"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Genesis 1:28-31

 April 22

"Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” Then God said, “Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food. And I have given every green plant as food for all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, and the small animals that scurry along the ground—everything that has life.” And that is what happened. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!"- Genesis 1:28-31 (NLT)

Earth Day has been celebrated today on April 22 since 1970. Above all people, Christians have a responsibility to care for and protect our earth and all of God's creation. To "reign over" something is to have absolute authority and control over it. When God delegated some of his authority to humanity, he expected us to take responsibility for the environment and other creatures sharing our planet. We should never be careless or wasteful in fulfilling our sacred charge to be caretakers of this beautiful planet God entrusted to us to govern well. God was careful how he created this amazing planet and the skies and heavens shielding it. We must never let greed and lust for profits dictate or justify that waste, pollution, and planetary destruction are justifiable. God has ultimate rule over the earth yet exercises his authority with loving care. We are accountable to God's judgment if we do not do the same.

God saw all he had created was very good in every way. You too are part of the Lord's creation. Remember God is also pleased with how he made you. If at times you feel worthless or of little value, remember God made you for a good reason. You and your contributions are infinitely valuable to our Lord.

Prayer: Creator God, Help me today to do what I can to protect your creation and all the animals, birds, bees, forests, trees, waters, skies, and seas within in it. Amen.

Meditation For The Day: Let us use Earth well lest we lose it.

Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)