been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13 NIV).
The same was true for Moses: "When he came out and told the Israelites what he
had been commanded, they saw that his face was radiant." (Ex 34:34-35 NIV)
Friends, you cannot hide a relationship with God. It is noticeable to anyone,
because it makes you stand out, because you begin to reflect the glory of our
Maker. We are told to: "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a
fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Eph 5:1-2 NIV). May I encourage you to
pursue this endeavor, and to persevere in soaking in and cherishing your
relationship with your Forever friend. When you do, it will become noticeable to
those around your. Only by putting your relationship with Him as your utmost
priority will your countenance start to reflect His grace.
May we all experience the insatiable thirst for God that Enoch had. Worldly
matters will start to look dim once we fully experience God in our lives. "Enoch
walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away." (Gen 5:24 NIV)
Thank you, sunflowers, for sharing this important lesson with us!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.