Embracing God's Complex World
A daily devotion for navigating changeAugust
December 1 – Unity in Diversity
It was by one Spirit that all of us, whether we are Jews or Greeks, slaves or citizens, were baptized into one body. All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13) The Fitzgerald River National Park in Western Australia is a testament to...
December 2 – Wildflowers in Harmony
So all of us, in union with Christ, form one body. And as members of that one body, we belong to each other. (Romans 12:5) In the Australian Alps, a breathtaking display of unity and interconnectedness unfolds each spring as the Billy Buttons burst into a sea of...
December 3 – Coral Companions
What should be our response? Simply this: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) In the clear waters of Australia's Ningaloo Reef, a remarkable partnership unfolds. Vibrant coral polyps and microscopic algae intertwine their lives in an intricate...
December 4 – Crayfish
For I am certain that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, neither heights nor depths—nor anything else in all creation—will be able to separate us from the love of God that comes to us in Christ Jesus, our Savior....
December 5 – Thriving in the Shadows
Thus we may say with confidence, "God is my Helper, and I will not be afraid; what can mere humans do to me?" (Hebrews 13:6) The Tasmanian Pepperberry flourishes in the shadows cast by the towering dense forest canopy above. Its vibrant green leaves and peppery...
December 6 -Interconnected Web of Life
Love your neighbour as yourself. (James 2:8) In the vast expanse of the Great Victoria Desert, a delicate balance is maintained through the intricate relationships between its inhabitants. From the tiny spinifex hopping mouse to the majestic wedge-tailed eagle, each...
December 7 – Honey Possum
Those who claim to be in the light but hate their neighbours are still in the dark. But those who love their neighbours are living in the light and need not be afraid of stumbling. (1 John 2:9-10) The honey possum, a tiny marsupial native to Western Australia, has...
December 8 – Unity in Diversity
All of you must be of one mind. Be sympathetic, loving, compassionate, humble. (1 Peter 3:8) Juvenile crimson rosellas, with their brilliant red and blue plumage, often gather together in flocks to feed and socialise. Despite their individual differences, they...
December 9 – Good News
Then Jesus told them, "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Good News to all creation." (Mark 16:15) The Bibbulmun Track in Western Australia is an example of the intricate web of life that blankets our planet. This 1000-kilometre trail winds through ancient...
December 10 – Humble Service
What you should do is go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your hosts approach you they'll say, 'My friend, come up higher.' (Luke 14:10) In the Daintree Rainforest, the Ringtail Possum quietly goes about its nightly work, nibbling on fruits and dispersing...
December 11 – Salvation’s Reach
Jesus said to the tax collector, "Today salvation has come to this house, for this is what it means to be a descendant of Sarah and Abraham." (Luke 19:9-10) The Cartwheel Galaxy is a stunning testament to the intricate beauty and expansive nature of God's creation....
December 12 – Courage in Community
Be on your guard. Stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Let all that you do be done in love. (1 Corinthians 16:13) The fairy penguin, though small in stature, exemplifies the power of courage and love in the face of adversity. These remarkable creatures...
December 13 – Trusting in the Unseen
Trust YHWH with all your heart, and don't rely on your own understanding; acknowledge God in everything you do, and God will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6) The Shark Bay seagrass beds may seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in the intricate web of...
December 14 – Resilience in the Desert
Even if I'm surrounded by shadows of Death, I fear no danger, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff— they give me courage. (Psalm 23:4) The Spinifex Hopping Mouse, a tiny creature that thrives in the arid spinifex grasslands of Australia, embodies the essence...
December 15 – The Sacrificial Journey
And everyone who has left home, sisters, brothers, mother, father, children or land for my sake will be repaid a hundredfold, and will also inherit eternal life. (Matthew 19:29) The humpback whale's annual migration is a powerful testament to the sacrifices made for a...
December 16 – Unconditional Love
With that, the younger son set off for home. While still a long way off, the father caught sight of the returning child and was deeply moved. (Luke 15:20) The Red-necked Stint, a tiny shorebird, embarks on a remarkable journey each year from the tundra of Siberia to...
December 17 – Regeneration
The Promised One has come to search out and save what was lost. (Luke 19:10) In the Australian bush, a remarkable phenomenon occurs after the devastation of a bushfire. From the charred remains and ashes, new shoots begin to emerge, a testament to the resilience and...
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