The Earth Rejoices

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if all people worshiped God? What would it mean if the earth rejoiced in God’s glory? What if all creation were to rejoice in God? Wouldn’t it be an amazing world to live in?

Many of us have sung hymns or songs that state the earth rejoices in the Lord. I am willing to bet most of us have never thought about what it means for the earth to rejoice. I doubt we have given serious thought to the rocks crying out to glorify God.

So, let’s think on it a bit. We have all heard of and likely seen pictures of the huge redwood trees. Have you considered their growing to enormous heights and living for hundreds of years is glorifying God? Likely not. I can’t say as though I have before now either.

We have seen magnificent waterfalls. They pour out over a cliff, whether large or small, and drop precipitously into a pool or perhaps crash onto a pile of rocks. The mist from them creates colorful rainbows of various shapes and sizes in the sunlight. A magnificent display of earth’s rejoicing in God.

Many of us have been to see mountains and perhaps have traveled up them. The mountains provide a breathtaking view, either from looking up at them or by looking down from the top. They can be both dangerous and beautiful. In some ways, they exhibit God’s beauty, and His justice for those who are careless.

What about the oceans? They are vast, deep, beautiful, and dangerous. They house a multitude of sea creatures made of up nearly every shape, size, and color. There are the bright orange and white clownfish, the multi-colored angelfish, the scary looking and dangerous lionfish, the bluish-purple regal tang with a touch of yellow, and the mandarinfish with designs made up of blue, orange, yellow, green, and red/pink. Another awesome display of everything on earth rejoicing in the Lord, showing His splendor.

Perhaps our rejoicing should seek to be such a beautiful display of His magnificent creation. After all, we are created after His own image. That makes us, humans, the most wonderful creation of all. It also makes us the most dangerous. God gave us His power and the ability to choose how we use it. Let’s use it to show His awesomeness to those around us.

I pray we all rejoice with the earth. I pray we celebrate God in wondrous colors. I pray each one of us will proclaim God in all His glory through our own unique gifts. See the earth rejoice. Experience the wondrous works of God. See the beauty He created. Proclaim God’s works in your life.

Psalm 97:1, 6

The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad;

let the distant shores rejoice.

The heavens proclaim his righteousness,

and all peoples see his glory.

Forever Reign

Do you want to live forever? Would you like to reign with Christ? Are you willing to follow Him faithfully? Will you give up yourself for Him? Do you know He gave Himself up for you?

We often revere those people who are willing to give themselves up for their friends. We recently honored veterans for their willingness to sacrifice for us. We have honored medical personnel for their sacrifices during the pandemic.

Giving up oneself for others can be both easy and difficult. It can be easy when it is a one-time sacrifice. More so when it is a snap decision that may be more of a reaction than a conscious decision. We think of someone jumping on a grenade to save their buddies.

Sacrificing yourself is more difficult when it extends over a longer period of time. Veterans who serve many years, often deploying away from their families, sacrifice long-term. Our medical personnel have been sacrificing for nearly two years. For those that stay in these professions, sacrificing becomes a way of life.

To follow Jesus fully, we also must adapt a life of sacrificing. We must give up our preferences. We must give up the way of the world. It sounds unfair. Yet, the reward we receive far exceeds the short-term happiness we obtain by doing what we want.

Following Jesus, sacrificing our desires for His, rewards us with eternal life. We will also reign with Him over the earth. He has promised us that we will reign with Him forever. He will reign regardless of our actions and behavior. His reign has been promised. He has done what was required of Him to be put on the throne.

I pray we all commit to sacrificing ourselves for Christ. I pray we pursue reigning with Him. I pray each one of us choose the challenging road today to gain the glorious reward that awaits us. Choose to follow Jesus. Be willing to sacrifice for Him. Know that you will reign with Him. Trust in His promises.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,

we will also live with him;

if we endure,

we will also reign with him.

If we disown him,

he will also disown us;

if we are faithless,

he remains faithful,

for he cannot disown himself.

Honor and Glory

Do you honor God? Do you honor Jesus Christ? Do you give Him the glory? Do you know how to honor Him and give Him the glory? Do you recognize Him for who He is? Do you know Him for who He is?

