Sunday, February 24, 2013

When Will the World See Peace?

John 1:1-5 light and Christ
John 1:1-5 light and Christ (Photo credit: Martin LaBar (going on hiatus))

See how good and how pleasant it is
    for brothers to live together in unity!


Psalm 133:1

World English Bible (WEB)

        I guess I missed this.  At least on a big ongoing scale.  Oh, we have those wonderful times when all is well in our families or when community members come together to help others, but the world on the whole can be a real mess sometimes.  It doesn't look like things are getting much better.

        If we are to believe the Bible, things will get worse before they get better.  We might have a promise of peace or even a time of a temporary peace.  Don't believe that it is the eternal peace which brings all peoples and nations together for that peace can not come from any efforts of mankind.    True lasting peace comes from God.

         You won't force peace upon the nations with marches, sit-ins, or demonstrations.   Peace is a slow process that settles into each heart and welcomes the stillness of solitude.  Peace is not like a tidal that sweeps nations.  Peace is a gentle rain in the quiet of the morning where the world sleeps waiting for the Son.

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

New International Version (NIV)




Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Praise Our Amazing God

Asteroid 1950 DA, Arecibo Observatory radar image
Asteroid 1950 DA, Arecibo Observatory radar image (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The heavens declare the glory of God;
    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1
New International Version (NIV)

         The asteroid that had been receiving so much publicity of late missed us.  We are safe from that catastrophe.  Strangely enough though, the day before the anticipated big one was to arrive, a large unexpected meteor exploded over Russia with extensive reports of injuries and property damage.  

          Many objects from space enter our atmosphere on a daily basis, usually with no consequence.  Throughout history some have hit the Earth.  One theory has it that dinosaurs became extinct as a result of a hugely catastrophic asteroid hit upon our planet.   Now astronomers are able to spot most extraterrestrial objects, track them, and make fairly accurate predictions as to what their paths will be.  Still the element of surprise is always there.

         It's a vast, infinitely vast, universe out there.  Amazingly beautiful, wonderfully mysterious, and ultimately unfathomable to even the most brilliant of minds.   Endless, timeless, forever and ever.  Who can truly comprehend the immensity of it all?   

         God's creation is amazing. I can think about it and wonder in wonder.  I smile.  God's blessings and His grace are also amazing. 


He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.
Ecclesiastes 3:11
New International Version (NIV)



Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Patiently Waiting

The Earth seen from Apollo 17.
The Earth seen from Apollo 17. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
    your faithfulness to the skies.

Psalm 36:5
New International Version (NIV)

          I've looked heavenward on dark silent nights pondering the unending blanket of stars above  me, wondering when, oh when, I will be face to face with you God.  In the vastness of the universe and even this world I feel small, lost, and forgotten.  But I know you are here with me always.  I feel your presence in the quiet of night.  I sense your being in the busyness of the big city bustle.  You were there when I've needed you in the past and I know you will not abandon me in whatever future I have left on this Earth.

        Your love is forever.  I know that.   Forgive my weaknesses and my foolish ways.  You know me.  I want to know you better.  I praise you for all the blessings in my life.  You are great, oh God!  I thank you for caring for me and the faithful love and mercy you show to all who will see.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.   Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

New International Version (NIV)




Enhanced by Zemanta

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Is the Bible Still Relevant?

A bible from 1859.
A bible from 1859. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Your word, Lord, is eternal;
    it stands firm in the heavens.

Psalm 119:89

New International Version (NIV)

      Many people these days dismiss the Bible as an archaic document of history that is mostly irrelevant in our time.  Things have changed since those times described in the Bible some might say--we are more enlightened  now and have different needs.  The Bible is fine for some, but not for the scoffers who think they can get along without God.  Even many who call themselves Christians rarely delve deeply into what the Bible has to say.

       The Holy Bible is not a mere collection of words, but it is The Word that is a collection of historical records, laws and rules to live by, prophecies, words of praise and poesy, and some of the deepest and most beautiful thoughts ever written.  The Bible was written for all people of all times and is probably more relevant now than ever before in human history.

         For those who say "God is dead" or "There is no God", I say He is not only alive in the World, he is alive in the Word.   It's up to the reader to let God out of the pages and into their life.  Atheists are frequently well studied in the Bible, yet they have not allowed God to come to life for them.  They are reading with the atheistic mindset firmly in place and resisting the Spirit to breathe into their lives.   When God comes knocking at your door you must open that door on your own and listen to what He has to say.

         Study with honesty and a clear head.   God is there.  Jesus is alive.  The Holy Spirit is ready to work in your life when you are willing to do the work required of you.   Read the Bible regularly with joy in your heart. Don't always just accept as truth what you think you heard or misremembered from some cursory reading long ago.  The Bible was, is, and will be.   The Holy Bible is alive and will give you a fuller life if you are willing read, heed, and learn from it.  

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

Acts 17:11

New International Version (NIV)


Enhanced by Zemanta