It’s raining leaves today. There is no question as to why it’s called ‘fall.’ The crisp crunch of the leaves that carpet the path from my back door to the doghouses calls me to focus my attention on the beauty of God’s creation. The changing of the seasons gives me special reason to pause and reflect on the majesty of my Creator. Each new season points to a creative God who gives us glimpses of His glory in ways that beckon us to get to know Him better.
The very first verse of the Bible assures us that, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. 1:1; KJV). The power of the spoken word of God! In just six days, all the things that make up the universe as we know it were created by our amazing God. As I was thinking about the numerous types of plants, trees, fish, birds, insects and animals that He merely spoke into existence, I was reminded that it was different when he created man and woman.
Before God created man, we’re given a glimpse of what He thought about what He had created up to this point, “…God saw that it was good” (Gen. 1:25). But man alone was created in God’s image (see Gen. 1:27). Instead of merely speaking him into existence, Genesis 2:7 shows us God’s active involvement in man’s creation: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
Our purpose is much different than that of any other creature God created. We were ‘formed’ in order to enjoy fellowship with our Creator, bringing Him honor and glory as we follow Him in obedience. It’s astounding to think that the God of the universe would desire a relationship with us. What a loving Father! And He is able to use His creation to continually point us back to Him.
In Psalm 19, David was quick to share how the very creation of God reveals His greatness, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard” (1-3). When I think of the glorious sunsets God paints with just a stroke of His brush, or the complexity and perfection of each snowflake He’s created, I wholeheartedly agree with the Psalmist.
What have you noticed recently in God’s creation that reveals His greatness? I’d love to hear from you.
Don’t allow the busyness of life to keep you from noticing the handiwork of your Heavenly Father! Praise Him for His goodness today!
I definitely noticed the wind and the leaves today! It's so great! Gonna sit outside and edit while listening to the wind. :0)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Kristen - Sounds fantastic! Enjoy! :)
ReplyDeleteI noticed the sun beams creating a path through the clouds...I love that... I always think if I could just get to the area where the sun beams are shining...I could look up and see God...(kind of like the end of the rainbow thing) I LOVE God's creation...I marvel at it...and it all makes it so evident that THERE IS AN AWESOME GOD!
ReplyDeleteWith joy,
Cherie
Cherie - Thanks for sharing! I love seeing the rays of the sun shining out from behind clouds. Truly beautiful! I agree - we do have an awesome God!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love fall! We had a beautiful weekend. I thank God for that. I was driving home the other day after a long, bad day at work, and I looked over and witnessed a beautiful sunset through gorgeous, colorful trees, and I looked up and said out loud, "Thank you Father for that." The awesomeness of his work inspires me and comforts me every day. Thanks, Maria!
ReplyDeleteHeather - God is so good to encourage us with a little glimpse of His glory just when we need it! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll bet it helped to put everything into perspective! God bless!
ReplyDeleteOh, I miss those beautiful colors! An early snowfall turned ours from green to brown.
ReplyDeleteI never tire of looking at the sky...whether it's the stars at night, a sunrise or a sunset or fluffy white clouds Ginst the blue...it's vastness is nothing compared to our God.
Deborah - You must be in the northeast. I'm from MI originally, so I'm very familiar with early snowfalls! You're right that all the beauty our God creates is nothing compared to Him!
ReplyDeleteMaria, It's always refreshing to my spirit everytime I stop by. You're such an inspirational teacher! Today, I searched for the sun and then it peeked out. God proved He was listening. :)
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Hello Maria, I have been praying for you and each time the verse which keeps coming up is Heb. 10: 35-36. One translation says: "So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to seeing that devotional printed!!! With love. Raymonde
PS: I also love to admire God's creation as you know through my photos. Thanks for your post.
I love how the sky looks in the morning when I drive my son to school. He's an amazing God, for sure. :-)
ReplyDeleteI noticed a huge field, newly planted with a fall cover crop--maybe oats?--and the entire thing shimmered green with little inch-long blades. How gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteEllie - Glad God can use this blog to be a blessing! The sunshine always reminds me that Jesus is the true light of the world! I'm thankful that He hears and answers prayer! :)
ReplyDeleteRaymonde - What awesome verses! The Lord must have let you in on a little secret - I'm not very patient! I want to have a book completely written now, if not sooner! Anyhow, I know the Lord is definitely working on that area of my life. Perseverance is so important. Thank you so much for your sweet words of encouragement!
*Keep posting those amazing photos!
Jessica - I've seen some amazing sun rises on those morning drives to drop my daughter off @ school too! I remember one in particular when the sun and clouds were glowing. As we continued to drive, the clouds became darker and we saw a double rainbow! He IS an amazing God!
ReplyDeleteJill - Sounds beautiful! I always enjoy checking out the fields on our way up to Ohio & Michigan. I remember seeing some gleaming white cotton in sprawling fields on a trip down to Savannah, too! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou said this so well. We get too busy with life often that we ignore or just don't see what God has created around us. I love to take a few minutes everyday and sit on my patio and enjoy the sounds and sights:)
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