We honor many people in this world. Some don’t really deserve it. We honor some for the wrong reasons. We give them glory, lifting them above everyone else. We do so many times to our own detriment.

It is one thing to recognize someone for exceptional athletic talents or musical abilities or managerial abilities. It is something quite different to put them on a pedestal of honor and glory without knowing who they are fully. Sure, recognize their talents, but don’t look up to them as though they are better than another person. In fact, their attitude, behavior, personal beliefs, and how they treat others should be used to determine if they deserve honor and glory rather than their talents.

As Paul writes to Timothy, he confesses of being unworthy of the saving grace he received through Jesus. Because of the mercy he was shown, he gives honor and glory to God. He recognizes who Jesus is. He is the eternal King. He is immortal. He cannot be visibly seen in this world. He is God.

Paul knows Jesus for who He truly is. He knows that Jesus is so far above, so much greater than Paul himself that he can only bow in His presence. Paul recognizes it is only because of what Jesus has done for him that he can go about doing what he is doing for Jesus. We are to approach life in the same way. We are to see Jesus for who He truly is and give Him the honor and glory above ourselves and above anyone else.

I pray we all recognize Jesus for who He truly is. I pray we see Him as the eternal King. I pray each one of us gives Jesus the honor and glory He deserves. See Jesus for who He is. See Him as the eternal King. See Him as immortal. See Him as God. Give Jesus honor and glory. Praise Jesus above anyone else.

1 Timothy 1:15-17 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

A Time For Everything

How do you view the timing of events? Do you view them as happening at a specific time for a specific reason? Or do you view them as random occurrences? How do you treat the events as they happen in your life?

There are two typical points of view about events. One viewpoint is things happen randomly and it is mere luck as to whether you are there when they happen or not. The other is things are planned and you were predestined to be there when they happened.

Likely, we all take one or the other of these viewpoints as we go through life. We may take one or the other depending on the event and the particular stage in life we are at. We may look at the coincidence of a deer running in front of our vehicle as random. We may even think that whether we hit the deer or avoid it as luck.

On the other hand, we may look at a job opening coming at just the right time and our obtaining it as being predestined or the work of God. We often attribute large events such as these to God, His omnipotence, and Him being in control.

As we look at the first eight verses of Ecclesiastes 3, we see there is a time for everything. The writer mentions timings of behavior. Some of them are emotional while others are attitude. He contrasts them one verses the other. We also see there are physical behavior contrasts. As we might view them, some are positive while some are negative. Regardless, the key is there is a time for all of these to happen.

As we look at the timing, it may help us get through the tough times, knowing a better time is coming. It can also help keep us grounded, knowing during really good times to prepare for the bad times we know will come. In all cases, we know none of them will last forever.

I pray we all remind ourselves God is in control. I pray we remember times change and there is a time for everything. I pray each one of us stay well-grounded and trust God in all circumstances. Times change. There is a time for everything. Know that God is in control. Trust God in all situations.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Attitude of Gratitude

Is being at peace a struggle for you? What fills your thoughts most of the time? Do you sing praises to God, even if only in your mind? What fills your heart? Is it gratitude? For what reason do you do all that you do?

We are often thinking about many things at once. Our brains are amazing organs, able to perform multiple tasks at the same time. In our fast-paced world, we have trained our brains to think about more than one thing simultaneously—sometimes unconsciously.

Having peace in our lives may be a goal, yet we continue to fill our lives with more. Seeking peace, though, is not all about removing or limiting what is going on in our lives, it also includes being thankful. Being thankful to gain peace requires a change of heart and mind.

We often think of praying as a means to give thanks to God. But another way to give thanks is to sing praises to Him. There are many hymns and songs we can sing. They reside in hymnals in churches. We hear them on the radio. But we may also have our own songs in our hearts. We can sing them, as well.

Singing songs of praise and thanksgiving to God is wonderful medicine. As we feed our minds those songs, our hearts and minds begin to change. We develop an attitude of gratitude. Having that attitude will help bring peace into our lives.

I pray we all gain peace in our lives. I pray we pursue peace by praising and thanking God. I pray each one of us sings to God and gains an attitude of gratitude. Seek peace in your life. Sing praises to God. Give God thanks. Develop an attitude of gratitude.

