Friday’s Devotion: Photography and Storytelling USED

Modified and used 10-11-21

Isaiah 28:5  In that day the LORD Almighty will be a glorious crown, a beautiful wreath for the remnant of his people.

This morning I saw a TV segment about a photographer who gets very close to the wildlife of Africa.  His pictures were beautiful. I thought that one of the reasons was because his subject matter was striking. I’m not discounting his skills but I know from my journey to the Holy Land that some of my pictures were amazing – not because I knew what I was doing with a camera but because the subject matter was itself amazing. After someone complimented me on my Easter sermon, I thought how could it not be exciting?  The subject matter is beautiful and exciting.  I am merely telling the story. Like a photographer, I try to put the subject in the best light, to find the best angles and to make something that reveals the qualities of the subject to those with whom I can share it.  We who love Jesus can all do that.  Isaiah 52:7 says,  “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!”

Heavenly God, We ask you to help us tell your beautiful amazing story to others. And we ask you to continue to help us become part of the story ourselves.  In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

Friday’s Devotion: The Blessing of Beauty

 

Psalm 50:2  From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth.

Earlier this week while walking around the ball fields I stopped to admire the beauty of a dogwood tree in full bloom.  It was a mature tree with a large knurled trunk and spreading canopy.  I had a sudden urge to hug the tree, but I restrained myself because I didn’t want those nearby to think I was losing it.  The quote “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder” is a paraphrase of a statement in which Plato speaks of beholding beauty with the eye of the mind bringing forth true virtue which could lead one to becoming a friend of God and immortality.  I think one of the greatest blessing God gives us in the gift of the ability to recognize beauty. I often feel closer to God when I behold beauty in nature.  I thanked God for that tree. I think I’ll go back in a little while and visit it again.

Creator God,  thank you for the beauty of the earth.  Thank you for surrounding us with the beauty of spring.  Help us to take time to refresh our spirits in the middle of all our anxieties by gazing upon your creation.  We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.