Embracing Kingdom Hope for a Broken World
Posts tagged God
Green Verses: Psalm 24:1
Jul 13th
Green Verses: a series which seeks to highlight scriptures that point to God as the Creator, His sovereignty over the earth, His redemption of the earth, and our call to participate in that redemption. Take a moment and reflect on what God might be saying through His Word.
Psalm 24:1
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
In a world driven by ownership, rights, and the protection thereof, we often struggle to understand where God falls into that picture. The Bible is clear, however, that all belongs to God. This concept should impact our lives – my life – a lot more than it does. It should shape our tithing, our stewardship of creation, our entire worldview. Just think how you might act differently if you were fully cognizant of God’s ownership and care for each aspect of creation that you pass by.
Also consider:
Because He Cares
Jun 30th
Green Adventures: a series in which we invite you into the adventures from our journey.
There are a variety of reasons to care for creation. Here are a few more popular ones:
We care for creation because of its instrumental value. I care for it so that I can continue to use it and benefit from it (food, resources, etc).
We care for creation because we are commanded to. I care for the earth because God called me to steward it.
We care for creation because by doing so we can love our neighbor. I care for the earth in order to help others, including future generations.
Of course, there are many other reasons. One that I have been learning more about lately is this:
We care for creation because God cares for it. As His follower, His cares and concerns should be my cares and concerns.
If God feels that creatures and creation were created good, that it is worth His effort to care for even the sparrows, and that it is important to reconcile all things, then perhaps I should follow Him in this.
I have often been called to follow our Lord, but it is only more recently that I am beginning to intentionally extend this idea to creation care. Perhaps I did this unintentionally before. Lately, I am seeing a plant not just as a plant for decoration or food, but as a creation of my Lord to be cared for. I am seeing the ant, not just as a nuisance, but as a creature of my Lord to be admired.
I find it easy to go through life without recognizing God’s creation for what it is. Trees, plants, flowers, birds, pets, and bugs abound. They are all around. Recently, however, I am seeing them more and more for what they really are – God’s creations. These are not just scenery, items in the background. No, they are incredible creations that praise God’s name.
I hope I can see this more and more. And I hope you can as well.
Also consider:
A Prayer for the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
May 3rd
On April 20th there was an explosion on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico which resulted in the death of 11 people. After the explosion, one of the fail safes which was to protect against spills apparently failed. Since then, gallon after gallon of oil has been spilling into the waters uncontained. It seems that it will be another 7-9 days until even a temporary cap can be put in place. Meanwhile oil continues to gush out, threatening animals, beaches, and marshes. While cleanup efforts have begun, to date they have been largely unsuccessful at containing the spill. As of today, it looks like this will be the worst US oil disaster ever. The potential harm done to God’s creation is immense.
For most of us there is not much we can do about it. We are neither trained nor positioned to help. And yet, as people who care for God’s creation we cannot just ignore this tragedy. So, please join me in prayer for the families of those who died and were injured, for those whose lives and livelihoods have been affected, for those working to clean up the spill, and for God’s creatures and creations that are damaged.
A Prayer for the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
Our LORD,
Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer,
You alone are sovereign over creation.
You alone created the heavens and the earth.
You alone sustain and hold all things together.
You alone are the redeemer and re-creator.
We praise You for your wonderful creation,
But now plead with You for your intervention.
In the face of great tragedy we turn to You,
We ask that You step in with works of restoration.
Be with the families of those who were killed,
May they be comforted with Your peace.
Be with those who were injured,
May they experience Your healing.
Be with those whose jobs are affected in an already tough economy,
May they receive Your provision.
Be with those who are working to contain and clean up,
May they be guided and directed.
What a shame that Your creatures should suffer!
Lord, please protect and heal them.
What a shame that Your creation should be damaged!
Lord, please protect and restore it.
As we ourselves are somewhat complicit in this tragedy,
Forgive us for our role in this crisis.
Teach us to reduce our own consumption,
That we might better care for and protect Your creation.
We again acknowledge Your sovereignty.
We pray that Your restorative work would be manifest,
That Your Kingdom come and Your will be done here and now,
That Your name might be glorified in all the earth.
We pray all this in the name of our LORD,
the Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer of all things.
Amen
*Image from:
Green Verses: Psalm 8:1-4
Apr 13th
Green Verses: a series which seeks to highlight scriptures that point to God as the Creator, His sovereignty over the earth, His redemption of the earth, and our call to participate in that redemption. Take a moment and reflect on what God might be saying through His Word.
Psalm 8:1-4
O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouths of babes and infants you have founded a bulwark because of your foes, to silence the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?
Today take a moment to reflect on the beauty of creation and what it reveals about God’s majesty. After mulling it over a bit, think that this same God, the Sovereign LORD of the universe, cares deeply for you and would like to have an intimate relationship with you. Wow!
Also consider:
