Today we share a collection of inspired quotes that remind us of the spiritual blessings to be gained from nature study. Be sure to explore the links at the end for easy-to-implement ideas.
An Unfailing Source of Instruction—Next to the Bible, nature is to be our great lesson book. Testimonies For The Church 6:185.
Growth in Grace—Tell your children about the miracle-working power of God. As they study the great lesson book of nature, God will impress their minds. The farmer plows his land and sows his seed, but he cannot make the seed grow. He must depend on God to do that which no human power can do. The Lord puts His vital power into the seed, causing it to spring forth into life. Under His care the germ of life breaks through the hard crust encasing it, and springs up to bear fruit. First appears the blade, then the ear, then the full corn in the ear. As the children are told of the work that God does for the seed, they learn the secret of growth in grace.
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 124, 125.
Nature Illustrates Bible Lessons—Many illustrations from nature are used by the Bible writers; and as we observe the things of the natural world, we shall be enabled, under the guiding of the Holy Spirit, more fully to understand the lessons of God’s Word.
Education, 120.
Nature and the Bible Were Jesus’ Textbooks—
His [Jesus’] education was gained from Heaven-appointed sources, from useful work, from the study of the Scriptures, from nature, and from the experiences of life—God’s lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding heart.
The Ministry of Healing, 400.
His intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures shows how diligently His early years were given to the study of God’s Word. And spread out before Him was the great library of God’s created works. He who had made all things studied the lessons which His own hand had written in earth and sea and sky. Apart from the unholy ways of the world, He gathered stores of scientific knowledge from nature. He studied the life of plants and animals, and the life of man. From His earliest years He was possessed of one purpose; He lived to bless others. For this He found resources in nature; new ideas of ways and means flashed into His mind as He studied plant life and animal life….
Thus to Jesus the significance of the Word and the works of God was unfolded, as He was trying to understand the reason of things. Heavenly beings were His attendants, and the culture of holy thoughts and communings was His. From the first dawning of intelligence He was constantly growing in spiritual grace and knowledge of truth.
Every child may gain knowledge as Jesus did. As we try to become acquainted with our heavenly Father through His Word, angels will draw near, our minds will be strengthened, our characters will be elevated and refined.
The Desire of Ages, 70.
Ideas for adding a spiritual component to your nature study:
Bible verses to add to a winter or spring nature journal – Look under “Winter Journal” and “Spring Journal”
My Bible First : Nature Corner – Nature object lessons with a Bible verse. Great for copywork! **SDA resource
Child’s Nature Journal example with Bible verse
Clouds in the Heavens– Nature unit study based on Psalms 19:1. Free nine-page printable.
Nature Provides Object Lessons – A simple activity that lays the foundation of a wonderful Bible/nature study. **SDA resource.
The Adventist Home Educator 