“…Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
Last week in part two of Lessons from Winnie the Pooh – I shared a quote from a conversation that Christopher Robin has with Pooh as he prepared to go off to school. Christopher Robin tells Pooh about some other things he needs to remember besides that he’ll always be with him. Christopher Robin tells Pooh to remember that: “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think.” I don’t know about you – but I need to be reminded of those things once in a while myself.
This week we’ll stick with Joshua and the pep talk God is giving him. In three verses God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous three times – the third time (this week’s passage) also encourages Joshua to not be terrified or discouraged. Why would God feel the need to repeat Himself – in nine more verses he once again exhorts Joshua to “be strong and courageous!” Maybe we should back up a little to give this some perspective. This was Joshua’s second time on the edge of the land God had promised the Israelites when they had fled Egypt. The first time he was part of the scouting team Moses sent to get the lay of the land. Twelve men were sent, two Caleb and Joshua were prepared to take the land but the other ten said no, we can’t - it is too dangerous “They are stronger than we are” (Numbers 13:31). The people listened to the fear of those ten men and rebelled against Moses, against Joshua and Caleb and more importantly they rebelled against God’s gracious gift.
So now Joshua finds himself standing – perhaps in the exact same spot, where he had stood forty years before. Only things were different, Moses had died and left him in charge and all the people who had rebelled the first time had died in the wilderness. Joshua was ready the first time he was there and he is still ready – but what must have been going through his mind. What if the people rebelled again? Was he thinking “Am I really brave enough to lead these people, am I strong enough and smart enough to lead these people in battle and in the building of homes and cities – in the building of a nation?” Enter God, giving him the pep talk of all pep talks – telling him to be strong and courageous. Telling Joshua that he is brave enough, strong enough and smart enough to be who God made him to be, to do what he was called to do.
Christopher Robin’s wise words to Pooh would prove so valuable on the adventure Pooh and the rest of the gang would take. All of them would learn that they are brave enough, strong enough and smart enough to accomplish great things – especially when are work together.
I don’t know about you, but I have days when I feel completely inadequate to be who I think I’m supposed to be and to do what I’ve been called to do. It can be so easy to listen to the voices of fear and doubt. This week, I want to remind myself and you that we are “braver than we believe, stronger than we seem, smarter than we think.” Now let’s go change our little corner of the world.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you that a simple children’s story about a “silly old bear” and his friends can remind us that in You we are and have more than enough to be and do all that you have for us. Each day use little things to remind us to be strong and courageous. Remind us that you will supply for us everything we need out of your storehouse of love. Help us to walk in courage and grace, reaching out to those around us who hear nothing but the voices of fear and doubt echoing through their lives, to share the courage and faith you have given to us as a gift. In the name of Jesus, who makes us braver, stronger and smarter, we pray – Amen.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Lessons From Winnie the Pooh - Part 2
“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Joshua 1:5
In my part of the world it is Spring and on the other side of the world it is Autumn. On my side of the world schools are letting out for summer holiday, while on the other side of the world schools are ramping up or finally settled into the new routine. The quote that inspires this week’s devotion come as summer is ending in the Hundred Acre Wood and Christopher Robin is trying to tell Pooh that he will be going away to school. They have this talk at the beginning of a film called Pooh’s Grand Adventure: The Search for Christopher Robin. Interestingly enough while the story is loosely based on a couple of A. A. Milnes stories; it was actually a fully original work. The film opens with Christopher Robin trying to explain and he tells Pooh: “…But the most important thing is even if we’re apart, I’ll always be with you.”
Sound familiar? When I read that quote my mind immediately went to both the Old Testament and the New – I love how there is a crimson thread that holds the Scriptures together. This week’s passage comes from the Old Testament book of Joshua. The people of Israel were still in the wilderness – on the wrong side of the river to be real about it. Moses has died and the not so young Joshua has assumed his place as leader. God is talking with Joshua about what is going to happen next – He is giving Joshua a divine pep talk. He tells Joshua what the boundaries of their new country will be and assures Joshua that during all the days of life and leadership – that he would gain victory over those he needed to gain victory over but the most importantly the He would always be with Joshua – that He would never leave or forsake him.
