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Psalm 104:24 – O Lord, what a variety you have made! And in wisdom you have made them all! The earth is full of your riches. (TLB)
Some unusual plants grow in the Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona, USA. My husband and I read about them as we explored the Ajo Mountain Drive, a 21-mile (34-kilometre) driving loop in Organ Pipe National Monument.
The park is named after the organ pipe cactus, a towering plant taller than a person. This cactus originated in the larger part of the Sonoran Desert in Mexico, but has adapted to life north of the US-Mexico border. In this protected area, there are only a few frosty nights a year. The organ pipe cacti grow on bare, south-facing slopes covered with dark volcanic rock. During the day, the rocks absorb heat, which is released at night to keep the plants from freezing. God provides a perfect blanket!
Certain desert trees act as nurse trees for the saguaro cactus, which also grows in the Monument. The palo verde, a small-leafed tree with a green trunk and branches, the creosote bush, or the ironwood tree all function in this role. They protect young saguaro cacti from the sun, flooding, and the occasional frost. The cacti flourish in their "care", gradually crowding out the nurse tree and taking over its water source. You could say the tree gives up its life for the cactus.
Jesus Christ gave up His life for us. Not only do we receive eternal life from Him, but He provided the means to adapt to a hostile world. During Jesus' earthly ministry, His disciples and followers thrived by having their teacher among them. When Jesus announced His departure, they were dismayed. They couldn't conceive of life without Him — a severing of their relationship, they thought.
Our heavenly Father, however, planned an adaptation for them and consequently for us. He sent us the Holy Spirit.
John 14:26 – But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor — Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. (AMP)
Like the blanket of warm air allowing the organ pipe cactus to exist in a harsh environment, imagine the term "Comforter" like a cozy blanket, wrapping us in the Lord's protective care.
Like the nurse trees in the desert, our "Strengthener" nurtures us, reminding us of the things Jesus has taught us, allowing us to flourish in a world contrary to God's values.
Revelation 4:11 – You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased. (NLT)
Marvel with me at God's provision, both in creation, and for us, here, today!
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the provisions You have made for us as we live in an environment contrary to Your values. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Monday, February 10, 2025 – In the Americas — Give thanks for those called to lead worship with the vulnerable and lonely in long-term-care residences. Pray that God's Word and music may bring comfort and peace to all.
fractures: "Update February 7: Jacquie had another fall while in the hospital. She has broken her collarbone so..." 
Thanks Alice, blessings.
Thanks, Alice, for the comforting words.
Thank you for sharing this encouraging and enlightening devotional with us today. To God be the glory! Blessings.
Good morning, Alice,
Thank you for this interesting and encouraging devotional.
God bless.
Thank for writing this devotional.
The spirit is our blanket… Our blankie, Our comforter.
Thank you for this way to remind us.
Blessings.
Thanks for this wisdom, so simple, but sometimes we want to hurry The Comforter along. Growing trees takes time…
Bless you Alice,
(BC)
Many thanks Alice for another of your very interesting and informative devotionals. You do a great job of correlating one of your life experiences with a way the Lord can work in our lives. It sounds like that trip in Arizona was quite an adventure to experience and you co-ordinated it very well with the care and comfort we can receive from our loving Lord when we seek Him. Blessings for these special writings you prepare.
Good morning, Alice,
Well I didn’t guess this was you. I thought it was one of the writers from the US. I was fascinated by all this wonderful information on the two cacti. I looked them up to see what they looked like and their flowers. God is amazing. His world is amazing. Thanks for improving my knowledge and reminding me how wonderfully He takes care of us all. Blessings.
Thank you, Alice. That is wonderful!
The Holy Spirit is our guide and comforter – a light in the darkness.
Thank you, Alice. I haven’t been to this park yet, but when I go, I will think of your spiritual comparisons to its plants.
Alice – How much I appreciate the scriptures you bring to life through observation of nature in the areas where you travel. God is so good to provide these glimpses into places beyond my physical reach.