Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

 Romans 1

Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Romans 1:22-23

For my daily study, I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today provides an admonishment to those who turn away from the Creator, focusing instead on creation.  Having just returned from a vacation in the U.S. southwest, including the Grand Canyon and Sedona - both places rich in stunning natural beauty - I can easily see how some may go down the path of worship of creation vs the Creator. Reading the surrounding verses in Romans 1 - beyond what John Piper highlights today (v22-23) - it's hard for me, as a believer, to see how creation does not reflect the Creator and His intelligent design.  I agree with Paul where he writes in Romans 1:19: "what can be known about God is plain to [the unfaithful], because God has shown it to them." Piper also highlights Psalm 19:1-2 where David writes: "[t]he heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge." As I did not spend quiet time with God yesterday, I am reminded how easily, even for the faithful, it is to step away and ignore God.  God please restore me to Yourself and keep me close to You!  Help me worship the Creator!  All glory to God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are great and You are the source of all things in Heaven and on Earth.  Your glory is plain for all to see!  Thank You God how You provide creation for us to enjoy - just one of the many blessings You pour out for Your children.  I am not deserving of this or any of the blessings You pour out for me.  Please forgive me for my neglect of You.  Help me turn from my neglect and turn towards You.  Help me daily run to You and stay near You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

 Genesis 1

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

For my daily study, I continue to lean on DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys daily devotional, which today looks at "the point of creation." John Piper starts the devotion by stating: "God made humans in his image so that the world would be filled with reflectors of God. Images of God. Seven billion statues of God. So that nobody would miss the point of creation."  Paul echoes this sentiment in Romans 1:20a where he writes that God's "invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world."  Of course, God created more than humanity - he also created nature and the heavens (see also this video - thanks to Rodney/Angela Britt from Sunday school for the reference).  Everything in creation, including humanity, nature, and the heavens point back to the glory of God.  John Piper provides additional scripture references to amplify his point:

• Isaiah 6:3
  
• Psalm 19:1
  

Piper wraps the devotion by sharing in response to those who wonder why God created vastness of the heavens and earth but left most of it lifeless and empty: "[i]t’s about God. And it’s an understatement. He is more glorious. Greater in power. Greater in scope. Greater brightness. Than all the galaxies combined....God created us to know him and love him and show him. And then he gave us a hint of what he is like: the universe." God is amazing!  All glory to God!

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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are truly amazing and the work of Your hands is amazing - including creation!  Thank You Jesus for what You have done in creation and in my life - You are so full of grace and love for me - and You don't need me at all.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.