10 - Gratitude to the Creator of the World

Thailand is a country of incredible natural beauty with a wide variety of plants,

birds, animals, and sea life. The many national forests show the concern that
Thais have taken to preserve the valuable assets found there. Jungles are more
than just trees that can be cut for wood. Fresh air pours from the trees and down
to where our cities so desperately need clear air. Scientists are now discovering
many helpful medicines that grow wild in the jungles. Beauty and usefulness are
wonderfully combined in Thailand’s natural world. Jungles are also filled with
plants, birds, and animals that live in a special harmony and balance. We all enjoy
the sight of elephants, tigers, hornbills, and monkeys.

Thailand is also closely tied to water. Rivers course down the mountains.
Immense dams hold back the water so it can be used throughout the year, flowing
in canals to produce several rice harvests a year. Even when people are
inconvenienced by floods rising into their homes, they know it brings fertile soil
and that water is the life of the country. The water flows to the sea, evaporates
into the air, and comes down in the rain for us to use again.

The diversity and balance of the jungle is spectacular, the benefits of water are
amazing, but there is something even closer to us that we can study for a lifetime
and never learn all of its mysteries and benefits. It is the human body. Our eyes
are more capable than any camera yet made. They adjust to all kinds of distances,
colors, contrasts, and shapes. Our ears pick up just the sounds that are nearest,
not overwhelming us with noise from everywhere. Our tongues have special
places to detect sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors, protecting us from spoiled
food while allowing us to thoroughly enjoy our meals. The skin both protects the
body from diseases while making it possible for a child to feel her mother’s
warmth and kisses.

The Importance of Gratitude

Are you amazed at the incredible design we see everywhere in nature? The beauty
and usefulness is so carefully combined. Do you ever wonder if there is some
Great Designer who put it all together? Do you wish you knew who it was so that
you could give honor and express your gratitude?

It is so important to us to express gratitude to our parents and grandparents. We

know what a huge debt we owe them. We visit them on holidays and call them in
between. It is our duty to care for them in their old age. We also make sure that
our bosses and government workers know we appreciate their care. We say, “To

1
 show gratitude is the sign of being civilized.” What if there is Someone who is the
source of life? If there is a God who created this world, surely we would want to
know and be able to give thanks to Him as well.

Designers and Builders

Thailand’s first capital city was in Sukhothai, about 450 kilometers from Bangkok.
Its golden age was more than 800 years ago. If you travel there for a visit, you will
find 91 historical sites including moats, gateways, temples, and ponds within just a
5 kilometer radius.

One temple called Wat Chang Lom bears an inscription that says it was built by
King Ramkhamhaeng between 1285 and 1291. These ancient historical sites
remind us that everything has a designer and a builder. Everything from the
bamboo hut to the King’s palace has a builder. Everything from the white board
marker to the laptop computer has an engineer and a factory.

Then what about the incredible design of a bird’s bones, so perfectly strong, yet
light enough to fly? What about the black watermelon seed that goes into brown
earth, grows green and bears fruit that is eaten deliciously red? What about the
heart, the lungs, and every organ that works so amazingly, day after day, knowing
just what to do without any training? Doesn’t it seem that this world also would
have a designer?

Many engineers worked carefully to design the new spacious Suvarnabumi airport.
It took several billion dollars and many years to build it. About 45 million people
will fly through it each year in thousands of planes. No one would ever suggest
that Suvarnabumi came to exist on its own. Even if all the parts of a jet were
placed in a hanger, no windstorm or explosion could put them all together in a
form that could fly. We can be confident in the truth, “Design requires a
designer.”

The Father of Life

Millions of people in the world value the ancient scriptures called the Bible.
People have translated the Bible into over 2000 languages. Many have found
wisdom and peace as they read, memorized, and meditated on the words. These
scriptures speak of a God called the Father of Life. They describe the Father of
2
 Life as the One who exists in all places and who has always been outside the realm
of life and death as we know it on earth. He is described as all-knowing and all-
compassionate. Many have experienced His power to heal the body and change
human hearts.

The Bible also says that in the very beginning our world was a place where there
was no suffering. There were no wars or sicknesses. There was no anger, hatred,
or violence. The Bible goes on to say that the Father of Life is the One who
designed and created the earth with a perfect design, balance, and harmony. Let’s
listen to the story of this earth’s creation and see what lessons we can learn.

God Spoke

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was
formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of
God was hovering over the waters. And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there
was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the
darkness. God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness he called ‘night.’ And there
was evening, and there was morning--the first day” (Genesis 1:1-5).

“And God said, ‘Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water
from water. So God made the expanse and separated the water under the expanse
from the water above it. And it was so. God called the expanse ‘sky.’ And there
was evening, and there was morning--the second day” (Genesis 1:6-8).

