IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEAULAH?

IS NOT THIS THE LAND OF BEAULAH? 

Is Not This The Land of Beulah? 

I am dwelling on the mountain, 

Where the golden sunlight gleams, 

O'er a land of wondrous beauty, 

Far exceeds my fondest dreams; 

Where the air is pure, ethereal, 

Laden with the the breath of flowers, 

They are blooming by the fountain, 

'Neath the amaranthine bowers. 

I can see far down the mountain, 

Where I wandered weary years, 

Often hindered in my journey 

By the ghosts of doubts and fears, 

Broken vows and disappointments 

Thickly sprinkled all the way; 

But the Spirit led unerring 

To the land I hold today. 

I am drinking at the fountain, 

Where I ever would abide, 

For I've tasted life's pure river, 

And my soul is satisfied; 

There's no thirsting for life's pleasures, 

Nor adorning rich and gay, 

For I've found a richer treasure, 

One that fadeth not away. 

Tell me not of heavy crosses, 

Nor of burdens hard to bear, 

For I've found this great salvation, 

Makes each burden light appear; 

And I love to follow Jesus, 

Gladly counting all but dross, 

Worldly honors all forsaking 

For the glory of the cross. 

Oh, the cross has wondrous glory! 

Oft I've proved this to be true, 

When I'm in the way so narrow, 

I can see a pathway through; 

And how sweetly Jesus whispers, 

"Take the cross, thou need'st not fear, 

For I've trod the way before thee, 

And the glory lingers near." 

Is not this the Land of Beaulah, 

Blessed, blessed land of light, 

Where the flowers bloom forever, 

And the sun is always bright?

By Anonymous  

Photo Credit: 12019 via www.pixabay.com

The Canticle of Creation

The Canticle of Creation

O Most High, all-powerful, good Lord God,
to you belong praise, glory,
honour and all blessing.
Be praised, my Lord, for all your creation
and especially for our Brother Sun,
who brings us the day and the light;
he is strong and shines magnificently.
O Lord, we think of you when we look at him.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Moon,
and for the stars
which you have set shining and lovely
in the heavens.
Be praised, my Lord,
for our Brothers Wind and Air
and every kind of weather
by which you, Lord,
uphold life in all your creatures.
Be praised, my Lord, for Sister Water,
who is very useful to us,
and humble and precious and pure.
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Fire,
through whom you give us light in the darkness:
he is bright and lively and strong.
Be praised, my Lord,
for Sister Earth, our Mother,
who nourishes us and sustains us,
bringing forth
fruits and vegetables of many kinds
and flowers of many colours.
Be praised, my Lord,
for those who forgive for love of you;
and for those
who bear sickness and weakness
in peace and patience
- you will grant them a crown.
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Death,
whom we must all face.
I praise and bless you, Lord,
and I give thanks to you,
and I will serve you in all humility.

by Saint Francis of Assisi

Photo Credit: www.pixabay.com

Christian Outdoor Object Lesson 29: Light Mirror

Photo Credit: Brennon Garner

Key Verse

“Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:15-16 WEB

Lesson

Note: This lesson is best done where the moon can be seen well. Alt: Use a flashlight and mirror to demonstrate how the sun (flashlight) reflects off the moon (mirror).

In Genesis chapter one we learn that God created the moon to give light at night. The moon is a very interesting celestial body. It has attracted man’s wonder for hundreds and thousands of years. Besides the sun it has been the primary means of keeping time for almost every group of people on earth. The ancient Aztec’s of Central America had a 13-day week likely based on the moon cycle.₁ The average lunar month is actually about 27 days, not 30, so two 13-day weeks would be closer to one month.₂

God did not make the moon a source of light. Instead the moon reflects the light of the sun. Much like a mirror does not produce its own light, but reflects light such as that from a flashlight. If the moon was a ball of fire like the sun it would surely consume us! Also, the moon would be to bright. Since it reflects sunlight it is just bright enough most nights to allow us to see outside but still get good sleep. The brightness of the moon still changes drastically throughout the moon cycle. An interesting fact is that only two days before a full moon, the moon is only half the brightness of a full moon.₂ You might think the moon gets brighter and brighter until it is full, but that is not the case. God likes to surprise us in creation.

The moon provides a beautiful object lesson. According to Genesis one the primary reason for the moon to exist is to give the darkness light. But it cannot do this on its own. Alone, the moon is nothing; it cannot fulfill its purpose. The sun, on the other hand, can provide light during the day. Everyone around the Earth cannot see it all the time. So the moon is completely dependent on the sun for its light. And the sun needs the moon so it can provide light during the nighttime.

In a similar way we are like the moon. Alone, without Jesus, we are nothing; we cannon fulfill our purpose. Our purpose is to shine God’s light, his love, to the world just as it says in Matthew 5:15-16. Jesus is in heaven and everyone cannot see him. So he wants us to be his lights here on earth. He chose us to reflect his character like a mirror, just as the moon does for the sun. Some people think it is hard to be a Christian. But Jesus made it quite simple. He left us an example of exactly what he wants us to do. All we need to do is follow his example and we will reflect his love to the world.

Questions

Have you ever seen the moon look remarkable or uncommon? Describe it.

What exactly is Matthew 5:15-16 referring to when it says “let your light so shine before men”?

In what ways can we reflect the light of Jesus to others?

Sources

1 http://www.ancient.eu/Aztec_Civilization/

2 http://www.space.com/11162-10-surprising-moon-facts-full-moons.html