Friday Journaling Prompt...

Yesterday was Earth day...🌎   

I posted on my IG about it and wanted to take it a little further on here and include it in our Friday Journaling Prompt this week.

Here’s a couple verses I shared on that post that I think point the way to how we should look at the Earth and thus, “Earth Day.”

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light...” Gen.1

“The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein,” Psalm 24:1

As a Christian we know all this from God’s Word and because of that we stand on Creationism vs Evolution. We believe wholeheartedly that this world was created by God and His fullness is displayed in the beauty of His creation. And if you’ve followed me for any length of time you know I enjoy the beauty of this world, especially near water, on Lake Como, in Italy. It’s where we host most of our retreats and where we feel the Lord has shown us how to gather women so they can be refreshed in Him and be renewed in their faith by the Holy Spirit. That part of our “job” is easy, because when you get out on the lake or walk around this amazing place, it’s clear how beautiful it is and that God created that beauty!

But here is where I want us to ponder on things and go a little deeper because I don’t want us to run the risk of loving creation more than the Creator.

And so, that is where I want to take today’s journaling prompt…

What are some ways we can enjoy all of God’s creation and still keep our hearts and minds stayed on the Creator?

To be honest, for me that’s actually harder than it sounds. I find in my own travels or even just looking at photos of beautiful places, I can focus too much on the place and it’s beauty. Which then leads me to want to go there, which then leads me to figure out how can I make that happen, and then that can take my focus off of God and what He wants. The focus can then turn from praising the Creator to praising creation. That is not where I want my heart and mind to go.

Yes, God created this entire world and it is beautiful! There’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to visit as much of this world as we can to see and explore the beauty of it. I do it for my job and I share photos of where I want to take you all the time! But… I never want the heart of praise for God, who created that beauty, to be lost in the process. I want to make sure my heart is to draw you closer to the Lord in all that I do at our retreats. I want the focus to be on Him instead of focusing on the created world. That is why at our retreats we start each day with devotions, it’s why I’m passionate about teaching Bible Journaling and why we also focus on the connection between art (beauty) and faith during out time together.

So let’s make sure we worship the Creator, not created things!

“I made the earth and created man on it; it was my hands that stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host.”  Isaiah 45:12

So no matter where you are today on this 🌎 and no matter who denies these truths, God IS the Author, Creator and Finisher of this place we call home.

Yes, right now the world is pervaded by the purposes of the devil and yes, it’s messed up while sin has a hold… but God is in control of the story friends! God gave us His Son Jesus whose perfect love and eternal life wipes away our sins & gives us Hope! Praise God for that!

Do you know His love today? If not, find a Bible and start reading the book of John or even 1 John.  God is calling us back to Him. He is awakening our eyes to the evil around us, and He desires our hearts & minds to be fixed on Him.

Pray together with me, like Job did in 5:8-12 ““But if I were you, I would appeal to God; I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. He provides rain for the earth; he sends water on the countryside. The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He thwarts the plans of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success.”

When know the days on this Earth are coming to an end. Many people feel a sense of the Lord calling His people to Him because we are nearing the end. And the time is coming when there will be a New Heaven and New Earth, and those who believe in Jesus Christ will enjoy it WITH Him. That is exciting friends!

Like I said on Tuesday’s IG post:

God IS real. Just because people don’t believe that, doesn’t make it not true. His love IS real. Just ask Him to show you the depth of His love. And Heaven IS real. There will come a day when this world ends. But read the end of the story.. God wins! So please be there. I want to have lots of conversations with you in Heaven as well.

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ... Revelation 21 

Btw, that gorgeous sunset on Lake Como can’t help remind you of Who God is… So let’s give glory where glory is due!

Have a GREAT weekend friends.

Thank you for everyone who has been praying for us during our Covid experience. Everyone is doing much better now and we are so grateful for that!

Hugs to all,

Laura McCollough