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Embracing God's Complex World

A daily devotion for navigating change

May

May 1 – The Sacred Web of Life

May 1 – The Sacred Web of Life

The body is one, even though it has many parts; all the parts—many though they are—comprise a single body. And so it is with Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:12) As we walk through the Australian bush, we encounter the intricate web of life woven by the diverse flora and...

May 2 – The Echoes of Our Shared Humanity

May 2 – The Echoes of Our Shared Humanity

If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honoured, all the members share its joy. (1 Corinthians 12:26) In the tranquil waters of the Great Barrier Reef, we find a stunning example of interconnectedness in the relationship between the...

May 3 – Nurturing Growth Through Unity

May 3 – Nurturing Growth Through Unity

Through Christ, the whole body grows. With the proper functioning of each member, firmly joined together by each supporting ligament, the body builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:16) In the vibrant gardens of Australia, we find a beautiful example of...

May 4 – The Grace of the Jacaranda

May 4 – The Grace of the Jacaranda

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 jacaranda tree, with its stunning display of purple blossoms, offers a powerful lesson in trust and...

May 5 – The Contentment of the Kookaburra

May 5 – The Contentment of the Kookaburra

That's why I tell you not to worry about your livelihood, what you are to eat or drink or use for clothing. Isn't life more than just food? Isn't the body more than just clothes? (Matthew 6:25) The laughing kookaburra, one of our iconic birds, embodies the essence of...

May 6 – The Wisdom of the Bottlebrush

May 6 – The Wisdom of the Bottlebrush

Seek first God's reign, and God's justice, and all these things will be given to you besides. (Matthew 6:33) The vibrant bottlebrush tree, a beloved sight in our gardens, teaches us a valuable lesson about seeking the Divine above all else. As the bottlebrush grows,...

May 7 – The Sacred in the Small

May 7 – The Sacred in the Small

"The truth is, every time you did this for the least of my sisters or brothers, you did it for me." (Matthew 25:40) In the outback, the tiny budgerigar might easily be overlooked amidst the grandeur of the vast landscape. Yet, this small parrot plays a vital role in...

May 8 – The Kaleidoscope of Grace

May 8 – The Kaleidoscope of Grace

"I begin to see how true it is that God shows no partiality—rather, that any person of any nationality who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to God." (Acts 10:34-35) In the vibrant depths of the Great Barrier Reef, a dazzling array of coral and fish...

May 9 – The Healing Embrace of Inclusion

May 9 – The Healing Embrace of Inclusion

Jesus continued touring all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the Good News of God's reign and curing all kinds of diseases and sicknesses. (Matthew 9:35) The river red gum stands as a powerful symbol of inclusivity, its sprawling...

May 10 – The Symphony of Service

May 10 – The Symphony of Service

If I, then—your Teacher and Sovereign—have washed your feet, you should wash each other's feet. (John 13:14) In the intricate world of a beehive, each bee plays a unique and vital role, working together in a symphony of purpose and cooperation. From the diligent...

May 11 – The Garden of God’s Kindom

May 11 – The Garden of God’s Kindom

Let the children come to me; do not stop them. It is to just such as these that the kindom of God belongs. The truth is, whoever doesn't welcome the kindom of God as a little child won't enter it. (Mark 10:13-14) (The Inclusive Bible translation uses ‘kindom’ to...

May 12 – Transformed by Grace

May 12 – Transformed by Grace

A woman who had a low reputation in that town came to the house. She had learned that Jesus was dining with the Pharisee, so she brought with her an alabaster jar of perfumed oil. She stood behind Jesus, crying, and her tears fell on his feet. Then she dried his feet...

May 13 – The Sacred Net of Life

May 13 – The Sacred Net of Life

"The kindom of heaven is like a net thrown into the sea, which collected all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishers hauled it ashore. Then, sitting down, they collected the good ones in a basket and threw away those that were of no use." (Matthew 13:47-48) In...

May 14 –  The Eternal Coherence

May 14 – The Eternal Coherence

"Before anything was created, Christ existed, and all things hold together in Christ." (Colossians 1:17) In the timeless expanse of eternity, Christ stands as the unifying force that binds all of creation together. Like the delicate balance of an ecosystem, where...

May 15 – The Artistry of Creation

May 15 – The Artistry of Creation

"We are God's work of art, created in Christ Jesus to do the good things God created us to do from the beginning." (Ephesians 2:10) Just as the intricate patterns and hues of the rainbow lorikeet's plumage blend together in a stunning display of artistry, each one of...