Fast forward and we are looking at the Resurrection of Jesus the Christ and He is giving His disciples their final instructions, what the church world knows as the Great Commission. Jesus closes with “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). Jesus needed them to understand that even though He was going away, He would still be them. Just like He’s with us every day until the end of our days or the end of the age – whichever comes first.
Christopher Robin had to go to school, because well that’s what little boys and girls do, but it meant that he would get to spend as much time with his beloved friends as he might want to and he knew they would be sad and feeling a bit lost by his absence. We go through stuff like the friends move away or we do the moving, loved ones die and we’re left feeling alone and a bit lost. Sometimes the struggles and storms of life leave us feeling like God has moved away and then we really feel lost and alone. In the story Pooh’s finally arrives at the realization that Christopher Robin is always in his heart, so always nearby – it took a big scary adventure to help him understand what Christopher Robin was trying to say to him – but he was better and stronger for understanding.
No matter where you are this week, what grand adventure you might be on or are preparing to start – Jesus promises to be with you – carry Him in your heart everywhere that the adventure takes you.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for telling us in more than one way that You are with us, that You have no intention of leaving us. Thank you for the grand adventure that this life is – even with all of its ups and downs. Each day help us to walk knowing that we carry you in our hearts and that because you are there we can invite others to join in our adventure as we let your light shine. In the name of Jesus, who is our forever friend and so much more, we pray – Amen.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Lessons From Winnie the Pooh - Part 1
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13
Spring time in the mid-west is storm season and on this particular day the blustery weather had a certain little tune floating about my mind. You perhaps would recognize it – in part it goes: “…and the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down…” It’s from Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day by A. A. Milne. I do not deny that I am sometimes inspired by the amazing quotes that come from Mr. Milne’s well loved stories. I once adapted one of these quotes for a paper I had to write on spiritual disciples. A devotional version of that part of the paper – is in one of the books, although I at the moment I couldn’t say which one. Back to a Blustery Day – I was looking for quotes from the story, when I stumbled upon the mother-lode of Milne quotes. The one for this week’s devotion comes of course from Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.
It had been a rough couple of days for the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood. Owl’s tree had been blown over by a big wind and the river had flooded leaving Pooh and Piglet in a precarious position. As is the case in all stories of this sort there is a happy ending and in this particular case Christopher Robin throws a Hero Party for Pooh and Piglet. As the view of the scene is pulled back the narrator says: “And so Pooh was a hero for saving Piglet, and Piglet was a hero for giving Owl his grand home in the beech tree.”
In this week’s passage Jesus is talking to his disciples about his fast approaching departure by way of a cross. He wants them to know that the best thing they can do is to lay down their lives for one another and for all those who lives they would touch – they way He was about to lay down His life for them and us. Realistically we probably won’t be called on to lay down our lives for someone else – although members of the armed forces around the world, do often times do just that. So what then are we called to lay down for our friends or for the people who need to see Christ living in us? We need to lay down our selfishness. In some cases, we need to lay down our ideas of what church is and how it’s done. Perhaps we will be called upon to lay down our personal comfort so someone else can be comfortable. Maybe we will have to lay down that place where we feel safe and secure in order to help insure someone else is safe and secure. What about laying down our prejudices so that we can love others the way Jesus loves them.
Pooh took a risk to save his friend Piglet. Piglet laid down his home for his friend Owl. What kind of friend will you be this week? What will you lay down to show that the love of Jesus reaches through the ages to change lives and make friends even today? There’s a hero’s party waiting for all of us when we get to eternity.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you that simple things, like a child’s story can inspire us to be our best selves for you. You know we human are not keen to make sacrifices especially for others and yet you set that example for us. Thank you for the men and women of the armed forces around the world who stand ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for their countries and comrades in arms. Help the rest of us to see what we need to lay down in our lives so that we can be a friend to someone who needs You as their friend. Grant us the courage we need to set aside ourselves for the sake of others. In the name of Jesus, who laid done His life for us and asks that we do the same in many different ways, we pray – Amen.
