nature

When Creation Becomes a Sermon

/ Mark Brady / 1 Comment

Visiting America’s national parks is one of the closest things we have to stepping inside a living cathedral — a sanctuary not built by human hands, but carved, painted, and breathed into existence by God Himself. These places don’t just impress our eyes; they awaken our souls. They remind us that beauty is not an accident, wonder is not random, and creation is not silent about its Creator.

Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon, watching the sunrise spill gold across its ancient walls, something inside us shifts. The soul recognizes grandeur. Scripture tells us why:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” — Psalm 19:1

National parks are declarations — bold, breathtaking, undeniable. They preach without words. They testify without argument. They whisper to the deepest parts of us that Someone made this… and He made it with intention. When you walk through Yosemite Valley, or stand beneath the towering redwoods, or listen to the wind sweep across the Badlands, you’re not just sightseeing. You’re witnessing God’s fingerprints.

There’s something healing about these places. They slow us down. They quiet the noise. They remind us that life is bigger than our schedules and deeper than our worries.

  • Majestic landscapes lift our eyes upward
  • Quiet trails steady our breathing
  • Star-filled skies stir our imagination
  • Wild places awaken our sense of awe

In these moments, our souls become more receptive. More open. More aware. Romans 1:20 says that God’s invisible qualities — His eternal power and divine nature — are clearly seen in what He has made. National parks are living illustrations of that truth.

Awe is a spiritual doorway. It humbles us. It reminds us that we are small, yet deeply loved by the One who crafted mountains and molded rivers. When you stand beneath a waterfall or gaze across a valley, something inside whispers:

“If God can shape this… He can shape my life.” “If He cares for this land… He cares for me.” “If He made beauty this extravagant… His goodness must be even greater.”

Creation doesn’t just point to God — it pulls us toward Him.

Many people say they feel closest to God in nature. That’s not surprising. Jesus Himself often withdrew to mountains, deserts, and quiet places to pray (Luke 5:16). Creation has always been a meeting place between God and humanity. A coworker of mine accepted Jesus Christ into his heart while sitting on the edge of the Grand Canyon. The first time I saw Glacier National Park, I wept. I could not get over its beauty.

National parks give us:

  • Perspective — reminding us how big God is
  • Peace — calming the storms inside us
  • Presence — helping us sense God’s nearness
  • Purpose — stirring gratitude and reverence

These places don’t just refresh the body; they restore the soul. Every national park is an invitation to slow down, look up, and remember that the world is full of wonder because its Maker is full of glory. When we step into these sacred spaces, we step into a deeper awareness of Him. So go — hike the trails, breathe the mountain air, watch the rivers run, and let your heart be moved. Let creation preach to you. Let beauty soften you. Let awe lead you to worship. Because sometimes the most powerful sermon you’ll ever hear is the one God painted across the horizon.

Copyright © 2026 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Speeding Ticket

/ Mark Brady / Leave a comment

I like what the author, Jane Rubietta (www.JaneRubietta.com), an excellent writer and even better speaker, wrote concerning the picture included in this post.

“The no-hurry sunrise is always on time. I love the speed limit sign and the streetlights arching over the road. Just waiting.”

The photo speaks a thousand words, but I will try to keep it to 350 or so. First, it reminds us that another day is coming. The troubles of yesterday may get us down, but God says his mercies are new every morning. I would also add his grace, strength, and comfort, amongst other things that we need.

God’s loyal love couldn’t have run out,
    his merciful love couldn’t have dried up.
They’re created new every morning.
    How great your faithfulness!
I’m sticking with God (I say it over and over).
    He’s all I’ve got left. Lam. 3:22-24 (MSG)

The photo reminds us to slow down and not speed through the day. Last week, a guy got caught doing 125 mph in a 65 mph zone! Do you think he noticed any details in life? Or the State Trooper sitting on the side of the road? We need to pause or stop and look around. Notice God. See his hand active in our lives. Pay attention to the work He is continuing in your life to form your nature to be like his. One of love in all things.

Most of us, me included, get in a hurry for God to accomplish something in our lives.

There are times when the “journey” becomes more valuable than the end result.

God is active whether we see it or not. While you are waiting, see his handiwork with nature. It is Spring here in America right now. I don’t know the names of the trees, but some have been so beautiful! I told April, “Look. Aren’t they pretty? Enjoy them today because the blooms will be gone soon.” A few days later, they were. Okay. I have reached 350 words, so I will end this post. I think the message has been said.

Blessings!

(Okay, how many of you thought this post was going to be about me getting a speeding ticket?)

Copyright © 2025 Mark Brady. All rights reserved.

Were You There?

/ Mark Brady / 2 Comments

“There has to be aliens, or other beings on the other planets!  Why else would they be there?”  I thought for a second, and fortunately the Holy Spirit whispered in my soul, “How do you know that the other planets aren’t just weights and balances that keep earth in its place? Like a machine that fills the universe?” My co-worker pondered what I was told to say.  Then she yielded, “I don’t know.” The debate ended.

In that exchange I was mindful of when God questioned Job.  He said to him,

“Where were you when I created the earth?
    Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that!
    Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
    and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
    and all the angels shouted praise?

“And have you ever ordered Morning, ‘Get up!’
    told Dawn, ‘Get to work!’
So you could seize Earth like a blanket
    and shake out the wicked like cockroaches?
As the sun brings everything to light,
    brings out all the colors and shapes,
The cover of darkness is snatched from the wicked—
    they’re caught in the very act! Job 38:4-7, 12-15(MSG)

You see man, who can’t fathom an all-powerful being has to make up his own explanation as to how things came about.  Some have said there was a big bang!  I simply ask, “If that is so, and it isn’t, then who lit the fuse?”  I don’t have a “big bang” theory, I have knowledge of a big God! No man was there when God created the heavens and earth.  No one but God decided how big, or how little things should be.  He, and He alone put all things in order.  He has told us so in his word, the Bible. I believe in God, and therefore what He says! Even Charles Darwin doubted his own theory!  Read chapters 6 and 9 in his book, “The Origins of Species”.

So as the New Year approaches, I challenge you to start thinking new.  Your old way probably, if you would admit it, isn’t working for you.  When you are alone, and lying in bed trying to go to sleep, your mind questions your own theories.  You spot holes in what you hope is truth.  Read God’s word.  There, you will learn everything about life that you absolutely need to know for now.  Everything else will be revealed when we die, so don’t waste your time now writing your own theories.  Believe in God. And trust in him.  He’s got this!

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.