Dear Church Family,

This past Fourth of July, our nation celebrated its 250th birthday. Across the country, and in our small community, people gathered to remember the blessings of freedom, the sacrifices of those who came before us, and the remarkable history of our great and unique nation. My interest was especially captured by the videos of fireworks shows mixed with drone technology. These displays are becoming increasingly prevalent, combining full color, movement, music, and precision in ways that previous generations could hardly have fathomed. Technology can be amazing.

Our own celebration was a little more low-key this year. It was very hot, and we were still recovering from Blondie’s amazing wedding, so rather than joining a big crowd, we decided to drive around and find a good vantage point to watch the fireworks from the comfort of the truck's air conditioning. We did see some fireworks, but they were from a distance. They were enjoyable, but they could not compare to some of the high-tech drone and fireworks presentations I had seen in social media videos.

Then, on the drive home, something caught our attention that no human technology could rival. Off to the east, a huge storm cloud was growing. Towering thunderheads rose into the night sky, and flashes of lightning illuminated the clouds from within. The distant sky lit up with a dramatic display of power, beauty, and majesty. It was both beautiful and inspiring in a unique way. The fireworks had been fun, but the storm reminded me that nothing created by human hands can compare to the glory of God revealed in His creation.

Psalm 19 says:   The heavens declare the glory of God,  and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.  2  Day to day pours out speech,  and night to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.  4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,  and their words to the end of the world.  In them he has set a tent for the sun, 5 which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,  and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. 6 Its rising is from the end of the heavens,  and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. ESV

There, in the night sky, a powerful message was preached. The lightning, the clouds, the sheer size of the towering thunderhead, and the epic power of the electrical discharge all pointed to the One who fashioned creation. Yes, we can create impressive and dazzling light shows in the sky, but their message pales in comparison to the one God speaks through thunderheads, starry skies, colorful sunsets, ocean waves, and majestic mountains. His handiwork leaves us awestruck when we still ourselves and open our hearts.

Loving you all, 
Michael