John 15:12-13
Spring time in the mid-west is storm season and on this particular day the blustery weather had a certain little tune floating about my mind. You perhaps would recognize it – in part it goes: “…and the rain, rain, rain came down, down, down…” It’s from Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day by A. A. Milne. I do not deny that I am sometimes inspired by the amazing quotes that come from Mr. Milne’s well loved stories. I once adapted one of these quotes for a paper I had to write on spiritual disciples. A devotional version of that part of the paper – is in one of the books, although I at the moment I couldn’t say which one. Back to a Blustery Day – I was looking for quotes from the story, when I stumbled upon the mother-lode of Milne quotes. The one for this week’s devotion comes of course from Winnie the Pooh and the Blustery Day.
It had been a rough couple of days for the inhabitants of the Hundred Acre Wood. Owl’s tree had been blown over by a big wind and the river had flooded leaving Pooh and Piglet in a precarious position. As is the case in all stories of this sort there is a happy ending and in this particular case Christopher Robin throws a Hero Party for Pooh and Piglet. As the view of the scene is pulled back the narrator says: “And so Pooh was a hero for saving Piglet, and Piglet was a hero for giving Owl his grand home in the beech tree.”
In this week’s passage Jesus is talking to his disciples about his fast approaching departure by way of a cross. He wants them to know that the best thing they can do is to lay down their lives for one another and for all those who lives they would touch – they way He was about to lay down His life for them and us. Realistically we probably won’t be called on to lay down our lives for someone else – although members of the armed forces around the world, do often times do just that. So what then are we called to lay down for our friends or for the people who need to see Christ living in us? We need to lay down our selfishness. In some cases, we need to lay down our ideas of what church is and how it’s done. Perhaps we will be called upon to lay down our personal comfort so someone else can be comfortable. Maybe we will have to lay down that place where we feel safe and secure in order to help insure someone else is safe and secure. What about laying down our prejudices so that we can love others the way Jesus loves them.
Pooh took a risk to save his friend Piglet. Piglet laid down his home for his friend Owl. What kind of friend will you be this week? What will you lay down to show that the love of Jesus reaches through the ages to change lives and make friends even today? There’s a hero’s party waiting for all of us when we get to eternity.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you that simple things, like a child’s story can inspire us to be our best selves for you. You know we human are not keen to make sacrifices especially for others and yet you set that example for us. Thank you for the men and women of the armed forces around the world who stand ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for their countries and comrades in arms. Help the rest of us to see what we need to lay down in our lives so that we can be a friend to someone who needs You as their friend. Grant us the courage we need to set aside ourselves for the sake of others. In the name of Jesus, who laid done His life for us and asks that we do the same in many different ways, we pray – Amen.
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Happy Cows
“He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate – bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart.”
Psalm 104:13-15
On a road trip through prime cattle country, a friend and I commented on how happy and contented the cattle were. So content, that they were just lying down in the tall grass that surrounded them in their pastures.
There is something to be learned from happy cows. You see cows don’t really need alfalfa hay or big fancy barns to be happy. They just need the basics – a field of grass and a place to get a drink of water. The Lord is happy to provide that for them and He is happy to provide all we really need to be happy and content, if we let him. We humans struggle with being happy and content – I know I do anyway. The world tells us we need this car, that toothpaste, this designer’s clothes – the list can go on and on. For many it is a never ending search to find the thing that will make us both happy and content - the thing that will make us so content that we can actually rest. Paul in his first letter to Timothy says: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
Where are you this week? Are you happy and content like cattle in a grassy field or are you chasing after something the world says you need? Are you worried or relaxed? Maybe it’s time for a road trip to cattle country or the mountains or the ocean – places where you can see the amazing things God is happy to provide the other creatures of the world with everything they need to be content and happy.
