Category: Psalms

  • A Single Blade of Grass

    All nature points us towards God

    a blade of grass setting seed

    It’s just a single blade of grass that’s going to seed. It’s such a  common sight that we walk right by and never pay attention to it.

    Yet, in it’s own way this grass is a miracle. The original designer of this plant programmed it to grow, and when it reached a particular state of maturity, to produce the seeds needed to replicate itself. There are more seeds because it is likely that they will not all get the chance to germinate or mature to fruition.

    We don’t think of it as miraculous because it is commonplace. We have all seen it happen millions or even billions of times without giving it any thought.

    The fact that it happens so often numbs us to the miracle. The design is the work of the master designer. While this particular blade of grass can trace its ancestry to another plant, likely on the ground nearby, the first grass had to come from somewhere.

    The fact that it, or anything else in the material world, even exists is something beyond proper comprehension. 

    We see God’s handiwork, the evidence for His existence, everywhere we look. The problem is that we grow so used to seeing it that we become numb.

    All of nature cries out in witness to God.

    The heavens declare the glory of God,and the sky aboveproclaims his handiwork.Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun,which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy.Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. Psalm 19:1-6 ESV

    Those who persist in not believing stand condemned.

     For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:18-21 ESV

    Stop now and then and look at the world around you, then give praise to the one who created it all. This same creator loves you enough to die for you.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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  • Growing in Character

    gnarled old tree

    I’ve always enjoyed trees with character. You know  them—old, gnarled, and still going strong, like the one in this photo. They have defied the odds and the ravages of the years. 

    Getting older always carries some scars and disappointments. There is a pervasive lie circulating in our society. It tells us that once we have hit “retirement age,” our usefulness is done, and our role is to spend the balance of our lives in some form of recreation and play.

    It’s even visible in the church. Far too many people tell me they have served their time and will not be ministering to others. They have hit their magical retirement age and quit contributing.

    Nothing could be further from the truth. There is nothing wrong with a round of golf or a day of fishing, but we got to be older for a much larger purpose.

    As we’ve aged and experienced our share of health and other issues, indeed, we can’t do everything we used to, and we are certainly slower. We might have more in common with the gnarled old tree than one in its prime.

    Yet, we are still called to serve, give, and love. Ministry has no upper age limit. By God’s grace, we have been given some modicum of wisdom and experience that younger folks can benefit from. Let’s use that.

    That doesn’t mean we tell all the young folks how to do it, or insist that the church music never changes. We don’t become curmudgeons who rejoice in telling everyone how it was different in our day.

    We do it by seeking to glorify the Lord every day. We build relationships with younger generations and mentor. We do the tasks that we can do. We encourage. We pray.

    The psalmist proclaims,

    “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens. You who have done great things, O God, who is like you?” Psalm 71:18 ESV

    Not everyone makes it this far. It is a gift and a privilege, and isn’t always easy. Yet God has allowed it for a reason.

    Be a person of true character. Live a righteous life, even in your later years, and serve the Lord always.

    Let us boldly proclaim God to the next generations.

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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