Windows on Nature: Reflections on God

This book continues the McDonalds' unique combination of beautiful high-quality photographs of nature, rigorous scientific information and sound biblical insights. It has received both international and national endorsements from a range of Christian leaders.

PUBLISHER DESCRIPTION:

Windows on Nature: Reflections on God continues the McDonalds' unique combination of beautiful high-quality photographs of nature, rigorous scientific information and sound Biblical insights. This, their second book, has received both international and national endorsements from a range of Christian leaders.

Immerse yourself in the wonders of creation through the remarkable photographs which form the basis of 32 themed reflections, with titles such as Every Scar Tells a Story, What's Happening to My World?, The Wisdom of a King, What is Truth? and A Tale of Hope. In each reflection, a full-page photograph is informed by relevant scientific research and/or Indigenous knowledge and flows onto a thoughtful devotion drawn from the Old or New Testament, followed by a responsive prayer.

The book also features 5 illustrated and fascinating short stories from nature. The book provides both insights into the multi-faceted character of the One who brought creation into being and sustains it and encouragement and challenges for the reader who follows Christ. For those who just love the natural world and recognize how significant it is, the photographs and insights will both delight and provide food for thought. This book would be a great gift for such people as well as any with whom you would simply like to share something of the extraordinary beauty, majesty and diversity of the natural world.

Bob and Evelyn McDonald have given us another marvelous gift with their new book, 'Windows on Nature: Reflections on God'. With exquisitely beautiful nature photographs of Australia and New Zealand alongside stories, prayers, and reflections drawn from science, Indigenous wisdom, and Scripture, they throw open windows on God's creation that provide stunning vistas onto life and faith. The joy of reading-no, experiencing- this book will be eclipsed only by the delight readers will have as they turn from its pages and step out themselves into a world seen afresh in all its wonder and complexity and discover, thanks to the McDonalds, more clearly who God is and who we are called to be. Dr Jonathan Moo, Professor of New Testament and Environmental Studies, Whitworth University, Spokane, Washington. Author of a number of books including Creation Care: A Biblical Theology of the Natural World

When the psalmist looked upwards and saw a breathtaking sunset, or the cloud-strewn heavens, or a starry night sky, he saw it as the earth praising its creator. 'They pour forth speech', he enthused. 'They use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.' Bob and Evelyn McDonald are just like that psalmist. They don't just see nature worshipping God, they capture those moments in their exquisite photographs. Together with their reflections and prayers, this collection had me singing along with the psalmist, 'The earth declares the glory of God.' Dr Michael Frost, Author, Founding Director Tinsley Institute, Morling College, Sydney

How much we need the natural world to feed and replenish our spirits in these troubled times. This book does that in spades, with helpful reflections centering our thoughts on the Giver and Sustainer of life. Rev Tim Costello AO, Author, Senior Fellow Australian Centre for Public Christianity, Executive Director Micah Australia

Through a feast of remarkable photographs, and eyes and ears for the nuances of Scripture and the colours of Australia, Bob and Evelyn give us unique perspectives on God's gifts to us of landscapes and creatures. Like Solomon (1 Kings 4:32-33) their joy and delight at God's creation wisdom beckons us to worship Christ, in whom and for whom all things were created and hold together. Rev Anthony Brammall, Vice Principal, Sydney Missionary and Bible College

What a beautiful book that powerfully displays how God speaks not only through his word in the Bible but also in the splendour and intricacy of his creation! 'Windows on Nature: Reflections on God' provides a unique insight into the natural world of Australia and New Zealand, painting a vivid picture of a God who delights in all that he has made. May we be inspired to play our part in taking care of this amazing world. Dr Ruth Valerio, Global Advocacy and Influencing Director, Tearfund UK

This book makes me homesick to go see it all. I weep at the abundance of beauty. I see God's spirit hovering over the waters, the mountains, the starry host. Inexpressable contrast of colours sensing the Glory beyond. Creation shouts to invite us to be connected with God as he upholds everything by the power of his word. Our response is to bow in humble adoration and proclaim: 'My God, how GREAT Thou art'. Aunty Donna Meehan from Gamilaroi Nation, International Author and Broadcaster

This book is pure joy. The pictures celebrate the colours, the beauty and the richness of creation. The background information is well researched and stimulates the mind. Most of all, this explosion of beauty and abundance leads naturally to reflections on the Creator, worship and prayer. Many thanks to Evelyn and Bob for this precious gift. Professor Thomas Nann, Sustainable Energy Researcher, Head of School of Information and Physical Sciences, University of Newcastle

Through the eyes of faith, one can see the Creator through the creation. Bob and Evelyn McDonald's new book continues where 'A Nature Lover's Guide to Seeing God' left off. Exquisite photographs of these beautiful lands now called Australia, together with scientifically informed background material, thoughtful reflections and succinct prayers will sharpen your sight. Dr Mick Pope, Ecotheologian and Author

'Windows on Nature: Reflections on God' is a superb book drawing our attention to the incredible beauty and wonder of God's creation. Stunning photography combined with consistently Biblical reflections generate a longing to know more of the One who made us and all things well. Every chapter leads the reader gently from God's general revelation in creation to God's special revelation in his word. I know that this book will encourage and edify all who read it as God's glory is amplified from start to finish. And so, I thoroughly commend it to you.
Right Revd Rod Chiswell, Bishop, Anglican Diocese of Armidale

Authors Bob and Evelyn McDonald echo the Psalmist's claim 'the earth is the LORD'S and everything in it' (Psalm 24:1) through the pages of this book. Each reflection supplements beautiful photography with intellectual rigour, theological clarity and emotional warmth. The invitation to see God within creation is also an invitation for us to see ourselves (and each other) more clearly: created and creative. A wonderful devotional study. Rev Andrew Palmer, Manager, Missional Communities, Wesley Mission Australia

I am appreciating the opportunity to be still and meditate on 'Windows on Nature: Reflections on God' for the visual pleasure of exquisite photography amplified by well-researched science, all pointing to the glory of the Creator. Authors Bob and Evelyn communicate the importance of watching, listening and reflecting as spiritual disciplines. If you can tear yourself away from the magnificent cover photo, turn to Reflection 10 on the donkey orchid and be amazed by the complexity of its lifecycle. Without any power of its own, this delicate plant beautifying our bushland is a lesson in humility-as-strength. In a world that worships power in many forms, this unpretentious orchid is a reminder of the enduring values to live by that we find in the life of Mary and her son Jesus, Saviour of the World. Rev Dr Phillip Marshall, Missiologist, SIM International

Bob and Evelyn have a unique way of opening up our eyes to the magnificence and grandeur of God as they explore, with such profound attention to detail, the intricacies of creation. As you read this you will find that it speaks deeply to your soul. You will grow to understand more fully how the God who created everything with such love and attention to the finest detail of every plant and animal, cares so greatly about every aspect of your life and for you, whom he also created with loving detail. Pastor Sue Irwin, Senior Pastor, The Grainery Church, Newcastle

God has gifted us the most magnificent common home here on earth where life flourishes. And despite our significant scientific endeavours, we have not yet found a planet anywhere where we can survive, let alone thrive, like we do here on earth. 'Windows on Nature: Reflections on God' is a sublimely beautiful collection of scripture, images and reflections that remind us of just how spectacular the gift of God's creation is, both here on earth and out into the stars. Jane Kelly, Creation and Climate Justice Coordinator, Common Grace

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