May 16 – The Adaptability of the Eucalyptus

May 16 – The Adaptability of the Eucalyptus

“That is why we don't lose heart. And though this physical self of ours may be falling into decay, the inner self is renewed day by day.” (2 Corinthians 4:16) In the vast expanses of the Australian landscape, the eucalyptus tree stands as a testament to adaptability....

May 17 – The Resilience of the Kangaroo Paw

May 17 – The Resilience of the Kangaroo Paw

The Resilience of the Kangaroo Paw “But not only that—we even rejoice in our afflictions! We know that affliction produces perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and character, hope.” - (Romans 5:3-4) The striking kangaroo paw, with its vibrant colours and...

May 18 – The Resilience of the Spinifex

May 18 – The Resilience of the Spinifex

“I can do all things through the One who gives me strength.” - (Philippians 4:13) Across the arid landscapes of Australia, the humble spinifex grass stands as a symbol of resilience and adaptability. This hardy plant thrives in the harshest conditions, its deep roots...

May 19 – The Gathering of Hearts

May 19 – The Gathering of Hearts

“Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there in their midst.” (Matthew 18:20) In the vast expanse of the outback, we find the majestic ghost gum tree. Its pale, smooth bark seems to glow in the moonlight, a beacon for all who wander in the night. Just as...

May 20 – Rooted in Love

May 20 – Rooted in Love

“Live on in me, as I do in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit of itself apart from the vine, neither can you bear fruit apart from me. I am the vine; you are the branches.” - (John 15:4-5) Deep in the ancient forests of Australia, the majestic mountain ash tree...

May 21 – Solitude and Silence

May 21 – Solitude and Silence

“After dismissing the crowds, Jesus went up into the hills by himself to pray.” - (Matthew 14:23) In the vast expanses of the Australian Outback, the red kangaroo finds moments of solitude amidst the rugged landscape. This majestic creature, known for its social...

May 22 – Compassion’s Web

May 22 – Compassion’s Web

"In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ." (Ephesians 4:32) In the intricate web of the rainforest, countless species are interwoven in a delicate dance of interdependence. From the...

May 23 – Whispers of Wisdom

May 23 – Whispers of Wisdom

“Because you are God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt compassion, with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) In our ancient forests, the lyrebird's song is a symphony of mimicry and improvisation. This elusive...

May 24 – Mercy’s Ripple

May 24 – Mercy’s Ripple

"Blessed are those who show mercy to others: they will be shown mercy." (Matthew 5:7) In the tranquil waters of a billabong, a single raindrop creates a ripple that expands outward, gently touching the lives of countless creatures. The water strider, dancing...

May 25 – The Echidna’s Lesson

May 25 – The Echidna’s Lesson

“The love of money is the root of all evil. Some people, in their passion for it, have strayed from the faith and have come to grief amid great pain.” (1 Timothy 6:10) The echidna foraging in bushland, embodies a lesson in simplicity and contentment. This unique...

May 26 – The Faithful Wattlebird

May 26 – The Faithful Wattlebird

“The first requirement of those who have been given a trust is faithfulness.” - (1 Corinthians 4:2) The wattlebird, a honeyeater, displays a remarkable commitment to its role in the ecosystem. Each day, it faithfully forages for nectar, pollinating countless flowers...

May 27 – The Cassowary’s Stewardship

May 27 – The Cassowary’s Stewardship

"We will all have to give an account of ourselves before God." - (Romans 14:12) In the dense rainforests of Northern Australia, the cassowary, a large, flightless bird, roams the undergrowth. With its striking blue and red colouring, horn-like structure on its head,...

May 28 – The Eternal Dance of Life

May 28 – The Eternal Dance of Life

“God rescued us from the authority of darkness and brought us into the reign of Jesus, God's Only Begotten.” - (Colossians 1:13) In the heart of the forest, a fallen tree slowly decomposes, its nutrients returning to the earth to nourish new life. This cycle of death...

May 29 – The Ebb and Flow of the Tides

May 29 – The Ebb and Flow of the Tides

"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we'll go to such-and-such a city, spend a year there, open a business and get rich.' You can never tell what your life will be like or what will happen tomorrow. You're no more than a vapour that appears briefly and then...

May 30 – The Eternal Dance

May 30 – The Eternal Dance

“The earth and everything on it — the world and all who live in it— belong to YHWH.” - (Psalm 24:1) In the vast expanse of the Australian outback, the majestic wedge-tailed eagle soars effortlessly on thermal currents, its keen eyes scanning the landscape below for...

May 31 – Flourishing in Unexpected Places

May 31 – Flourishing in Unexpected Places

"I came that you might have life and have it to the full." - (John 10:10) The Sturt's Desert Pea, a striking flower in the arid regions of Australia, embodies the resilience and adaptability of life in the face of adversity. Its vibrant red petals, contrasted against...

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