This week I think I am just going to lie down – or at least slow down and enjoy all the He has provided for me. I think I will be like those happy cows.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for allowing the rest of your creation to teach us about your amazing ability to provide for us. Thank you for really being all we need for happiness and contentment. In those times when we think it’s better to chase after the things of the world – fancier cars, bigger houses, designer clothes – help to slow down, take us on a road trip to remind us that food, clothes and shelter are the basics for happy and content life. Remind us that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt are good enough, that a burger and fries make a satisfying meal and that any kind of roof is better than no roof. Once we are content, help us to show others what it means to live a happy cows kind of life. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.
Psalm 104:13-15
On a road trip through prime cattle country, a friend and I commented on how happy and contented the cattle were. So content, that they were just lying down in the tall grass that surrounded them in their pastures.
There is something to be learned from happy cows. You see cows don’t really need alfalfa hay or big fancy barns to be happy. They just need the basics – a field of grass and a place to get a drink of water. The Lord is happy to provide that for them and He is happy to provide all we really need to be happy and content, if we let him. We humans struggle with being happy and content – I know I do anyway. The world tells us we need this car, that toothpaste, this designer’s clothes – the list can go on and on. For many it is a never ending search to find the thing that will make us both happy and content - the thing that will make us so content that we can actually rest. Paul in his first letter to Timothy says: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
Where are you this week? Are you happy and content like cattle in a grassy field or are you chasing after something the world says you need? Are you worried or relaxed? Maybe it’s time for a road trip to cattle country or the mountains or the ocean – places where you can see the amazing things God is happy to provide the other creatures of the world with everything they need to be content and happy.
This week I think I am just going to lie down – or at least slow down and enjoy all the He has provided for me. I think I will be like those happy cows.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for allowing the rest of your creation to teach us about your amazing ability to provide for us. Thank you for really being all we need for happiness and contentment. In those times when we think it’s better to chase after the things of the world – fancier cars, bigger houses, designer clothes – help to slow down, take us on a road trip to remind us that food, clothes and shelter are the basics for happy and content life. Remind us that a pair of jeans and a t-shirt are good enough, that a burger and fries make a satisfying meal and that any kind of roof is better than no roof. Once we are content, help us to show others what it means to live a happy cows kind of life. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Dear God,
“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. The troubles of my heart have multiplied; free me from my anguish. Look upon my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins. See how my enemies have increased and how fiercely they hate me! Guard my life and rescue me; let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you.”
Psalm 25:16-21
As I sat writing this devotion an awesome song is racing up the Australian music charts. The song from Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem is called Dear Life. The song is awesome for lots of reasons, soaring music, Delta’s amazing voice – but it’s the message that tugs at my heart most of all. The lyrics acknowledge the complexity, the high and lows of life and how it can be so hard to understand all that life holds for us. The soaring chorus with the phrase “I’m a survivor” is no wipe your brow, just barely got pass that rough patch sentiment, rather it is a YES! I have overcome, I have been victorious – hope filled anthem. It reminds of some of King David’s Psalms.
This week’s passage is one of those Psalms. Can you imagine David in one of the many life storms he faced saying “Dear God, turn to me, can you see me? Be with me, help me understand. I am a survivor because I can take refuge in you, because my hope is in you!” Others in Scripture have similar heart cries. Habakkuk who asks dear God questions, who understands well that God’s replies means he will face difficult times, yet he still sings a song of victory and hope. Paul also in the midst of life’s many storms is filled with hope and overcoming power because of his relationship with the maker and giver of life.
For some reading this, perhaps you have just come through a storm into calm seas – you fought and won a battle with the cancer or major surgery will allow you to live without pain. Perhaps finally that job you have needed has become a reality. Whatever the battle has been your cry of I’m a survivor can be victorious and hope filled. For others of you, the sky ahead is just now darkening, a storm is brewing – victory and hope seem far off and understanding the why of it all is just plain hard. Be like King David, like the prophet Habakkuk and the Apostle Paul – let your heart’s cry be - Dear God.
