Photos of the Paphos Coastal Area with 5 Bible Truths
Last week I spent some time in the scenic Paphos area of Cyprus. While I have already posted blogs on significant historical sights of Paphos and the old town, the photographs in this post mainly depict the outstanding coastal area. Also included are pictures of Episkopi village and Peyia, which are both located in the heights of the surrounding mountains. The scenes brought five important Bible truths to mind.
1. But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
The lush banana trees reminded me of the rich faithfulness of God and His promise to bless those who put their trust in Him. The trees flourish and produce fruit while depending on their water source, provided through irrigation or natural supply.
As believers, our Source of confidence comes from the refreshment of God’s Word through the power of the Holy Spirit. Those who drink deeply produce much fruit.
2. Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. Matthew 7:24-25
The sandy beaches and magnificent cliff formation depict a contrast of textures. It is much easier to walk on firm, rocky areas than on hot, shifting sand. The impressive rock 'cairns' dotted along the beach will undoubtedly outlast fleeting sandcastles.
The Lord used the illustration of building on a rock foundation while teaching the people in His day. This principle still applies today as we consider the foundation of our lives. What are we building on or rather on Whom? If we are building on the drifting sand of this world's desires, nothing will remain. If the immoveable Rock of Christ is our Foundation, we will withstand many storms in life and have eternal security in His presence.
3. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.
Romans 1:16
The word for gospel in Greek is ‘euangelion’, meaning ‘good news.’ The ‘good news’ referred to in the above verse is defined in 1 Corinthians 15 by the same author, the Apostle Paul: I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Paul’s consistent message in the book of Acts was the need for repentance and faith in the risen Christ to gain salvation and eternal life. It is a simple message that should not be obscured with add-ons. Salvation cannot be earned through good works or adherence to any church. Faith in Christ alone saves the soul.
This Good News is to be shared with everyone since it is the only message of eternal hope in this world. Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel as he recognised its power to transform lives and redeem souls. Believers are called to be ‘fishers of men’ by communicating this joyful news to all who will listen.
4. Hear my cry, O God; attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:1-2
When I visited Episkopi village and saw the rock on which the white church is perched, the words of Psalm 61 came to mind. Perhaps the builder of the church had the same thought. The lofty position is geographically closer to heaven and provides a unique perspective for the churchgoers.
The Psalmist David cried to God in prayer during a time of deep need. Perhaps he felt far from God as he was calling ‘from the end of the earth’. His overwhelmed soul prayed to be led to God the Rock.
It is comforting for believers to know they can call to the same God, the Rock, and find help in times of distress. Many hearts are ‘overwhelmed’ today, particularly as tragedies continue to unfold daily throughout the world. In our personal struggles, God awaits our cry and offers refuge to those who desire His salvation.
5. From the rising of the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised.
Psalm 113:3
As the gibbous moon continued to wax each evening, the sunset took on a deeper glow, sinking into the horizon in a flame of fire. By the end of the week, the sky had turned into a canvas of marvellous pinks and blues after sunset until the light disappeared finally and night descended.
The Bible often exhorts us to praise the Lord. From morning to night His praise is to be on our lips for all that He has done for us. His glory is revealed partly in creation and through His Word. By observing His greatness and meditating on the revelation of His person through the Holy Spirit, our hearts are filled with worship. He has put a new song into the hearts of the redeemed!
This is my Father’s world,
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King, let the heavens ring!
God reigns, let earth be glad!
M.D.B.
May the beautiful scenes of Cyprus with the Bible meditations inspire greater devotion and praise to our Creator. He is worthy!