Saturday, March 8, 2014

40 Day Devotionals 2014 Day 4

I have had a lot of time to think about creation over the last few months. Not just because my wife and I are currently creating life (well, she is doing most of the creating, I am doing the support stuff). I have actually spoken to a few folks about creation. Plus there was that whole debate on Creation vs Evolution back in February that sparked a lot of discussion too. You can see the whole thing here or browse youtube for highlights. I didn't really get involved because frankly, it doesn't change my faith whether or not either side is right. I find comfort in the idea that God, the Father, the Creator of everything, loves me and has a plan for me. I tend to focus more on how God impacts me today rather than whether or not we came from a single explosion of matter. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge science nerd. I just lean towards my faith when it comes to things I cannot explain. I still want to see how things work; dissect, disassemble, then reassemble, but only to see what God put in it to create it.
In the end, for me, I try to find a moment each day where I can reflect on my faith in God's creation. It makes me see the world as a bigger picture rather than my small existence. I tend to see other's as God's children, rich or poor, good or evil. I appreciate his creation more when I can incorporate that into my day. I recognize that we are all part of God's beautiful creation. Think about it, God created everything, including you and me.  I hope you can!


Day 4
Scripture
Revelation 4: 9-11
-          Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:
-          11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Wisdom
-          The term “God” just doesn’t seem to hold the value that it used to. I’m sure each of you has heard it used in vain or as a curse before as well. Do we stop to realize how awesome the word “God” is? It is a term for the creator of the universe! When you say a blessing before a meal do you realize you are praying to God the Father the creator of everything?
-          First, When you stop to understand the power of God you will begin to pray more intentionally and learn to “pray big.” Praying big is having the faith that God is in control of everything. That doesn’t mean that he will magically fix your issue, but it does mean that you are attempting to surrender to His will, whether you think it is good or bad.
-          Second, our understanding of His righteousness and goodness influences our behavior. If God has these attributes, surely it is in our best interest to obey gladly. We will desire righteousness and be quick to repent of sin. And when I say repent I don’t mean that we have go and feel guilt and remorse. I mean that we must learn to walk in our daily lives knowing that we want to honor the God of our lives with our actions. That is proactive, not reactive, to his love.
-          Third, our faith is impacted. Grasping that Jesus is holy, good, and powerful grows our trust in Him. Knowing our awesome God and remembering His great works will further build our confidence in Him. It may be hard to understand what His grand plan is for your life or for the world around you. Keeping a strong faith in him shows trust where others fail.
Apply
-          Do you personally know our loving Father? The key here, is loving.
-          Spend some time today and reflect on God’s great creation around you. Maybe stop and enjoy the day, watch the water, plant a flower, spend time in silence or worship.
-          Do you spend time with Him daily in devotion? If not, how can you make a moment of reflection a part of your daily life?
Prayer
-          Ask God to give you a better understanding of Him. Praise Him for all the blessings in your life and ask Him to show you all the wonders of His creation. Finally, ask Him to give you the discipline and devotion required to know Him better.

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