Water and oxygen are two essential things that we need for life. Astronauts and
space exploring equipment have not found these elements combined in a useable
way on any other planet in the universe. Water is a perfect combination of two
gases, oxygen and hydrogen. These gases stick together long enough for us to
take a drink, yet later evaporate into the air to be purified, form clouds, and drop
as rain back to us.

Isn’t it also remarkable that the air stays the perfect mix of 79% nitrogen, 20%
oxygen and less than 1% carbon dioxide—just what our bodies need? No one can
travel into space without taking a tank of oxygen with them, yet here we have it
available free of charge in just the right mix we need. The atmosphere also
provides essential protection from deadly solar ultraviolet radiation and 20 million
small meteors each day. How thankful we should be!

The Third and Fourth Day

3
 The story goes on to say, “Then God said, ‘Let the waters under the heavens be
gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear….Let the land
produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with
seed in it, according to their various kinds, and it was so….So the evening and the
morning were the third day” (Genesis 1:9, 11, 13).

“Then God said, ‘Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to divide the
day from the night; and let them be for signs and seasons, and for days and
years….Then God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the
lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also….So the evening and the
morning were the fourth day” (Genesis 1:14, 16, 19).

Have you thought lately about the fact that if we were closer to the sun we would
fry and if we were farther away we would freeze. If the earth revolved just a tenth
slower than it does, our gardens and fields would burn during the day and freeze
at night? The Bible says about God, “He hangs the earth on nothing….He drew a
circular horizon on the face of the waters, at the boundary of light and
darkness….Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper
we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26:7b,
10, 14).

The Fifth and Sixth Day

The Bible tells us more. “Then God said, ‘Let the water teem with living creatures,
and let birds fly above the earth across the expanse of the sky…..So the evening
and the morning were the fifth day.” (Genesis 1:20). Imagine the beauty of the
first parrots, hornbills, and doves. Picture the splashing of dolphins and flashing
fish. God created a huge diversity of birds and water life.

Then on the sixth day “God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the
livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the
ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1:25).
How powerful and beautiful those first animals must have looked. There were
elephants, horses, rabbits, and deer. Perfect harmony existed without pain or
suffering.

On the sixth day, after creating the animals the Father of Life said, “Let us make
man in Our image, in Our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and
the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures
that move along the ground.” So God created man in His own image; in the image
of God He created him; male and female He created them….Then God saw
everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good. So the evening and
the morning were the sixth day” (Genesis 1:26, 27, 31).
4
Scientists who study the human body continue to be amazed at certain features.
The eye is one of the most incredible parts. The opening works like a camera
shutter to let in just the right amount of light. Microscopic parts receive all kinds
of color and shades, adjusting from near to distant instantly. Eyelids quickly close
to keep out flying objects and the tear ducts provide easy cleaning. Many scientists
are confident that something as complex as the eye could not have simply evolved
on its own. The scriptures say this is a gift from God: “The hearing ear and the
seeing eye, the Lord has made them both”. (Proverbs 20:12) Here we can see
again the truth, “Design requires a designer.”

The story of earth’s beginnings concludes with, “Thus the heavens and the earth
were completed in all their vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the
work He had been doing; so on the seventh day He rested from all His work”
(Genesis 2:1-2). Around the world the calendars and schedules of people are
based on a seven-day week. Could it be that this comes from the fact that we all
share common ancestors? This fascinating account of creation is not only in the
Bible, but similar stories are told in many of the world’s ancient cultures.

If we will look past the differences in our skin and hair color, we will find that our
blood is always the same red color. How nice this world would be if we would
throw our prejudices aside and treat one another as family, brothers and sisters,
aunt and uncles.

The powerful and compassionate King David believed that the Father of Life was
the Creator of the World. Around 3000 years ago he wrote a poem that is now
written in the Bible. It says, “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and
all the host of them by the breath of His mouth…Let all the earth fear the Lord; let
all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was
done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:6, 8-9).

The story describes the Father of Life creating the world by the power of His word.
It is fascinating to note that the Khmer word for nature, “tomachiat”, means the
living things which come out from the word. The Thai word “tamachat” is closely
related. Truly, if there is a God who made the world and the very first man and
woman, then He would be the Father of Life, and that would make us all brothers
and sisters.

Many people who believe that God created the world are careful to keep nature
clean and to protect natural resources. They believe that the things of nature are
gifts from God and should be cared for wisely to show respect to God. We also can
show respect to the Father of Life by reducing pollution, recycling garbage,
protecting wildlife species, and caring for injured animals.

5
Two Steps Forward

Are you grateful for life? Do you daily show your appreciation to those who have
helped you? Think of such people and determine to thank them this week. If they
are far away, you could write a letter or call them. If they are nearby you could
take them a gift. Showing gratitude is a step forward on the path of peace and
lasting joy.

