I have made the earth, and created man on it. I—My hands—stretched out the heavens, And all their host I have commanded. Isaiah 45:12 NKJV

Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down form the Father of lights, with whom there is variation  or shadow due to change. James 1:17

What a beautiful day today in Minnesota to praise our Creator! As God says in the verse from Isaiah, He made the earth, and people, and stretched out the heavens with His hands. All that we see, and hear, the trees budding, the birds chirping, a few flowers peeking up through the reaming snow, are creations of God. So are the stars in the night sky, and comets, and planets. All of this is under the command of God.  

Who is it that these verses are addressed to? They are in the chapter of Isiah where God calls Cyrus to be a “Messiah” for the people of Israel. God is actually telling this foreign, pagan ruler of the greatness of the God that is over all creation, and certainly over his ability to be a ruler. Cyrus is to use this gift of power to help return the Israelites to Jerusalem, to bring them home from exile.  

This is certainly a generous gift –  to rebuild the temple and get the people home from exile. As we read in James, every generous and perfect gift comes from above. From our Creator. The one who is our source of light and salvation. God is the source of all that is good. God never varies, there are no shadows in this light, no change. What we so generously receive, we in turn can generously share. Our gifts may vary, but we all receive them through the same Spirit.  

Thank you Lord for the energy that streams from the sun, giving light and food to the earth. Faithful Lord, the work of your hands created all we know; all light and love streams from you. We praise you for your generous love in sending us the gift of Jesus. May your creative energy be the source of our own gifts in return as we care for and revere Creation. Thank you for your generosity, patience, and love. Amen  

Chris Gabel  

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party