Posts by biologist

Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 254 – An embarrassment of hope Right now, The (Re)Generation Initiative we run is flourishing. We believe that just as the land can be scarred and depleted, so too can the human heart. Our calling is to see both restored—through the power of God’s love, through wise stewardship, and through community that reflects His kingdom on earth. And now, people are giving of their time and resources,...

Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 253 – Compost I heard a conversation between Kate Bowler and Jeff Chu about how compost reflects the death, decay and resurrection of life in Jesus. A very Lenten thought. I spent time with my friends Darryl and Hazel making compost in Zimbabwe, and I agree with Jeff. Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it...

Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 252 – The edge effect View this in your browser I am an ecologist and one of the principles in ecology is that the most diverse species assemblage is where two ecotypes meet, at the edge of prairie and parkland, parkland and forest, forest and tundra. It’s called the edge effect. “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all; the earth is full of your...

Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 251 – At standard I am back in Canada after two weeks in Zimbabwe. I was working with Foundations for Farming. (FfF). I learned lots from our African colleagues, and I would like to share one of those lessons with you.  “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”  Proverbs 16:3 In helping farmers become self sufficient, FfF emphasizes four marks of...

Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 250 – The bible and the hoe Greetings from Zimbabwe on my last day here. I am well. The work here is a perfect blend of theology, science, practical teaching and hands-on farming. It feels great to be covered in dirt and washed in the Word. “We are sending our students with a bible in one hand and a hoe in the other” Taty, DRC Taty is a fellow student here and runs a seminary in the...

Devotions for a Busy Business Person, no. 249 – Use what you have Greetings from away. My friend and reader of this devotional Kevin recounted the story of an Indian colleague who said he likes the gospel writer’s Mark’s version of the story of the feeding of the 5000 the best, because Jesus asks his disciples what they have and to use what’s there before He miraculously steps in. “But (Jesus) answered them, “You give them something...