For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. . . But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. Romans 8:5, 9. NRSV

For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11. NASB

How can I possibly condense down and yet show the expansiveness of all God gave us today? Make yourselves at home in God…the beginning suggestion that set the stage for us in our Friday morning prayer group. We were treated to a video that showed us a “God’s eye view” of landscapes rich in beauty from fields of green grains flowing like a sea, to mountains, to lakes with mists rising gently, to powerful golden rays of sunshine falling purposefully upon a landscape so beautiful words cannot come close to describing. And the soft voice reminding us to draw near to God, to drink in His love for us, to see ourselves as God sees us through His eyes of love. And then…in a way, I couldn’t help but think as I sat and watched our individual Zoom images on the screen, that we were able to enjoy a “God’s eye view” of us! And then as we shared the impact we experienced in seeing such beauty that our Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit – created, I couldn’t help but know we shared a “Spirit’s eye view” of our love for God and for each other. And then in prayer later afterwards, I was remembering our friend who died this week. I saw her clearly standing in a large and beautiful room and God reminded me there is ample room in His love. The love we experience with one another never dies. It is held safe in our God who loves us. Seeds of love.

And then, this psalm, Psalm 46, glorifying our God who is our strength and help and giver of every good gift. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. v. 1. And that beautiful creation we were witness to in the video? Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. v. 2, 3. He created it. He is in charge. And this most beautiful reminder: There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. v. 4, 5, 6. Are we afraid? No! Why? Because we know our God. He created us and everything we see. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress…He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth…v. 7, 9, 11. And what does our God tell us? Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. v. 10.

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God…Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. Revelation 22:1-2.

Trust our Creator God for absolutely all things. The seeds of His love given abundantly to us and in us will never die. They will yield their fruit in our healing and His love. See with new eyes the beauty of His creation and know the power of His love. And then, let us join with creation in praising Him!