Creation (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

The Earth seen from Apollo 17. (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)

       Humans are creative.  Since we were created in God's image and we are creative then it stands to reason that God is creative.   After all, He created us and all of the universe.  God wants us to create.  We are not intended to just live at the whims of the natural forces of Earth and the universe.  As creative humans we are expected to construct shelter, and creative shelter at that.

        We build amazing structures.  We create beautiful artwork.   We develop cities and the inventions that allow us to have better lives.   Humans compose music and literature.  But do we do all these things for the glory of God?

         God's work supersedes anything than humans can come up with, but still we create for that is part of our legacy.   Perhaps when we create everything with God in mind just as we were created from the mind of God, then we will achieve all that we were intended to be.   This dream is not something that humanity will see in the current corrupted Earth.

           God created us to be creative, but the bounds of our creativity are limited in this fallen world.  Oh, what amazing things to come in the Kingdom of God!

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.
Hebrews 11:3

New International Version (NIV)

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Because ( Elements of Existence)

The Holy Spirit depicted as a dove, surrounded by angels, by Giaquinto, 1750s. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts.
Isaiah 55:8-9

New King James Version (NKJV)

        Any parent is probably well aware of the easy answer we give to our children when they ask us a question that we can't answer or perhaps aren't ready to answer.   "Because" is an easy out that rarely appeases and usually just leads to more questions.

         Sometimes we can look up the answers to provide a learning experience for ourselves as well as the child who has asked the question.  This is a good opportunity for education.  At other times the child is too young to understand the answer so we simplify it with "because".   Or the child might be too stubborn to accept the answer so we eventually end the discussion with "because"and hope that will appease the child for a while at least.

         We are God's children and he is our Father in Heaven.  He is infinite and all-knowing.  We can never expect to know all of His ways or be Him, but we can certainly strive to be more like Him and know what He puts out there for us to know.  We have the Holy Bible which can provide many of the answers to the questions we might have.   Through prayer and listening for answers that he provides through the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can continue to learn.  Then sometimes we need to remain in wondering and wait for an answer that may never come in this life.

         Why do some things happen in this world that we can't understand or why does God work in the way He does?   Sometimes the best answer is "because".            

But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? ‘Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”’
Romans 9:20

New International Version - UK (NIVUK)

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Adoration ( Elements of Existence )

Look at Earth from the Heaven (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I love the Lord, because He has heard
My voice and my supplications.
Psalm 116:1

New King James Version (NKJV)

       Since God is our creator then we should adore him.   Of course not all humans believe this concept and that is their burden to overcome.   What will they adore?  Themselves?  Nature?  The Sun?  Nothing?

         As humans we are hardwired to have adoration for someone or something.   When we adore the ephemeral then our adoration is limited and small which makes our adoration futile and only temporal.  Are we lifting ourselves up to worship that which will only let us down?

        When people indicate that God has let them down, has done nothing for them, or doesn't even exist I wonder if they have opened a line of honest communication.  God is not some sugar daddy or Santa Claus who dotes on you providing material comfort.  Nor is He a genie from a bottle beckoned to grant your wishes.  God is God the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

         If you do not start with adoration when it comes to your Father in Heaven, then you are bound by the chains of your own self-love and a delusional desire for the earthly mortal things that will one day pass.  An eternal life in paradise is adoration of the One who created all things.

And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying:

“Blessing and honor and glory and power
Be to Him who sits on the throne,
And to the Lamb, forever and ever!”

Revelation 5:13

New King James Version (NKJV)

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An Opportunity to Deliver God's Message

   This year's Challenge has been dedicated to the late Tina Downey who was an active
 A to Z supporter for the past 4 years. Besides her role as an encouraging and much beloved blogger, Tina was a wife and mother, an active member of her church, a Sunday School teacher, and a follower of Jesus Christ.
  Thank you, Tina for all you did for A-to-Zers everywhere.  We miss you!

Declare his glory among the nations,
his marvelous deeds among all peoples.
Psalm 96:3

New International Version (NIV)

      If we come to a conclusion that no one is listening to us should we stop talking?   Especially if we have something important to tell others, should we give up when no one seems to be responding to our words?

       Sometimes we can feel like that solitary voice in the wilderness crying out to an audience of no one.   Yet there is always that possibility that someone receives our message even though we may never realize it.   The truth is we don't always know who we've touched by our words and actions.

        If you are a blogger who is trying to spread the message of the Gospel but believes your efforts to be futile I ask you not to give up on what sometimes appears to be a wasted effort.  Even if one person hears what you are saying and you have planted a seed in that person's thinking then you are doing God's work.    

         The deliverers of the message of the Gospel in our time have a huge advantage over those of the past.   If you are blogging for Jesus, your words have the potential of reaching every corner of the Earth without you ever even leaving the comfort of your home.   You are a missionary who does not have to establish a mission in some far off place.  You have access to the world with the computer right there in front of you.