He does see you, He will help you do what needs to be done, He holds amazing things for you in His hands and by His love and grace you will overcome and be a victorious, hope filled survivor.
A Prayer
Dear God – Thank you for seeing us in our everyday lives and in the storms we face. Help us each day to do what is right. We know that because Your ways are so much higher than ours, we cannot fully understand the amazing things your hold in your hands for us – but give us an occasional glimpse of your heart for us and the purpose you have in mind for us to fulfill. Thank you that we, by your love and grace, will overcome and be victorious, hope filled survivors on our way to eternity. May we share that hope, love and grace with those around us. In the name of Jesus, who is the ultimate survivor, we pray – Amen.
Psalm 25:16-21
As I sat writing this devotion an awesome song is racing up the Australian music charts. The song from Australian singer/songwriter Delta Goodrem is called Dear Life. The song is awesome for lots of reasons, soaring music, Delta’s amazing voice – but it’s the message that tugs at my heart most of all. The lyrics acknowledge the complexity, the high and lows of life and how it can be so hard to understand all that life holds for us. The soaring chorus with the phrase “I’m a survivor” is no wipe your brow, just barely got pass that rough patch sentiment, rather it is a YES! I have overcome, I have been victorious – hope filled anthem. It reminds of some of King David’s Psalms.
This week’s passage is one of those Psalms. Can you imagine David in one of the many life storms he faced saying “Dear God, turn to me, can you see me? Be with me, help me understand. I am a survivor because I can take refuge in you, because my hope is in you!” Others in Scripture have similar heart cries. Habakkuk who asks dear God questions, who understands well that God’s replies means he will face difficult times, yet he still sings a song of victory and hope. Paul also in the midst of life’s many storms is filled with hope and overcoming power because of his relationship with the maker and giver of life.
For some reading this, perhaps you have just come through a storm into calm seas – you fought and won a battle with the cancer or major surgery will allow you to live without pain. Perhaps finally that job you have needed has become a reality. Whatever the battle has been your cry of I’m a survivor can be victorious and hope filled. For others of you, the sky ahead is just now darkening, a storm is brewing – victory and hope seem far off and understanding the why of it all is just plain hard. Be like King David, like the prophet Habakkuk and the Apostle Paul – let your heart’s cry be - Dear God.
He does see you, He will help you do what needs to be done, He holds amazing things for you in His hands and by His love and grace you will overcome and be a victorious, hope filled survivor.
A Prayer
Dear God – Thank you for seeing us in our everyday lives and in the storms we face. Help us each day to do what is right. We know that because Your ways are so much higher than ours, we cannot fully understand the amazing things your hold in your hands for us – but give us an occasional glimpse of your heart for us and the purpose you have in mind for us to fulfill. Thank you that we, by your love and grace, will overcome and be victorious, hope filled survivors on our way to eternity. May we share that hope, love and grace with those around us. In the name of Jesus, who is the ultimate survivor, we pray – Amen.
Monday, May 9, 2016
Laugh Until...
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, ‘The LORD has done great things for them.’ The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with Joy.”
Psalm 126:2-3
Laugh until… you cry, snort, wet your pants, your face hurts, your stomach aches, soda or milk comes out of your nose. There is nothing like a good fall out of your chair, roll on the floor until you are out of breath laugh. Somehow that makes us feel better even when things aren’t going so good. As I read about laughing in scripture I realized there are lots of different kinds of laughs. Some laughs are the result of a “Are you kidding me?” experience. Some laughs are preventative in nature keeping us from completely blowing our cool or bursting into tears. There are good laughs and not so good laughs.
