July 31st
JULY 31st
From the back of our farm we have an amazing view of layers upon layers of the western “hills” (Coastal range) and when the sun is setting at night behind those hills the beauty of God’s creation can be overwhelming. Especially when there is a breathtaking sunset on a clear day. I can be overwhelmed by the beauty of God’s creation pretty easily if I take the time to appreciate it. The other night I was struck by the intensity of Venus in the western sky just after dark, right next to a quite bright waxing “fingernail” moon -as my kids call it. Venus was just as bright as the moon that night. Driving past the vineyards in the fall when the leaves turn gets me every time. What does it for you? Maybe it is the beach/ocean, maybe the mountains or the forest trails and waterfalls. Maybe it is your grandkids, the precious newborn in the grocery checkout line, kids giggling on the playground at the park. Maybe it is just the marvel of the human body, the brain, the way everything works together to function so we can breathe and have life. There is so much on this earth to marvel at every single day if we let ourselves. And we should. Rather than focus on the dirt, traffic, smog, inflation or anything else, we should allow ourselves to marvel at God’s creation.
Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
As marvelous as this earth that God created is, Heaven is even more marvelous. I can’t imagine. I really can’t. I don’t know how to wrap my head around what Heaven will be like. I mean sure it has been described in Revelation (chapter 21) but it is hard to imagine. I can’t wait to see the throne room! I’m sure the streets of gold and all that will be beautiful, but can you imagine the throne room?! That’s my destination! I can’t wait for heaven to blow my mind! It’s all because of HIM! It’s not the place as much as it is to be in His presence! We won’t need a sun because the SON will be the light!
Revelation 21:22-23 I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
More attractive to me than the physical beauty of heaven is the fact that my heart won’t hurt anymore. I won’t ache about my kids’ futures or struggles, or my siblings’ salvation, my family members’ grieving, the hurting teens on my son’s baseball team, the lost world or anything else. I won’t have any of that anymore. I will have Jesus, just Jesus.
Come and get me Jesus! Lord, help me to about your kingdom business so that people are ready for you to come. Remind me today that you have a kingdom agenda and help me to keep your perspective in mind. It’s so easy for me to get distracted Lord, help me to keep my focus and be obedient. Send me those who need you and show me how to be Jesus to them. I can’t do it without you. I praise you for all that you are doing in my life right now, thank you for your beautiful creation and let it be a reminder to me that I need to get busy so that you can come quickly.