Outdoor Devotion

I love the warmer months. Beside my bodily lack of tolerance of the cold, I love to read Scripture and pray as God's creation sets the backdrop. The out-of-doors devotion is a practical way to remove distractions, to pray out loud while the boys take their nap, and to quiet my soul away from the modern distractions like the computer. 



Recently, my devotions were upset by natural surprises. God's creatures paid a visit.

A broad-headed skink bathed in the warm sun on limestone I stacked last summer to build a small garden by the deck. Skinks are lizards that God formed perfectly for living in Kentucky. The skink's front feet are good for burrowing. His rear feet are good for balance for seeking insect prey. His color resembles rocks so he can warm with protection against predators. God feeds the skink, how much more valuable are His chosen people than skinks!

A tom (male turkey) also paid me a visit. This one pictured to the left was in full display with two hens (female turkey) nearby. Unfortunately, when I turned around to retrieve my camera, he began to run off. His display is extraordinary. God created the turkey just like the skink and the rest of His creation: in detail designed to live in the region.






When you sit quiet long enough outdoors here in the countryside, the natural world belonging to God blooms. The natural world is more than a cold list of academic information to mine and place into textbooks. The natural world is designed and sustained by the all-powerful hand of God. Studying God's revealed Word about Himself and His creation gives a sweeter beauty to the whole realm of nature. Go and study God's wonderful gift of His Word outside.