Reforesting Faith by Matthew Sleeth

“Reforesting Faith, What trees teach us about the nature of God and His love for us, is a most interesting book on faith, walking with God, and trees of the Bible.  Author Matthew Sleeth has written a 224 page Christian Living book divided into three parts.

The first part is “Laying the Groundwork”.  It has three chapters followed by “Seeds of Faith” which has six.  The last section is “Fruit of the Tree” with four chapters.  The book finishes with an Epilogue, “Why I wrote this book”, and notes.  I was disappointed there were no study or discussion questions .

This is a refreshing look at book nature, trees, and God’s love.  It was the first selection from author Sleeth that I have read and I really enjoyed his style.  He has an easy way of making his point as if in a conversation.  The words moved steadily and effortlessly without a hitch across the pages.

Scripture was not sprinkled but given in a heavy handed dose throughout this God glorifying gem.  The author had done research on every chapter and it shows.  This book is well planned, well organized, and well written.

It gave me things to ponder.  Did I realize all of these references were in the Bible which I have read numerous times?  Well, no.  I missed a lot.  I thought of so many people I wanted to share this book with while savoring the nuggets of information it taught.

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Both men and women will enjoy this wonderful book.  Nature enthusiasts especially will appreciate it.  I highly recommend it.  It gets a 5 out of 5 rating from me for the writing, because I have never read anything like it, and it is a book that will help strengthen one’s Walk with God.

An advance reader copy (ARC) was provided by the publisher but I was under no obligation to write a review.  This is my honest opinion.

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About the Book

The Bible talks about trees more than any living creation other than people. Perhaps you’ve missed the forest…and the trees.

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In this groundbreaking walk through Scripture, former physician and carpenter Dr. Matthew Sleeth makes the convincing case why trees are essential to every Christian’s understanding of God.

Yet we’ve mostly missed how God has chosen to tell His story–and ours–through the lens of trees. There’s a tree on the first page of Genesis and the last page of Revelation. The Bible refers to itself as a Tree of Life (Proverbs 3:18).
Every major Biblical character has a tree associated with them. Jesus himself says he is the true vine (John 15:1). A tree was used to kill Jesus–and a tree is the only thing the Messiah ever harmed.

This is no accident. When we subtract trees from Scripture, we miss lessons of faith necessary for our growth.

This is the rare book that connects those who love the Creator with creation, and those who love creation with the Creator. It offers inspirational yet practical ways to express our love for God–and our neighbors–by planting spiritual trees and physical trees in the world.

Join Dr. Sleeth as he navigates the Bible’s trail of trees to explore the wonders of life, death, and rebirth. You’ll be amazed at how science is just beginning to catch up to the truths described in Scripture thousands of years ago. Once you discover the hidden language of trees, your walk through the woods–and through Scripture–will never be the same.

About the Author

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MATTHEW SLEETH, MD, a former emergency room physician and chief of the hospital medical staff, resigned from his position to teach, preach, and write about the biblical call to be good stewards of the earth. A highly sought-after speaker, Dr. Sleeth has spoken at more than 1,000 churches, campuses, and events, including serving as the monthly guest preacher at The Washington National Cathedral for a year. Recognized by Newsweek as one of the nation’s most influential evangelical leaders, Dr. Sleeth is a graduate of George Washington University School of Medicine and has two postdoctoral fellowships. He is the executive director of Blessed Earth and author of Serving God, Saving the Planet; 24/6; the introduction to The Green Bible, as well as numerous creation care books and articles. Dr. Sleeth lives in Lexington, KY, with Nancy, his wife of nearly 40 years.

 

Been There, Done That, Let Me Help

The other day we were going somewhere new.  The address did not sound familiar and the GPS often is unreliable.  “Turn left” it tells me when there is no stree! My parents had been to our destination and offered for us to ride with them or follow behind.  It was so much easier going with someone who had already been there.

Having made the trip before us, my parents knew what to look for and what might go wrong.  They also knew where to turn to make the journey easier.  Traveling together allowed quality time to chat and catch up.  The drive which I was dreading turned out to be lovely and extremely enjoyable.

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The journey of life is exactly like that.  People who have travelled the same path can help us.  By giving us direction, tips from their journey or just going with us, others can chase anxiety away.  They can take our hand and walk beside us to let us know we have a traveling companion, a seasoned on.  Not only are they assisting us, but they are serving God.  Scripture says in Hebrews 6:10 “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”

 

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Do you ever look to someone for counsel?  Someone who has gone through a tough situation and made it through with flying colors?  We need people to encourage us.  My sweet grandson Isaac is special needs and my daughter Vanessa is always offering support to other parents of special needs children.  Isaac is now seven so it is routine now, but she will never forget the trying first months.

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Sometimes I forget that I am serving God by helping others.  Do you?  We need to make it such second nature that we just do helpful things.  Chatting with someone on the phone recently we were able to offer encouragement to each other.  Taking a meal to a new set of parents brought tears to their eyes.  Offering to pray with someone immediately stunned them speechless, but they were very appreciative.

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We have all “been there, done that” so let’s take those experiences to serve Abba and someone here in need. It makes a great Lenten project for however often you decide.  Even if it isn’t for Lent, don’t ever give up doing good for others.

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Hope for 2019

Here we are at the end of another year.  They certainly seem to roll around fast, don’t they?  As you reflect on 2018 I hope you keep the happy memories and discard the unpleasant ones.  There isn’t any need to take bad things into a brand new year.  Let’s hope only good things for 2019.

With the New Year comes hope.  Hope that it will be better than the last one.  More importantly, hope that I will be better than I was.  Are you like me and often think “if I could do that over” or “if I could just say that again” things would be much better.  Unfortunately we aren’t able to go back, we can only learn from our mistakes and go forward and hope we do better.

What things did 2018 teach you?  It taught me a multitude of eye-opening, heart warming things.  Perhaps age has much to do with that.  With age comes wisdom, right?  To begin with, when I ask God to forgive me I need to accept His forgiveness and also forgive myself.  No need to ask again.  It is done.  No dwelling on it.  Does this sound familiar to anyone?

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God places friends in our lives.  He might put them in our childhood neighborhood or school because we will need prayer partners later in life.  Maybe he will gather them in groups or at work.  He knows who we need long before the need arises.  This year I have prayed for and been prayed over by many friends, old and new.  Trust the people God places in your life to help you.

I have learned that I am not too old to try new things and succeed.  Trying something new is a bit scary, but with support from friends and family it was a lot easier.  God blessed the venture and is so good.

I also learned there can be joy through tears.  My precious daughter suffered a miscarriage this Autumn.  My world was devastated.  I mourned the loss of that grandchild fiercely and oftentimes still do.  During my prayers one night I realized that while I won’t see that child here on Earth, she will be waiting in Heaven for us.

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Each year God has been giving me and my prayer partner words for the upcoming year.  One individual and one for us.  Our word is victory.  What a strong, triumphant word.  I cannot even think of it without singing the hymn “Victory in Jesus”.  Yes, He sought me and bought me.  Thank you, Lord Jesus.

My word is hope.  Ahhhhhhhh, hope.  How calming and reassuring.  My mind goes straight to the scripture Jeremiah 29:11:  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  Now friends, that is hope.

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What is your hope for 2019?  Peace, health, prosperity, family unity?  Oh, I have so many, but I will be satisfied letting God be in control and directing me.

Happy New Year to you and yours!  I hope it brings you closer to God.