Nature that glorifies

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 (NASB).

                The other day my friend Beaux and I were driving home from a D-now event and we were just a little in awe of the country around us. As I told him while were driving, I don’t think Texas is the most beautiful place in the world (although I love it), but it was so beautiful out that day. We talked about all the wonderful hills and the blue sky above us and it was just a marvelous sight to see. I have been really trying to change my outlook on life towards a more worshipful/thankful view and I realize that one of the best ways to do it is just enjoying the creation around us.

                We were trapped in a truck on a three hour drive, so it was easy for us to just stare at nature, but a lot of the time we are too busy stuck focusing on something else. I can’t tell you how many times I've been stuck outside and instead of just enjoying the trees or the blue sky, I've stared down into my phone looking up useless things or playing pointless games. If I took some time to genuinely just enjoy the masterpiece placed around me I’d probably be a much happier individual. Take sometime today to go out and enjoy nature. Whether it is rainy, sunny, or freezing cold it was created, it was beautiful, and it was created by a loving God!

Take a Beating

“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men (Luke 6:35)

            Turning the cheek isn’t something that I would consider to be one of my main qualities. In fact, I tend to have a hard time not being bitter towards someone that has wronged me. Albeit, I have people constantly tell me that I seem very patient and peaceful, but inside I’m just holding back frustration, but then I tend to take my anger or frustration to God and just kind of metaphorically throw it into His lap. What it comes to is I can’t get rid of this personal angry and rage so I just pass it on to the one who can help me get rid of it. He doesn’t only want us to get over ourselves when it comes to being mad at others, but He pushes a step further. This is a heavy, difficult task to be charged with: love your enemies.

            Obviously, this is not something I struggle with alone. Christians have been called close-minded and judgmental countless times. It breaks my heart to hear such words against myself, because I genuinely do my best to not judge others and usually have an extremely open mind (Especially for being raised in a Baptist, homeschooling foundation. I know, your red flags of brainwashed little Christian are going off, but that could be you being judgmental as well). We quickly forget that Jesus came to die for everyone, even the Pharisees, those who set themselves up as His enemy. Simply put, to do anything other than to pray for the “enemies” against our faith and well-being (ISIS, Westboro Baptist Church, Etc.) is to do the opposite of Christ. I know it’s not easy, in fact this is just a challenge to me as anyone seeing as I have a strong, burning dislike of Westboro, but we have been commanded to do so. Take some time today and pray for those around you that you just can’t stand. God is gracious to all and we are to follow in His steps. Good luck, by the way.

Carl J Bromley.