Free Devotions: Above the Mountains - Psalm 104

Psalm 104:6    You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains.

I’ve never seen the Grand Canyon, but it is on my bucket list. From what I’ve heard from other people, it is a remarkable and awe-inspiring place. Photographs do not do it justice and even documentaries on television do not capture the breath-taking grandeur of this wonder of nature. I’m looking forward to the day when I can stand at the edge of it and take in all of its majestic beauty.

It also amazes me that the whole region was once under the sea. I just can’t picture that in my mind and it’s staggering to think that the ocean covered most of it. Like the psalmist of old, the fact that the seas once engulfed what we call mountains causes me to humbly praise God’s infinite, creative power. When I think about the processes of creation and the intelligence behind such a glorious living design, I am over-awed and extremely thankful for God’s generosity and grace. He didn’t have to share any of it with humanity, but because He delights in our child-like wonder, God lovingly allows us to truly enjoy what He has made.

Prayer:                        Lord God, thank You for the dynamic process of creation and the majesty beauty that surrounds us. The natural world is full of wonderful places and creatures. We are over-awed by the complexity and variety of Life on Earth. We praise You alone for such a beautiful gift and we delight in all that You have accomplished. In Christ’s Holy Name, we cheerfully pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest Fall drawings called “Fall Break.” It features a wee chipmunk feasting before hibernation. You can view a larger version online at the following link:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5087270293_ed11200126_b.jpg

Religious News: Creationist Biologist Quits Post at Royal Society

From BBC News

Creationist Biologist Quits Post at Royal Society

Professor Michael Reiss has quit as director of education at the Royal Society following the controversy over his recent comments on creationism.

Last week Prof Reiss - a Church of England minister - said creationism should be discussed in science lessons if pupils raised the issue.

He was criticised by other scientists - though misquoted as saying creationism should be "taught" in science classes.

The society said some of his comments had been "open to misinterpretation".

This had damaged its reputation.

"As a result, Professor Reiss and the Royal Society have agreed that, in the best interests of the society, he will step down immediately as director of education - a part-time post he held on secondment," it said in a statement.

"He is to return, full time, to his position as professor of science education at the Institute of Education."

Read the rest of this story here…

4 Minute Devotions: Fringes

Calvin called them the ‘attestations of God’s wisdom.’ He was referring to the wonders of nature and creation all around us, which lead us to having faith in a benevolent Creator. Whether it’s the majesty of magnificent mountains, the crashing of waves against the shore, or even looking at a blade of grass under a microscope, all of them inspire a feeling of awe and wonder within us, which can only be explained as a oneness with the creator.

Podcast version here

Job 26:14 And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?"

I also like what Job has to say about these wonderful works of creation. To him, they were the outer fringes of God’s works; in other words, there are even greater things to experience about God. As I have written before, one of my hopes about being on the other side of death will be traveling throughout the whole universe and seeing everything that God has done. I want to watch stars being born and different planets. I want to feel the pleasure and delight that God has in His creativity. I want to be there when a new heaven and a new earth are created for the glorious purpose of a new beginning for humanity.

As I look out my study window, I see that the sky is overcast and that the trees have lost the brightness of their colors. But I know that very soon the sun will come out from behind the grey clouds and that these mere fringes of God’s creation will become bright and alive, beautiful and marvelous. All things attest to God’s wisdom and I feel both privileged and humbled to be a creature of His making, who experiences the wonders of His creating.

Prayer: Lord God, help us to take the time to feel the sense of wonder at the beauty which is all around us. No matter what we do or where we go today, remind us of the joy of creation and let us experience the awe of Your beauty. In the Name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment on today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org