In a few simple ways you can also help beautify the earth. Throw garbage in waste
baskets. Lead a group of young people on a trash-pickup outing. Encourage
recycling at your workplace and plant some trees. There are many agencies that
are also working to save animals and plants that are endangered. You could
contribute some money or volunteer some of your time.

Nature is a Lesson Book

There are many things we can learn from books, but over and over wise men and
women have gained much instruction simply by studying nature. Hornbills give us
a wonderful example of faithfulness to the family. Flowers teach us not to trust too
much in what is beautiful since it passes away so quickly. Trees take in carbon
dioxide and pollution, then send out oxygen. The tree’s action reminds us to
return good for evil rather than revenge. If we look closely, there is much we can
learn from what God has created.

If it is true that “Design requires a designer,” doesn’t it make sense that there
is a Great Teacher behind these great lessons from nature? The Bible says, “For
since the creation of the world His (God’s) invisible attributes are clearly seen,
being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and
Godhead.” (Romans 1:20a). Let’s take advantage of the many lessons in nature by
spending quiet time outside enjoying what we see and reflecting on its meaning.
Children also can benefit a lot by being outside among the trees and plants.

There is another very important lesson we can learn from observing nature. Think
about this for a moment. A farmer must continually care for his field if he wants it
to produce. A bird must continually repair its nest if she wants it to be strong. It’s
the same with a house. Have you seen a house that has no one living in it? The
family goes into the city to make a living. They board up their house. Life in the
city is difficult and they seldom have time or money to visit their home. Before long
the house falls into disrepair. The grass and garden dry up and die. In the end it
becomes deserted and unlivable.

What is the lesson to be gained? We must also take care of the important things in
our lives if we want them to last. We must practice good health habits to maintain
6
 health. We must take time with our spouse and children if we want our homes to
be happy. We must take time to learn from the scriptures and for quiet reflection if
we want to have peace.

The Bible says that there is also Someone caring for our world. “He (God) causes
the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may
bring forth food from the earth. He appointed the moon for seasons; the sun
knows its going down. O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom You have
made them all. The earth is full of Your possessions” (Psalm 104:14, 19, 24).

The Father of Life is described as One who cares for us and this world. In some
powerful and mysterious way God is behind the laws of nature. Compassionately
He provides for our food and water like a mother or father might do. In fact, the
Bible says, “The hand of the Lord has done this, in whose hand is the life of every
living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:9b, 10).

Words of Thankfulness

When our parents care for us, giving us food, clothing, and education, it means a
lot. When they express their love by spending time listening and helping us, we
can really feel their care. In response, one of the most important things a child
can do is express his appreciation both in words of thanks and in acts of respect.
Gratitude to those who have given us life is one of our most important values.

What about with the Father of Life? King David also wrote, “I will praise You, for I
am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul
knows very well” (Psalm 139:14). Around the world, many people say prayers,
read poems, and sing songs to thank God for creating the world and giving them
life. Quite a few people pray before they eat, recognizing that it is God who has
created the plants and continues to keep everything working. Isn’t it inspiring to
think that God is everywhere, that He cares for us and that we can thank Him just
by praying out loud?

Jesus taught His disciples to give thanks to God and taught them to call God,
“Father.” This was a new way for the disciples to think about God. They had
pictured Him as powerful and beyond anything they could imagine, but they had
not understood how compassionate God’s heart was towards them. Later one of
Jesus’ disciples, John, would write a song that says, “You are worthy, O Lord, to
receive glory, and honor and power; for You created all things, and by Your will
they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:11).

A special honor is due to the Creator God that is due to no one else. We also have
an obligation to our parents that we don’t have to anyone else. Perhaps that’s why
7
 Jesus compared the Creator God to a Father. We also can express words of
gratitude, praise, and honor.

Humility and Confidence

Have you ever looked up at the sky and thought about how many stars are out
there? Did you wonder where they came from and whether anyone could ever
number them all? One astronomer stated that there are about as many stars in the
universe as there are grains of sand on all the seashores of the world. How
immense the universe must be!

The prophet Isaiah challenged us to look away from the passing things of our little
world to the vastness of the universe. His words in the Bible say, “Lift up your
eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by
number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and strength of
His power; not one is missing” (Isaiah 40:26).

If God is powerful enough to create the world and the stars, then surely His mind
is great enough to know them by name. The thought of this caused King David to
say, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the
stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the
son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:3-4). Great as he was, King David was
humbled to realize how small his kingdom was when compared to the mighty God.

Those who believe in the Creator God recognize their own smallness and the
passing nature of anything they do. Knowledge of God helps them to have this
important quality of humility which is so necessary for harmonious relationships.
At the same time humility must be balanced by the other qualities of peace,
confidence, and the courage to stand for what is right. Knowing about the Creator
God can help with this too.

