This past week we returned from our vacation out West. We saw so much beauty it was almost overwhelming. I could post so many beautiful pictures, but this is the one I chose. And here's why...
When I think about the diverse aspects God's creation that I was blessed to see- from mountains to canyons, from ocean to desert, amazing sunsets and stars- I am reminded of Psalm 8:3-4, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?"
God, the all-wise Creator, the One who has created the massive mountains, the details of the tiny humming bird, and all of the beauty we see around us, cares for the details of our lives. More than this He invites us in to the beauty of His presence.
I don't know if you noticed the sign in the picture between the camera and the beautiful beach in the background. It says, "Private. Keep Out." As sinners, we deserve to be kept out of God's presence. Although that sign should be for us, we have been invited in to fellowship with Him because of Christ's work on the cross and resurrection from the dead. We get to enjoy the beauty and refreshment of reconciliation and relationship with the Lord, and He makes us His people, a part of His family . How amazing is that?! This is our life and hope!
It's easy to keep our head down and not notice the beauty around us when we are back to our everyday lives. I realize that Rolling Meadows just isn't comparable to the Badlands, Yellowstone, PCH, or the Grand Canyon, but there are still beautiful things everywhere if we open our eyes. Let's never stop being amazed by the beauty of being in God's presence and worshipping with His people. Let's fight the temptation to live distracted by what is around us instead of focusing on our life in Christ.
I pray Paul's prayer from Ephesians for me and for you.
Ephesians 1:18-21
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."
Invitation to Beauty
This past week we returned from our vacation out West. We saw so much beauty it was almost overwhelming. I could post so many beautiful pictures, but this is the one I chose. And here's why...
When I think about the diverse aspects God's creation that I was blessed to see- from mountains to canyons, from ocean to desert, amazing sunsets and stars- I am reminded of Psalm 8:3-4, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?"
God, the all-wise Creator, the One who has created the massive mountains, the details of the tiny humming bird, and all of the beauty we see around us, cares for the details of our lives. More than this He invites us in to the beauty of His presence.
I don't know if you noticed the sign in the picture between the camera and the beautiful beach in the background. It says, "Private. Keep Out." As sinners, we deserve to be kept out of God's presence. Although that sign should be for us, we have been invited in to fellowship with Him because of Christ's work on the cross and resurrection from the dead. We get to enjoy the beauty and refreshment of reconciliation and relationship with the Lord, and He makes us His people, a part of His family . How amazing is that?! This is our life and hope!
It's easy to keep our head down and not notice the beauty around us when we are back to our everyday lives. I realize that Rolling Meadows just isn't comparable to the Badlands, Yellowstone, PCH, or the Grand Canyon, but there are still beautiful things everywhere if we open our eyes. Let's never stop being amazed by the beauty of being in God's presence and worshipping with His people. Let's fight the temptation to live distracted by what is around us instead of focusing on our life in Christ.
I pray Paul's prayer from Ephesians for me and for you.
Ephesians 1:18-21
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come."