Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Sunrise--Sunset

Sunrise – Sunset
Red: Matthew 16:1-4
He replied, “You know the saying, ‘Red sky at night means fair weather tomorrow, red sky in the morning means foul weather all day?  You are good at reading the weather signs in the sky, but you can’t read the obvious of the times!”            (Matthew 16:2-3 NLT)
            On the way to St. Louis this morning I saw one of the most beautiful sunrises I’ve ever seen in Missouri.  It seems as though our great Creator God took his finger and drew streaks of red, orange, yellow, and pink across the eastern horizon.  In the background you could see the pale blue-gray of morning light.  Hovering overhead like a huge umbrella hung dark gray clouds giving the entire scene a 3-D effect.  The soft rays of color reached out from the clouds like sunbeams radiating their colors at various angles earthward.   I thought to myself, where is my camera when I need it?
            My mind was captivated with thoughts of the glory, splendor, and majesty of a God who would paint such a picturesque scene.  As the colors began to fade a prayer of praise and worship formed on my lips.  I felt like shouting the words of David found in Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”  (NIV)  All day long flashbacks of color kept skipping across the front of my mind.  What a glorious God we serve!
            On my way home from work I was once again brought face to face with the heavenly artist with a repeat performance of the morning sunrise with a stunning evening sunset.  Brilliant hues enhanced the sky as the sun dipped below the horizon.  Never before had I experience two awesome scenes of beauty on the same day.  What was God trying to say to me in this glorious splendor? 
            In the morning rush hour traffic God’s beauty lifted my spirit and helped me prepare for a tough day of work.  Now that the day was over and the spirit sagged, God gave me a new experience of his glory by painting another picture of brilliance to refresh my tired body and spirit. 
            How can we ever thank God enough for the way he provides strength for a wearied spirit, encouragement for the downfallen, and comfort for the disheartened?  His way of meeting our individual needs is unfathomable, but always on time.  In all my years of following the Lord, I have never known him to fail. 
            If you are in need of encouragement or strength to make it through the difficulties of life, look around you and see the great Creator God at work.  Ask him to open your spiritual eyes to see the glories of his presence.
Thought for the Day: God is everywhere around you; set your eyes upon Him.
Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for the beauty provided for us in nature. 

            

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