Let’s change things up a bit. Who’s up for something different? It’s time for us to move out of our comfort zones and break the traditional role I have as a writer, and you have as a reader. It’s my hope and prayer you’ll embrace this adventure with as much enthusiasm as I have.
I have a proposal, an invitation that I’d sincerely like you to consider. Call it a quest request, if you will. This effort will require everyone to step out of the box somewhat, but isn’t that what faith is all about in the first place?
But before I make my request, we need to make sure we’re all on the same page first.
What is revelation?
Dictionary.com defines “revelation” as “the act of revealing or disclosing.”
What is revelation, theologically speaking?
Theologically, Dictionary.com says it is “God’s disclosure of Himself and His will to His creatures.”
Today we’re considering general revelation. What, then, is “general revelation?”
In “Truths We Confess,” Dr. R. C. Sproul says, “God’s general revelation is His revelation of Himself principally through nature and also through history, through the ministry of His providence to His people and through His works of creation.” If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating subject, please take a few minutes and visit https://tabletalkmagazine.com/posts/what-is-general-revelation-2020-01/.
It’s no surprise that the Bible has a few things to say about this subject.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Psalm 19:1 (NIV)
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” Romans 1:20 (NKJV)
We’re on the home stretch now. However, before we wrap things up, let’s add two quotes by John Eldredge from his book, “Beautiful Outlaw” to help carry us across the finish line.
“The personality of the artist leaks through their work. God included. He reveals Himself through nature as the scriptures testify.”
“The heart of the artist is revealed in their work. Here and there and everywhere, the creations of Jesus explode like fireworks from a fairy tale over the earth. Really now, what do we have here? Who do we have here? The whole earth is filled with His glory.”
We understand that whatever an artist creates will reflect something about the artist. We also know that God, the Creator of the universe, is the ultimate artist. He is the Pinnacle standing alone at the top of the mountain when it comes to the act of creation. By observing God’s creation, He has given us a picture window into His own heart.
So, what’s my request? I’m asking you to send me a photo of something that speaks to you about God and His nature. Please also include a brief description of God’s attribute the image conveys to you, or perhaps it brings a particular verse to mind that you’d like to share. If you’re comfortable doing so, please also provide your name (initials will do!) and the photo’s location. If you’re uncomfortable providing that information, I understand and will still be most happy to include your entry and a short description. Please note this is not a contest and that you retain all rights to your photo(s) as I will not use them in any other capacity. These are no less than sacred “offerings of worship” and are to be treated as such.
You’re most welcome to invite your friends to participate in this collective act of worship. Follow that nudge and step out in faith! Please send your contributions via email to jperey@onesuponmytime.com. Let’s create a wonderful “quilt of praise” heralding Who our God has revealed Himself to be to the world through general revelation.
“Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)
Jadon Lavik, This is My Father’s World from the album “Roots Run Deep”
I’m so excited to see what God does here as there are people from various countries around the world who visit this site. Stay tuned, my brothers and sisters!
I’ll kick things off with my offering for His quilt.
jperey, Lost Valley State Park, Arkansas, USA
And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, “Teacher, rebuke Your disciples.”But He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should keep silent,the stones would immediately cry out.” Luke 19:39-40 NKJV
Christine G: “This is a picture of the kids from 3 years ago in Bellvue Colorado (USA). They are standing at ‘Grandma Barb’s rock’. This was the place that Christopher’s (my husband) grandmother loved to go and spend time with Jesus. He would come up with her all throughout his childhood, clear through the last years of her life here on earth. Things just seem a little clearer and more peaceful at the Poudre River. God never feels closer than he does in the Colorado mountains. “
God, it seems you’ve been our home forever; long before the mountains were born, Long before you brought earth itself to birth, from “once upon a time” to “kingdom come”—you are God.Psalm 90:1-2 MSG
Amie C, Gulf of Mexico, Point East Beach, Alabama, USA: “But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ ” Luke 18:16. My favorite picture is the one I keep as my FB profile pic. It is all my children, and Noah (husband) in the Gulf. To me, the ocean always speaks of God and His kingdom, and my family loves to go there, and we always, almost always, find peace and love there.
The blackbird dance as I like to call it. One of my favorite things to watch as the seasons change and they migrate through our area in early winter. I look up at them in awe as they rhythmically move with the wind, all with purpose, knowing their final destination yet embracing the ups and downs along the way. As I watch them, I am reminded that we as Christians go through many seasons, and those seasons will change, but God is constant, never changing. He holds us under His wing as we dance through life to our final destination, which is in heaven with Him.
This has brought me peace and comfort especially in the state our country, and really the world for that matter, is in.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8
He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-11
-this is quite a long passage but I felt all of those verses needed to be in there. Hopefully readers will take the time to look it up.
ONE's upon my time 