Colossians 3:15-17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Thanks In Prayer

How is your prayer life? Do you pray every day? How about multiple times per day? What do you pray about? Are your prayers all about you, your family, your friends, your wants? Do you include thanking God in your prayers?

We can all be a little selfish at times. We look at our needs, wants, and desires first. Beyond ourselves, we may extend our prayers to family and friends, including requests for what we believe is best for them. On rare occasions, we may make requests for our local community or country.

Giving thanks in our prayers is not always included, and when it is, it is often short and general. We aren’t likely to list off specific blessings. Our inclination is to generically thank God for all our blessings and move on. In fact, my personal experience is I often don’t stop to take time to remember every (or even just several) of the specific blessings God has blessed me with and thank Him for them.

When was the last time you thanked God for the following blessings? Your job, house, clothing, food, those new shoes, furniture, dishes, appliances, vehicle, pet, family, friends, acquaintances, the guy who was rude yesterday, the woman who bumped into you at the store, the kid who was screaming for a toy, the book you are reading, your phone, computer, internet, medicine, doctors, nurses, technicians, administrative people, and so much more.

God desires our thanks for everything we have, everything we experience, the person we are, and the person God is making us into. We run at a breakneck pace and forget to thank God for His blessings. We may not even think of some circumstances as blessings. Yet God uses every situation for our good.

I pray we all give thanks to God for His blessings. I pray we give thanks in all circumstances. I pray each one of us will take time to thank God for specific things we have and experience. Thank God for everything. Thank God in all situations. Thank God for who you are. Thank God for who you will be.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Root of Thankfulness

How do you live your life? What or who are you rooted in? Does that root go deep or is it shallow and spread out like a spider web? Do you receive the nourishment you need to strengthen you, or do you wither when it gets hot?

It may seem odd to compare ourselves to a plant, but it is a good way to understand how we are strengthened and grow. We have experience with growing plants, whether it is a vegetable garden, flowers, or we are a farmer.

We know that plants come from a seed or a bulb. We plant the seed, put down some fertilizer, and ensure we water it appropriately. The seed sprouts, the stem of the plant pokes out of the soil, and the first leaves are seen. The root drills its way down into the soil to gather nutrients and water so the plant will continue to be fed. The deeper the root goes, the more likely the plant will be able to withstand the heat of summer when there is no rain for several days.

It is much the same with us. Our initial planting comes at baptism. Initially, we are just like the seed. There is the sprouting, which includes wonderful joy and a feeling of exhilaration. Just like the plant, if the root doesn’t grow, we whither and die, meaning we fall away from the faith that brought us to baptism to begin with. When our root drills deeper in God, we gain strength and grow in our faith. The stronger we become, the better we withstand the attacks from Satan, the dry times, and the lonely times.

Throughout the growth process, we experience God in new ways. We see Him working in our lives and come to appreciate all He is doing. We give Him thanks for always being there for us. As we give thanks, our root grows deeper in God. It is a wonderful circle of life that is a gift from God.

I pray we all grow deeper in God. I pray we seek to gain strength from Him. I pray we are thankful for all God is doing in our lives, thereby growing deeper in Him, and being strengthened by Him. Grow in God. Be fully rooted in God. Be strengthened by God. Be thankful of all God is doing for you.

Colossians 2:6-7 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Being Thankful

How often do you give thanks to God? Are you a thankful person by nature? Or do you have to consciously think about giving thanks? Are you working on being a more thankful person? Do you know God is pleased when we give Him thanks?

Some of us say “Thank you” out of habit. Some of us only rarely say “Thank you.” Saying thank you can be a rote behavior, something we rarely think of, or a heartfelt thanks given to someone for doing something we truly appreciate.

The question we might want to wrestle with is, which of these do we normally give to someone? Are we genuine? Does our genuineness only last for the moment? We may forget all about what someone did for us ten minutes later. Okay, maybe a day later. Either way, if we forget, it likely wasn’t very genuine.

When we give thanks to God, He knows instantly if it is genuine or not. He knows if we are merely mouthing words we were taught or have full appreciation for what He has done for us. He knows our heart of hearts. He knows our motives. He knows our thoughts. He knows when we say the words while being distracted by some other random thought.

