God of awesome grace and mercy, bless richly the life and needs of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus' name I pray, amen.
Today is Earth Day. While its origins may mean different things to different folks, we as Christians turn to the Bible for these verses: Psalm 24: The earth is the LORD's and the fulness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein; 2 for he has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers. 3 Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false, and does not swear deceitfully. 5 He will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of his salvation. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.
and from Matthew 5:5: Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Often are the times we take the earth for granted. We do get reminded of how lovely the earth is when we see a sunset or sunrise, an array of beautiful wild flowers during this time of year, or hear the singing of a bird. The Psalmist declared, The earth belongs to God and all that goes with it. Jesus later on said of the meek, that they would inherit the earth. (For a more detailed explanation of that verse, you might want to come to our church on May 2nd!). Let us be thankful for its beauty, for its message of God's awesomeness and for our responsibility to care for it. To enjoy it more, re-read the Psalm and underline the last part of verse 3 all the way to the verse 6. With clean hands, meaning we've not used them to hurt or harm anyone, and a pure heart, meaning our motives and thoughts have been honest and straight, we will stand in a holy place, blessed by God.
PRAYER: Thank you, loving God, for the earth and all its beauty. Let me sing with it as it praises You for Who You are; let me also live a life with clean hands and a pure heart. I ask this in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
