July 04

The Best Fireworks


The God of gods—it’s God!—speaks out, shouts, “Earth!” welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west. From the dazzling of Zion, God blazes into view. Our God makes his entrance, he’s not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him.

Psalm 50:1-6 (the Message)


Today is the Fourth of July, and we will celebrate with some wonderful fireworks as our experts scale Pilot Butte to send their dazzling displays even higher. Fireworks will thrill us all tonight … they are a treat for young and old alike.

I remember the best fireworks display I’ve ever seen. It occured many years ago at Gator Growl, our homecoming gala at the University of Florida. They didn’t just send up one firecracker, wait a minute and send up another. No. They sent up whole bucket loads of bursting colors and thunderous noise makers—for an hour straight! It was magical.

There is something even more magical than the beauty and splendor of our fireworks celebrations. It is God’s creation. Each day, how many people stop to appreciate a sunset or a sunrise? The quiet, ever-changing beauty captures our attention and stirs our dreams.

These heavenly displays are God’s art. He paints them … He launches them for us. They announce to all creation, our God is a God of love. Celebrate!


Lord God, thank You for Your creation and the beauty You share with me. Amen.