Jesus truly gave thanks to God the Father for all He did. He was genuine in His thanks. Perhaps that is just one small reason why He was able to feed five thousand men, plus their wives and children, with just two fish and five loaves of bread and have twelve baskets of food left over. His genuine thanks to God multiplied what was available through blessings from God above.

God has the ability to bless us through multiplication. He can and does bless those who are truly thankful—thankful from the depths of their heart. He knows our needs. He knows our wants. He blesses us in those as He sees fit. However, I have seen Him bless those who are most thankful in amazing, unthought of ways.

I pray we all give thanks to God. I pray we thank Him for all He has blessed us with. I pray each one of us will see every little thing we have is a gift from God. Give thanks to God. Thank God for your blessings. See all the blessings God has bestowed on you.

Matthew 14:19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.

Praise the Lord

Does praising God come naturally to you? If it does not, have you opened your eyes to see all He has done for you? Only when we recognize all we have comes from God, even the very air we breathe, will we praise Him at all times.

Do you tell others how God has blessed you? Not by bragging about all you have, but by giving thanks to Him for blessing you. Through our thanks to God, we can be an evangelist for God, spreading His Word to those who need to hear about Him.

When we sing His praise, lifting our voices in a loud chorus, we please Him and spread the joy He has given us. Singing His praises so others hear is another way to tell others what God has done for us and proclaim His awesomeness.

Telling others of God’s wonderful acts in our lives lets others know the goodness of God. It lets them know that God cares for each of us. Making it know that God takes care of those who love Him and commit to Him is a glorious testimony.

Glorifying God and rejoicing in Him is a beautiful way to tell others how God has worked in our lives. It cannot be faked. But true joy and rejoicing is attractive. Have you ever met someone who is always joyful and been offended by them?

Seeking God at all times is a good way to approach our lives. When we look to Him to give us wisdom, discernment, guidance, and strength, we not only are blessed, but we are able to bless others. Through our blessing with God’s blessing, we share God with people who need Him.

I pray we all praise God in all we do. I pray we tell others of God’s wonderful acts. I pray each one of us seek God at all times to both be blessed and to bless others. Praise God. Sing praises to God. Tell others what He has done for you. Give God the glory. Rejoice in the Lord. Seek God always. Receive His blessings. Bless others.

Psalm 105:1-4

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;

make known among the nations what he has done.

Sing to him, sing praise to him;

tell of all his wonderful acts.

Glory in his holy name;

let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.

Look to the Lord and his strength;

seek his face always.

Obedience and Thanks

How do you feel about obedience? Is obedience only something you demand of others? Do you dislike being obedient to someone else? Do you realize you are obedient to one or another? You are either obedient to evil or good?

Many people in this world like to believe they can live in a gray area. They like to believe they are good, and they often do good. Yet they also do things they want that are not good. However, there is no gray area.

As we see in today’s passage, we obey one or the other. We follow a life of sin or a life of righteousness. It is a black and white decision. There is no gray area. We follow God’s commands, guidance, and plan for our lives, or we don’t. We make a choice to be obedient to one or the other.

Paul gives thanks the people of the church in Rome had chosen to be obedient to righteousness. He understood there was a huge difference between the two. He knew the reward for following righteousness and the punishment for sin. As we understand the dramatic difference in the two, we will give thanks for the decision we make and those we love make to follow righteousness as well.

Thanks goes to God for providing us the choice. Thanks that He welcomes us into His arms when we choose to obey Him. Thanks that He is patient with us. Thanks be to God for continually pursuing us while we are sinners. Thanks to Jesus for willingly being our perfect sacrifice. Thanks that we can be confident God will forgive us. Thanks be to God for loving us and providing for all our needs.

I pray we all make the choice to be obedient to God. I pray we choose good over evil. I pray each one of us will give thanks to God for all He has done and continues to do for us. Choose good over evil. Choose to be obedient to God. Give thanks to God. Thank God for His provisions. Thank God for saving you. Thank Jesus for being your perfect sacrifice. Thank God for His patience.

Romans 6:16-18 Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.