The Earth is the Lord’s
Tuesday’s Verse:
From Psalm 24:1 ESV
The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof,
the world and those who dwell therein
When you consider the world we live in, whether it’s the forest or ocean or the mountains or even your neighborhood, it is all God’s. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” It is not ours to abuse but God’s to enjoy. In the Small Catechism, we confess that God “made me and all creatures… and still preserves them.” To take care of God’s gift to us is an act of faith, a way of showing gratitude.
As stewards of the planet, we recognize that God has entrusted all of creation to our care. Just as we are to love our neighbor, so too we are to care for the world our neighbor calls home. Simple actions, such as reducing waste, tending the land, and using resources wisely, are ways of following Christ. In this way, we honor the Creator and show love to our neighbors, both those living today and those not yet born.
In Christ, we know God’s love extends to all creation. He died and rose to redeem the world, not just us. In gratitude, we care for God’s creation because it is precious to Him.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Lord of heaven and earth, thank You for the gift of creation. Help us to be faithful stewards of all that You have entrusted to us. Teach us to care for the world as an act of love for You and for our neighbors. May our actions reflect gratitude and faithfulness, until the day You make all things new in Christ. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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