From the Dust of the Earth

Today I would like to say a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Your gifts make this ministry possible!

It is interesting to me that the word Adam in Hebrew means man or humanity, and the word Adama means dust or earth. In the book of Genesis, we read that God took Adam from the dust of the earth and breathed into him the Spirit of life.   Adam comes from Adama.

In other words, we are made from the same raw material as the rest of the earth; the same elements of all creation. Yes, God gives us life through his Spirit, but, there is a connection to the earth at the very depths of who we are.

Some of you may feel that connection when you are out digging in your garden when you feel the earth in your hands.  Others of you may sense it when you are out in the woods, or the mountains, or on the beach.

We live in an age when we are often disconnected from the earth. Our homes, offices, and cars are climate controlled. We have endless options to keep us entertained and busy without ever going outdoors. But when that happens, we often also lose our sense of wonder and awe of being a part of something so much bigger.

This week, take some time to get outside and enjoy the sunlight, the rain, the snow, the songs of the birds, and the beauty of the winter. Turn off the phone and just marvel at God’s creation – of which you are an integral part.

Our prayer today comes from the Hymn, How Great Thou Art. Let us pray: O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder, consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made; I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed. When through the woods, and forest glades I wander, and hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees. When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur and see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze. Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, How great Thou art, How great Thou art! Amen.