"THE BEAUTY OF CREATION"

"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1

God made this world and filled it with all its riches. He created us to live in this world and to discover, enjoy, and use its resources.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as a garment; who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain." Psalm 104:1,2

The beauty of the Lord is reflected in the skies. The softness of a sunset hosts a gorgeous harmony of colors and the mighty architecture of clouds. The enchanting hues of the sunset are given us by God for our enjoyment.

"And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also." Colossians 1:16

The beauty of the Lord is reflected in the skies. He asks that His light also be reflected in our lives. We are to shine daily before others in abundant deeds of love so that they, seeing our good works, will glorify our Father who is in heaven.

"The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. John 1:2-4 "He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not." John 1:10

(God's revelation of Himself to humanity)

Everything God does, He does for a purpose; it will endure forever. All around us are things God, in His good pleasure, has given us. I've often heard the saying, "Stop, and take time to smell the roses!", have you? We should stand in awe of God, and His power, beauty and wisdom. He has placed such beauty here on this earth for us out of an act of love. But His greatest act of love is not found in the stars or in a beautiful sunset, or in the lillies of the fields ~ but in the cross of Christ! ~ where salvation and eternal life awaits for sinners.While the beauty of His creative world is awesome, one day it will pass away. But His gift of Jesus and His forgiveness of sins will endure forever!

Application: Look all around you today and absorb the beauty of God's wonderful creation. With a joyful heart, stand before Him in prayer, giving thanks for everything ~ especially for our gift of salvation.

Today's Devotion: "I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life ~ He gave me life that I might enjoy all things."

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24