Jesus once said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of
them is forgotten before God. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows” (Luke 12:6-7).

This saying makes it clear that the Father of Life knows each of us. He even
knows how many hairs we have. If God upholds the stars, then we can be confident
that in His compassion He can help us face any trouble we meet. Perhaps this is
why another prophet named Jeremiah wrote, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have
made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There
is nothing too hard for You” (Jeremiah 32:17).

8
 Think about it. If God has enough power to create the universe, is there anything
too hard for Him? Many people have prayed to the Father and asked for His help.
They have seen Him answer again and again.

Take a Step Forward

For many people the idea of a Creator God is a new thought. Throughout the
centuries many people have thanked the sun for warmth or the water for its help,
but have forgotten to thank the Creator. Today many people think only about
science and forget that there are real things that we cannot see. They too have
forgotten to be grateful to the Father of Life for everything He has given.

Perhaps you have heard different teachings about where humans and the things in
this world came from. There are various theories. Many think the world evolved
on it’s own. However, more and more scientists are now coming to the conclusion
that life is so complex, even at the microscopic level, that there must have been an
intelligent designer who made it all. If you have questions about the Creator God,
explore further to see if these things are true. By learning more you will be taking
a solid step forward in your life.

God Still Provides Today

Abubaker was frightened. It was World War II and bombs had been falling
destroying their villages in India. Abubaker’s father had disappeared. He
clutched his mother’s hand, determined not to be separated from her. He missed
his father. Father had been so kind to him, teaching him and helping him learn to
fly a kite. People said his father surely had died in the war. Abubaker didn’t want
to believe it.

Abubaker and his mother moved into a village in the hills away from the fighting.
One day Abubaker passed a building where he saw people inside praying. He
stood in the doorway and heard them say that there is a Creator God who is like a
father who hears our prayers and answer them. Abubaker was surprised. How
could God hear him? Maybe God could help him find his daddy again.

“I don’t know how to pray,” thought Abubaker. “I know what I’ll do,” he excitedly
exclaimed. “I’ll send my prayer up on a kite!” He didn’t understand that the
Father of Life can hear people anywhere.

Quickly he built a sturdy kite, then wrote his prayer on the paper, “Dear God, I am
Abubaker. I want to find my daddy. I think you can see me here, God. I’m at the
hill village flying a kite in the field.”

9
 Up, up went Abubaker’s kite. Then suddenly a gust of wind whipped it and cut the
string. The kite plummeted towards the ground just out of sight. Abubaker was
disappointed but hoped it had been in the air long enough for God to see.

What he didn’t know was that the kite had crashed into a train that was moving
slowly down the hills towards Calcutta. There at the train station Abubaker’s
father was waiting every day hoping to see his wife and son among the masses of
people.

The sight of the flapping kite caught his attention. It was just like what Abubaker
loved to play with. The father reached for the kite and untangled it from the train.
Turning it over he was startled to see the word, “Dear God, I am Abubaker….”
Tears flooded his eyes as he quickly ran toward the ticket booth. He knew just
where to find his family. Abubaker would know that there truly is a Father God
who hears and answers prayer.

When we see such miracles today, we once again are confident that “Design
requires a designer.” We too can seek God’s help in prayer.

Meditation Moment

This is an amazing story. Let’s contemplate carefully it’s meaning.

 “Design requires a designer.”

 “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by
the breath of His mouth…Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the
inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:6, 8-9).

 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor and power; for You
created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation
4:11).

 “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your
great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You”
(Jeremiah 32:17).

The Choice Regarding Gratitude is Yours

10
 Has it made you grateful to think about the intricacy and beauty of the jungles, the
water, the human body, and so many things? Do you want to thank God and honor
Him by studying more about His character and the life He wants us to live? What
a joy it will be to know more about the One who is great in both power and
compassion. You can make some choices that will help this happen.

Take Action: Check the things below that you want to put into action this week.

_____ I want to learn more about the God who the Bible says created the
world._____ I want to give thanks to the Father for creating the world and giving
me life.

_____ I choose to live in harmony with others, rejecting prejudice, and treating
people as my brothers and sisters.

_____ I will help keep things clean and care for nature around my work and
home._____ I will tell the Creator God about my problems and ask for His wisdom
and help.

To move forward in God’s mighty strength and compassion, pray this prayer to the
Father

Prayer Point
Father of Life, Creator of the World, thank You for the gift of life and all the good
things You have given to me. Forgive me for the many times I neglected to thank
You and gave praise to those who were only channels of Your blessing. Help me
to live my life to honor You and to show my gratitude always. In Jesus’ name,
amen.

Enjoy your next few days as you look around with the new perspective of
gratitude. You’ll smile often as you thank God, remembering “Design requires a
designer.”

11