          Are you blogging for Christ?   Why not boost your potential by adding your blog to the many who are going to be participating in the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge?   As I write this post we are heading towards 2000 sign-ups of bloggers who will be looking through the list for other blogs to read.  Maybe they will find yours.   And just maybe you can reach one or maybe even more of those many bloggers. 

         My advice is that if you are posting blogs anyway you might as well try to do it within the parameters of A to Z and become a part of this active blogging community.  It's unlikely to make anything worse for you as a blogger and odds are you will increase your blog traffic for April.  You might even add some new readers for beyond April.

        If you'd like to join us for the April Challenge then click this link to sign up today.  It's worth a try don't you think?

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Galatians 6:9

New International Version (NIV)

A to Z Theme Reveal: Elements of Existence

     One of the great imponderables of the ages is the question of why we exist.   Philosophers have long speculated on the question of our existence.  Scientists have come up with many theories as to where we as humans came from, why the world exists, and what is in the furthest reaches of the universe.   Theologians have come up with their own conclusions with many in disagreement.  Who is right?   What is the final answer that puts all arguments to rest?

      You won't necessarily find any answer here, but I plan to offer some of my thoughts on the subject during the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge of 2015 as I explore "The Elements of Existence".   My reflections on the topic might be way off base for some, but now and then I might touch upon some truth that is worth our consideration.

        My opinions will be my opinions based on what I believe.  As is my standard approach on A Few Words I'll be offering Bible verses along with a few words about the topic of the day.  Since I don't have any degrees in theology, philosophy, or science or anything like that, I won't pretend to be any expert on the subjects I will broach here.   I'm open to hearing your thoughts as well.   I am on a mission for the truth and will consider any credible theories readers may have to offer.

        If you'd like to join me on this journey in April, I'd be more than glad to have your company and hear your thoughts.  I seek answers to assuage doubts that vex me and resolve questions that I have.  Maybe we can figure this out together.

        If you haven't joined us on the Blogging from A to Z Challenge list there is still time.  To add your blog to the April Challenge click here.   To see what others plan to blog about in April visit the A to Z Theme Reveal list.  This list officially starts on Monday March 23--I'm a day early due to my usual blogging schedule.

         Do you know the meaning to existence?    Are you on a quest for truth?     Where do you go to seek the answers about life?

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The Gospel Truth

 Moses Pleading with Israel, as in Deuteronomy 6:1-15, illustration from a Bible card published 1907 by the Providence Lithograph Company
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

All your words are true;
all your righteous laws are eternal.
Psalm 119:160

New International Version (NIV)

      Our current pastor keeps running people off with his sermons.  He must be doing something right. Nowadays people don't want to hear the Bible as it is meant to be, but how they would like it to be.


Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.

Matthew 7:13-14

New King James Version (NKJV)

From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ.
John 1:16-17

New Living Translation (NLT)

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Opinions Are Not Always the Truth

Antonio Ciseri's depiction of Pontius Pilate presenting a scourged Christ to the people Ecce homo! (Behold the man!). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding,
but only in expressing personal opinion.
Proverbs 18:2

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

        How often does conflict stem from differences of opinion?   My initial reaction would be "Always".    That of course is my opinion and certainly open for discussion.  As I see it whether it be a matter of boundaries, theologies, or perceptions of the world around us, we all can have varying opinions about what we see as the truth and those matters of view can be and often should be discussed and debated in a civilized manner of offering evidence and argument.

         Often we think of argument as heated disagreement which leads to conflict and fighting, but this does not have to be the case when intelligent discussion and reasoning is involved.  Unfortunately when obstinance and resistance to listening to reason and coming to points of agreement takes hold then conflict enters the picture and that conflict can lead to serious consequences.  Wars have been started over differences of opinion.

         We should always seek the truth in any disagreement.  Sometimes that truth might lie somewhere between two disagreeing parties and successful resolution can bring them to a happy meeting point.   At other times both sides might cling tenaciously to what they see as the truth.  This is the point when the decision has to be made whether the disagreement is worth the conflict.

        The next time you have a sense that conflict is rearing its ugly head, stop and take into consideration who the disagreeing parties are, why are they disagreeing, and what is the gain of being right and how much is lost in admitting wrong.  Truth is not always what we want to hear, but it is what we should want to hear.

        If we cling to foolish ideas because it's a matter of us being right, then if we are shown to be wrong we will look all the more foolish in the eyes of others.    Truth can result in condemnation as well as salvation.   It's better to stand alone for truth than to accept the foolish opinions of the many. And if you're stubbornly hanging on to unfounded opinion then isn't it time to start thinking about what is true?


“What is truth?” retorted Pilate. With this he went out again to the Jews gathered there and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him.
John 18:38

New International Version (NIV)

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