GOD'S WORKMANSHIP

Composer, director, and film maker, Tim Janis, posts picturesque YouTube videos showcasing God’s creation with all its splendor and beauty seen around the world. His videos have given me a greater appreciation for God’s workmanship and artistry. For God said, “I Myself made the earth and personally created humankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the skies; I marshaled all their starry hosts” (Isaiah 45:12 ISV).

The world, the solar system, and all creation did not come into existence by a random and chaotic occurrence. An oil painting cannot paint itself. It requires an artist who has a God-given aptitude for understanding color, light, texture, and design and then applies brush strokes to the canvas to create something memorable and lasting. God is the ultimate Creator and Designer of His flawless and magnificent creation.

God uses all creation to speak to us. Intricacies and perfection can been seen in all living things such as flora—plant life. If we consider flowers, there are 400,000 stunning flowers with varied colors, shapes, sizes, and fragrances. Jesus said, “See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these” (Matthew 6:28-29 NIV).

I marvel at God’s precise care and provision for His beautiful creation in all forms of life. The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World lists 10,906 known bird species. Of that number, every specie of bird has distinct characteristics, bird calls, color patterns, and design that sets them apart from every other species of birds. Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26-27 NKJV).

God’s intelligent design is seen in DNA, a complex building block that is present in living cells of all living things. Only DNA, and no other molecule, carries the ability to copy and then pass heritable information to future generations. DNA is the essence and building block of life itself. That alone should keep us in awe of the complexities of all living creatures and God’s sovereign provision for each living thing that He created. “… for [God has] created all things, and for [His] pleasure they are and were created” (Revelation 4:11 KJV).

God knew the heart of mankind and that many would need a loyal companion. For some that is a dog, defined as “man’s best friend.” So, He created roughly 360 dog breeds to be faithful and loyal companions with the desire to please and problem-solve. They respond to human instruction to obey and protect. Many are able to rescue people and animals and are adaptable for use as guide and hearing dogs, emotional support dogs as well as sled dogs and service dogs for the military and police.

Let us not leave out the 40-70 cat breeds that are inquisitive, smart, playful, affectionate, and cuddly companions for humans. All that God has made reveals extreme diversity in His creation.

We have the opportunity to learn so much from observing God’s creation, because often He uses what He created to open our eyes to truth. With that said, I have a 19-year-old toy poodle named Brandi. Over the years, God has taught me some very valuable lessons through my sweet fur baby. Recently, He revealed another truth when Brandi decided to be pickier with her eating than she has been in the past.   

Brandi loves chicken and salmon, so her favorites are rotated. Depending on what I am giving her that day, I mix the chicken or the salmon into her homemade food and then top it with a little more of that selection. Usually that works, but the other day she only ate what was on top and would not explore any further. Had she gone one bite deeper, she would have found a plethora of salmon.

My frustration was increasing when God’s sweet Spirit spoke to my spirit, “This is what many of my people do with My Word. They scan the surface and do not seek the hidden nuggets of truth that are deep within those initial truths.”

I have found that to be true in my journey with God. When I pray for a deeper revelation of His Word, those golden nuggets of truth surface. So, if a deeper understanding of God and His word is desired, then it requires seeking revelation through prayer and study. The wonderful result of uncovering those treasured truths is learning about God and His purpose for us. We also receive great joy, comfort, and peace in knowing more about His kingdom and His remarkable plan for us.

Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field” (Matthew 13:44-45 NKJV). God’s Word is that field with treasures to be found within.

Do we see God’s Word and all that He has created as treasures to embrace? Do we desire to search His holy Word and look deeper for those beautiful nuggets of truth? “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

King David said this to his son, “As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

Are we seeking and serving God with a whole heart and a willing mind? Do we see the Bible as a rich treasure to be explored, or is it just another book to set on a shelf or in a drawer. We are encouraged to “let the Word of Christ dwell in [us] richly in all wisdom…” (Colossians 3:16).

Are we willing to serve The Creator of all things and allow Him to work in our hearts through the power of His Word. For it is in His Word that we find hidden truths that reveal who we are, the nature of God, the beauty of His creation, and His immense love for us.

PRAYER: FATHER, forgive me for not embracing the wonderment of Your creation. Help me to be sensitive to Your Spirit who guides and teaches through Your Word and through Your Creation. Encourage me to prayerfully read and seek You in understanding Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.