This week’s passage is definitely a good laugh. Psalm 126 is a song of rejoicing that celebrates the captives – those who had survived the Babylonian exile - returning and all the people looking forward to the Lord’s renewed blessings on his people. In other places in Scripture we can read about God laughing and it’s not necessarily a good laugh (see Psalm 37:13 niv). Usually when we read about God laughing it’s a “wait for it, you won’t be laughing when I’m done with you laugh.” I don’t know about you but I hope I never find myself on the other side one of those laughs.
I can’t help but think He has those hearty good for the soul laughs over us – sometime perhaps laughing at us, but most times laughing with us as the joy that He gives us in every season overflows from our hearts.
I don’t know what you are facing right now in your life. My life is a mixed bag – kind of comes with the territory of what I do and that’s ok. What I do know is that laughing makes me feel better no matter what. I pray that you have people around that crack you up.
This week worship the giver of joy and laughter. Laugh until… - you fill in the blank.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for laughter. Thank you for the people in our lives who make us laugh until we cry, snort, or wet our pants. Thank you for situations that allow us to laugh so hard our faces hurt, our stomachs ache and whatever we are drinking comes out of our noses. Thank you for laughing at us as we try to walk in the steps of your leading. But most of all thank you for laughing with us when the joy you fill our lives with overflows. Help us to bring laughter to the lives of those around us, especially those who think they have no reason to laugh. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.
Psalm 126:2-3
Laugh until… you cry, snort, wet your pants, your face hurts, your stomach aches, soda or milk comes out of your nose. There is nothing like a good fall out of your chair, roll on the floor until you are out of breath laugh. Somehow that makes us feel better even when things aren’t going so good. As I read about laughing in scripture I realized there are lots of different kinds of laughs. Some laughs are the result of a “Are you kidding me?” experience. Some laughs are preventative in nature keeping us from completely blowing our cool or bursting into tears. There are good laughs and not so good laughs.
This week’s passage is definitely a good laugh. Psalm 126 is a song of rejoicing that celebrates the captives – those who had survived the Babylonian exile - returning and all the people looking forward to the Lord’s renewed blessings on his people. In other places in Scripture we can read about God laughing and it’s not necessarily a good laugh (see Psalm 37:13 niv). Usually when we read about God laughing it’s a “wait for it, you won’t be laughing when I’m done with you laugh.” I don’t know about you but I hope I never find myself on the other side one of those laughs.
I can’t help but think He has those hearty good for the soul laughs over us – sometime perhaps laughing at us, but most times laughing with us as the joy that He gives us in every season overflows from our hearts.
I don’t know what you are facing right now in your life. My life is a mixed bag – kind of comes with the territory of what I do and that’s ok. What I do know is that laughing makes me feel better no matter what. I pray that you have people around that crack you up.
This week worship the giver of joy and laughter. Laugh until… - you fill in the blank.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for laughter. Thank you for the people in our lives who make us laugh until we cry, snort, or wet our pants. Thank you for situations that allow us to laugh so hard our faces hurt, our stomachs ache and whatever we are drinking comes out of our noses. Thank you for laughing at us as we try to walk in the steps of your leading. But most of all thank you for laughing with us when the joy you fill our lives with overflows. Help us to bring laughter to the lives of those around us, especially those who think they have no reason to laugh. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Creatures
“And God said, ‘Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind.’ And it was so. God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good.”
Genesis 1:24-25
Two things had me thinking about God and animals. The first was the loss of our beloved dog – Moses. Moe as we called him was a great dog, the kind that tilted his head when you talked to him. His loss has left his brother Rufus more than a little sad. The second was an internet article that claimed that dogs don’t really like to be hugged and cuddled. That researcher never met our dogs and hasn’t seen how Rufus leans into my husband’s chest as he holds him close to comfort him. I’ll assume most of you have had a special pet sometime in your life or perhaps have an affinity for a certain kind of animal.
