On Monday we began a new series of devotionals using the Scripture Index of Glory to God Hymns, Psalms and Spiritual Songs as a guide. The Scriptural Index is found on pages 979-988.

Beginning with Genesis 1, there are six musical selections with allusions to that first chapter of the Bible. For Genesis 1:1, there are eight selections with allusions to that first chapter and first verse.

This series of devotionals will take us up to Advent and the “Sweeter Than Honey,” the Advent/Christmas /Epiphany Cookbook Devotional. Then, we will resume the series on January 7, 2020, the day after Epiphany.

The plan is to examine many, but not all of the scriptures listed. Where there has been only one scripture verse from a book, like Ezra 3:11 and Esther 4:14, then we will certainly deal with those verses. We will point out the scriptural allusion. For the purpose of this devotional you will be best served to have your Bible handy and the hymn for the day from Glory to God hymnal will be printed, since everyone may not have a copy of the hymnal at home or wherever you are when doing your daily devotional.

READ: Genesis 1:29-30

READ or SING: Hymn 714 God of the Fertile Fields

The poet Georgia Harkness wrote these lyrics about the work God did in creation. The hymn tune setting is “Italian Hymn” and you will recognize it as the tune setting for “Come, Thou Almighty King.”

“God said, ‘See I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.”

This hymn has been placed in the Dedication and Stewardship section of the hymnal. In these verses we read of our responsibilities in caring for the earth, making the ground productive and of sharing the produce so that all may be fed. The hymn concludes with the affirmation that in all we say and do, we attempt to do God’s will.

Prayer

Dear God, it has been said that the earth appears blue and green with splotches of white from the astronauts’ eyes, Close up we can see browns and greys of soils and waters and we are reminded of our roles as caretakers and stewards of the earth. Help us to care for and protect the earth, our home, and to share our abundance with those in need. In Christ’s name, we pray. Amen.