Morning Devotional
November 8, 2004
"Opening Day" (Should be Opened in the “Print Layout View”)
by Don Emmitte

 

O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise. They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars you have set in place, what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us? For you made us only a little lower than God and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things, the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! (Psalm 8 NLT).

Text Box: Thomas Kinkade has a wonderful painting titled Glory of Creation that I have included in this morning’s devotional. As you can see, it depicts the solitary wonder of a cabin in the midst of the mountains. Just looking at it brings a sense of awe at the majesty of God’s creation. As I reflect on Opening Day, 2004 I found myself in awe as well.

 

 

 


 

Thomas Kinkade's Lighted Path Collection: Glory of Creation

 

The early morning dawn always gives way to immense beauty as the dark is pushed aside by the sun rising. I am always taken by the smells and sounds of Opening Day alone in a deer stand. Being alone and quiet has a great effect on me. This year I am struck by the majesty of God. It is the same thought of the psalmist of our reading this morning. God is so great, how could he love someone as insignificant as me? The answer is rooted in his character. He does so, simply because of who he is!

 

Creation is its own symphony for me. J. S. Bach said, “All music should have no other end and aim than the glory of God and the soul’s refreshment; where this is not remembered there is no real music but only a devilish hub-bub.” He headed his compositions: “J. J.” “Jesus Juva” which means “Jesus help me.” He ended them “S. D. G.” “Soli Dei gratia” which means “To God alone the praise.” That’s the whole of it for me. We begin with Jesus and end with God’s glory! Praise his Name!