When I first saw Walter Vogt's picture, frankly, I was very impressed by it. The sharp contrast of the colors is very striking indeed. And as I looked at the raindrops on this beautiful flower (if anyone knows what it is- please e-mail me) I thought about the preceding storm and that after the tumult, something wonderful was left behind. Small drops of nourishment and beauty that almost make you rejoice for the disturbance. It is to those drops that I would like to focus my attention today and reflect a bit on their importance. First though, please be kind enough to read the Scripture I chose today for a companion to Walt's picture...
2 Peter, Chapter 1
2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 seeing that his divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and virtue; 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust. 5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge; 6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness; 7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love. 8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God wants you. God loves you. God is pleased when you obey his Gospel and are added to HIS family. Now, its time for the newborn spiritual child to grow. Grow, by the power of his word and absorbing the perfect spiritual principles therein to advance toward perfection. An ever increasing closeness that we understand as we practice things like moral excellence, self-control, patience and love. These and more are like the nourishing raindrops on that yellow bloom above. In fact, they come from above- and not from any raindrop either. This passage from Peter is important- read and read it again- several times; reflect and grow!!! You will never think about rain quite the same way ever again!!! Once again, NICE PICTURE - Walt!!!