Enclosed the Sea
Job 38:8-10 and the Strait of Juan De Fuca, Olympic National Park, Washington State.
“Or who enclosed the sea with doors when, bursting forth, it went out from the womb? When I made a cloud its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, and I placed boundaries on it and set a bolt and doors.” Job 38:8-10
A Poetic Look at the Sea and All Creation
The last several chapters of the Bible’s book of Job give us an inspiring, poetic look at God’s hand in creation. With dramatic elegance Job chapters 38-41 proclaim the power and transcendence of our God.
These chapters are some of my favorites. I never get tired of reading them. The words sing of the greatness of God in creation. The poetic imagery and word pictures from nature give us a regal look at God.
You can read more about God’s mighty hand in creating the earth, the sea and the heavens in Job 38.
No Eye Has Seen
Isaiah 64:4-5a and Hikers Overlooking a Valley, White Mountains New Hampshire.
“From ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God but You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him. You welcome those who gladly do right, who remember Your ways.” Isaiah 64:4-5a
No Eye Has Seen What Good Things God Has
In Isaiah 64 the Prophet Isaiah writes a confession of sins. The Nelson Study Bible calls Isaiah 63 and 64 “a prayer of penitence.” Isaiah recognizes the consequences of sin and confesses the sins of His people. In verses 4 and 5 he contrast the consequences of sin with the reward received by those who remain faithful to God.
In Heaven, God has great things planned for those who follow Him. Nothing in this physical creation compares to the glory and wonders of Heaven with God. The Apostle Paul quotes this passage of Isaiah in 1 Corinthians 2:9. There he reminds us of, “All that God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Read all of Isaiah 64.
Rejoice in the Lord Always
Philippians 4:4-5 and Coneflowers, Bellevue, Nebraska.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:4-5
Rejoice Always
In the summer it seems like so many flowers rejoice. May their beauty remind us to rejoice as well.
The Bible tells us to rejoice always. That can be difficult, but when we focus on God and not on our situation it is easier to remain joyful. I know for myself, that my days would flow easier if I only remember to stay joyful and also remember that The Lord is always near.
For more encouragement from the words of the Apostle Paul read all of Philippians 4.
The Lion of Judah has Triumphed
Revelation 5:5 and a Male Lion.
“Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep! Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed to open the scroll and its seven seals.’” Revelation 5:5
Jesus, Lion of Judah
The imagery of a lion brings to mind many noble characteristics. In lions we see the qualities of power, strength and majesty. The look of this great beast with its regal mane conjures up images of royalty. No doubt, the lion is an animal that demands respect.
The appearance of this animal makes it easy to understand why the Bible calls Jesus the Lion of Judah. He rules as our great and glorious Lord and reigns over all. As the verse proclaims, He alone is worthy to accomplish God’s plans.
Read all of Revelation 5.
Goodness of God
Psalm 31:19 and a Monarch Butterfly on a Sunflower, Eastern Nebraska.
“How great is Your goodness, Which You have stored up for those who fear You, Which You have wrought for those who take refuge in You, Before the sons of men!” Psalm 31:19
Goodness of God
In one of today’s modern worship songs, the writers of the song speak of the goodness of God. They write of how God has been faithful and good throughout their lives. They proclaim the wonder and greatness of the goodness of God.
Throughout our life God gives us many good things. Some of those things are great and memorable, and some of them are simple like the beauty of a butterfly on a flower. And some, like the ability to love and be loved, are priceless.
Today, as you go about your day, think about how God has been good to you throughout your life and be grateful for the goodness of God.
Read all of Psalm 31.