Questions #atozchallenge

King David in Prayer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Search me, God, and know my heart;
    test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
    and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

New International Version (NIV)

           Questions can be the beginning of belief and stronger faith.  Questions can likewise be the beginning of doubt and unbelief.    Our quest for knowledge and understanding is normal.  God gave us minds to use for our betterment and not just empty vessels to be filled with data.   We are supposed to think.  Thinking often calls for asking questions.

            David asked many questions. Some of David's questions were bold inquiries concerning the state of his life and the world around him.   Other questions were contemplative searches for more knowledge and wisdom.  When we are pursuing any education we are expected to ask questions.   The questions we ask are doorways to greater knowledge which encourages us to do more research and ask more questions.  The person who stops being curious about the universe and life is a person who has become intellectually stale and lifeless.

            Non-believers like to ask questions intended to shake our faith and refute the scripture and the existence of God.   If we have not armed ourselves against such attacks then we strengthen the enemy and make ourselves look foolish.   We should expect to have our faith under attack even if it never is.  Readiness will instill confidence and in the end might win souls.

            Don't be caught off guard by those who question you and what you believe.  Keep learning as much as you can.   Always ask questions and seek the answers to those questions.

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

New International Version (NIV)

Related articles

• H is for Holy Spirit
• Get Wisdom (Proverbs 4:5-7)
• "Give me a bent for your words of wisdom, and not for piling up loot." ~~King David
• Why Believe? Part 6: David, Son of Jesse
• How to Understand the Bible

Imagination #atozchallenge

Nuclear Bomb - Blow Your Mind
 - La Inteligencia (Photo credit: bixentro)

You have searched me, Lord,
    and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise;
    you perceive my thoughts from afar.

Psalm 139:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

        We are created in the image of God.  That includes an ability to imagine and create.   Humans have dreamed up amazing things for the good of mankind and through creative ability have made these dreams reality.   We can cure diseases and make afflictions more bearable.  We can travel and communicate with greater ease.   The imagination of mankind has accomplished many great things that make our lives better.

        Humans have likewise imagined much evil.  There are variations on the saying "An idle mind is the devil's playground", but no matter how you say it there is much truth in the concept.   It's especially true if we are not focused on Godly things.   The imagination can come up with sinful personal fantasies or horrible ideas that can adversely affect millions.   The most evil humans who ever lived imagined insidious plans that they eventually put into action.

         Sin begins in the mind (James 1:15).  We need to be careful about where we let our imaginations take us.  An imaginative thought can be the beginning of good or evil.  If our thoughts dwell in Godliness then our imagination will run in the right direction.    

 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh  (for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the casting down of strongholds), casting down imaginations, and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of  Christ; and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience shall be made full.

2 Corinthians 10:3-6

American Standard Version (ASV)