“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105…the Holy Bible, the best of all books!

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Recently one morning, in opening a can of coffee, its grounds wafted a pleasant scent, which made me think of all the good things that, to us on earth, our God has sent.

There are various types of teas and great varieties of healthful vegetables and of fruit…and many other foods of which to partake, that to each person’s taste, will suit.

Consider the different kinds of apples, yet just one fruit–or even the many grains. Rye, wheat, spelt, oats, barley, quinoa, and more…are grown upon the plains.

God made so much that pleases. People enjoy mountain-skiing and the snow, while others prefer to swim, surf, fish, or boat on the lakes or oceans to which they go.

Speaking of snow, how about the seasons–winter, spring, summer, and fall?  Some favor one season over another, while many of us appreciate them all.

Think of the trees, (maples, hickories, oaks, and more), the plants and flowers, the variety of fish to view or catch, and enjoyment of pets in our daily hours.

Most often, we think of dogs and cats; but, of course, there are others on the earth–horses and farm animals abound, and zoos celebrate an endangered species’ birth.

God’s given us birds of great variety…we love to hear their early morning singing. And we’re thankful for the bees and the wonderful honey that they’re still bringing.

How about the divine or natural things He provides for health that give us aid?  In God’s Word is “health;” while from herbs or plants, helpful things are made.

It’s hard to end the list–necessary insects, or the beauty of each different gem.  Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, garnets, sapphires, and topaz are just some of them.

And, oh, He made great variety in people, who, really, are of the same race…some things make us different, but all ancestry back to Adam/Noah can be traced.

If God so generously stocked this earth with unique and special varieties galore, just think of what His designs must be in His beautiful heaven that are in store!

But there is one thing God hasn’t varied–the way of salvation–only One way will do.  The way, the truth, and the life…Jesus, You said no one comes to the Father, but by You…

The Father is offering new birth to all.  Through Jesus Christ our lives are blessed. Of all the gifts we’re offered by God…Jesus, His only begotten Son, is His very best!

P. A. Oltrogge

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“Jesus answered, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” John 3:5-8

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” Ephesians 2:8

“He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:10-13

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17 KJV

“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those who find them,
and health to all their flesh.” Proverbs 4:20-22

Scriptures: NKJV or as noted

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One last thought is of variety in music. The Psalms say to praise God with a new song.  Varied instruments are used, and the list of hymns of praise has become quite long.

The following is a vital hymn….

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils His lovely face,
I rest on His unchanging grace;
In every high and stormy gale,
My anchor holds within the veil.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, and blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way,
He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before the throne!
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

Written, 1834 by
Edward Mote
Composed, 1873 by
John Stainer