Those two things got me thinking about God and His non-human creatures, creatures that have been affected by the fall, just like the planet we live on. In Genesis, the creatures of the sea, air and land were created for before man as seen by this week’s passage – verse twenty-six is where it talks about making man. Later after the fall, Noah could have built a reasonably sized yacht for eight people to ride out the flood, but the animals and birds were important enough to save, so Noah built an ark. Animals provided raw material for making cloth and clothes, they worked to aid in farming, they provided food and income, some paid the cost for the people’s sin in the Old Testament. There were horses, cattle, sheep, oxen, camels, fish, birds and creepy crawlies. God uses all of His creation to teach us about himself. In Isaiah chapter 11 we read that one day animals and mankind will live in peace with one another – perhaps as it had been in the beginning. The Book of Revelation tells us of a new heaven and a new earth (see Chapter 21) – I can’t help but think there will be creatures on the new earth that have been long missing from this one.
What do we do while we wait for Christ’s return and the new earth. We allow nature to show us God’s creative passion. We treasure the creatures that have become members of our families. We appreciate the amazing, creative creatures that still roam our planet – creatures, like koalas quokkas, platypus, orcas, horses, lions, butterflies, sparrows and the whole menagerie He has made for us. We who are followers of Christ strive to be obedient to Jesus’ call to love God and love others. We heed the words of the prophet Micah to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with God so that others will see Jesus in us.
Give all praise and honor to the Creator of all, stand in awe of His creation and His creatures.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for your creative passion. Thank you for this amazing world you made for us to live and move and breathe in. Thank you for the incredible creatures you made to share this planet with us. May we treasure the animals that become part of our families, may treat well the animals that serve us in many ways and may we stand in awe of the amazing creatures that show us Your creative nature. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.
Genesis 1:24-25
Two things had me thinking about God and animals. The first was the loss of our beloved dog – Moses. Moe as we called him was a great dog, the kind that tilted his head when you talked to him. His loss has left his brother Rufus more than a little sad. The second was an internet article that claimed that dogs don’t really like to be hugged and cuddled. That researcher never met our dogs and hasn’t seen how Rufus leans into my husband’s chest as he holds him close to comfort him. I’ll assume most of you have had a special pet sometime in your life or perhaps have an affinity for a certain kind of animal.
Those two things got me thinking about God and His non-human creatures, creatures that have been affected by the fall, just like the planet we live on. In Genesis, the creatures of the sea, air and land were created for before man as seen by this week’s passage – verse twenty-six is where it talks about making man. Later after the fall, Noah could have built a reasonably sized yacht for eight people to ride out the flood, but the animals and birds were important enough to save, so Noah built an ark. Animals provided raw material for making cloth and clothes, they worked to aid in farming, they provided food and income, some paid the cost for the people’s sin in the Old Testament. There were horses, cattle, sheep, oxen, camels, fish, birds and creepy crawlies. God uses all of His creation to teach us about himself. In Isaiah chapter 11 we read that one day animals and mankind will live in peace with one another – perhaps as it had been in the beginning. The Book of Revelation tells us of a new heaven and a new earth (see Chapter 21) – I can’t help but think there will be creatures on the new earth that have been long missing from this one.
What do we do while we wait for Christ’s return and the new earth. We allow nature to show us God’s creative passion. We treasure the creatures that have become members of our families. We appreciate the amazing, creative creatures that still roam our planet – creatures, like koalas quokkas, platypus, orcas, horses, lions, butterflies, sparrows and the whole menagerie He has made for us. We who are followers of Christ strive to be obedient to Jesus’ call to love God and love others. We heed the words of the prophet Micah to act justly, love mercy and to walk humbly with God so that others will see Jesus in us.
Give all praise and honor to the Creator of all, stand in awe of His creation and His creatures.
A Prayer
Father – Thank you for your creative passion. Thank you for this amazing world you made for us to live and move and breathe in. Thank you for the incredible creatures you made to share this planet with us. May we treasure the animals that become part of our families, may treat well the animals that serve us in many ways and may we stand in awe of the amazing creatures that show us Your creative nature. In the name of Jesus, we pray – Amen.
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