Scripture Thursday ~ Times and Seasons

And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Daniel 2:21 NKJV
New England is defined by its colorful fall foliage.  I live in Maine and the magnificence of the fall season is shown when the leaves of the trees turn shades of reds, yellows, gold, and even purple, before they fall to the ground.

I have recently been anticipating a visit from my sister and brother in law who I haven’t seen in a year.  They are traveling from New Mexico and picked this time of year so my brother in law could photograph some of the spectacular foliage. 

free scripture printable

Obviously, it’s God’s creation that changes the colors of the leaves and bares the trees before the winter season, but not surprisingly, there is a scientific explanation for why the leaves change color in the fall.  I like to visualize it as the hand of God creating another masterpiece for the entire world to enjoy.

I vaguely remember from high school science class that it had something to do with the chlorophyll in the leaves.  I decided to research the subject and here’s what I found out:

Chlorophyll is a green pigment in the leaves that absorbs red and blue light from the sun. The shortening days and cooler nights that fall brings, interfere with the process and cause the chlorophyll to break down.  When this happens, the green colors of the leaves fade, causing some to turn yellow, others red, purple or maroon.

free scripture printable

As this verse tells us, God is in control of the times and seasons.  There’s a reason for everything He does, even if it’s just for our pleasure. We’re also told that he is sovereign, which means he is in total control of everything happening in this universe. 

No matter what may happen in this world, He is in ultimate control. As you witness every day, the creation functions as God intended, with the exception of mankind and that is because we have a free will. God wants us to use our free will to accept and follow his plan for our lives.  Just look at how well it works out for the creation and all its interdependent relationships.  We serve an awesome and wonderful God worthy of our wholehearted devotion and trust.

Free vintage postcard ~ Catherine Klein

This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears

All nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.

This is my Father’s world: I rest me in the thought

Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas;

His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world. O let me ne’er forget

That though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet.

Hymn ~ This is My Father’s World

Maltbie D. Babcock, 1901

Have a wonderful day my friends.  Thanks for taking the time to visit my blog and leave your thoughts.   If you didn't see last week's Scripture Thursday post, I have a new page on my blog which has many of the Scripture Thursday devotions in one place.  You can find it here:   SCRIPTURE THURSDAY DEVOTIONS or by clicking the page at the top of the blog. 

 

If you don’t follow this blog via email and don’t want to miss a single devotion, or free graphic, you can click on this link to sign up.

Little Birdie Blessings by Email
 
This post is linked to:
This post is linked to: Word Art Wednesday,   Monday Musings, Deep Roots at Home, Fellowship Fridays ,   Titus Tuesdays, Hearts4Home Whatever you want Wednesday Faith Filled Friday  Wholehearted Home