Order (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

Galaxies are so large that stars can be considered particles next to them (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”
Genesis 1:26

New International Version (NIV)

         There is so much disagreement and clash within our world that sometimes it's a wonder that we don't all live in utter chaos.  Yet the natural state of humans and society is some kind of semblance of order.   It's the way we were created.  God created an orderly universe that is intricately, fastidiously, and amazingly structured.   Even in the most seemingly chaotic states of nature, order brings everything into a proper place.   Without order the world would cease to exist.

        Each component of God's wondrous creation intersects and works together with a beautiful harmony.   The world resounds with the music of God's glory.  Humans may do things that affect our natural world in adverse ways, but the insistent harmony of God's order will eventually prevail.  We are responsible for taking proper care of the Earth, but no matter what harm we do, God's order will readjust the damage to heal that which has been harmed.

         Humankind has a responsibility to conserve and preserve the Earth, the resources, and all of God's creation.   We also should strive to create order within our social institutions and among all the peoples of this Earth.   The Bible tells us clearly that this orderly existence of our society will not last within the confines of the time of our world, but that does not mean we should not at least try to do what we can to do our parts in achieving order as God would have it.

          We are promised the day to come when there will be a new heaven and a new Earth under the reign of the perfect order of God's government.   In the interim we have to deal with the world we have now and the imperfect society of fallen humans.   Let's work for God's order as best we can.

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things,and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:16-17

New International Version (NIV)

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Neighbors (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

 Caddo County, OK, August 20, 2007 -- Debris litters the yards as neighbors help neighbors clean up in the aftermath of the flooding caused by the severe weather following Tropical Storm Erin in Caddo County, Oklahoma. Before the state or FEMA are asked to assist, it is individuals and local communities who first help citizens in their recovery. Photo by: Patricia Brach/FEMA photo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do not plot harm against your neighbor,
who lives trustfully near you.
Proverbs 3:29

New International Version (NIV)

       If you're like I am, you probably don't know your neighbors very well.  When I see my neighbors we might exchange friendly greetings, but on the whole neighborliness where I live isn't like I remember it when I was a kid still living with my parents.  We seemed to know mostly all of the neighbors and they'd visit with one another and maybe even drop in with goodies now and then.

       Maybe you still live in a neighborhood where things are still this way.  Not where I live.  Everyone is busy with work or activities.  Not many people stay at home much and when they are at home they'll mostly be inside.  There are few neighbors whom I know by name and I don't know much about those whose names I do know and nothing about the rest of the neighbors.

         But I would hope that I would be able to step up to help if any of them needed it.  And I certainly don't want to do anything against any of them.  There are almost always those mean folks in a neighborhood who want to complain about something a neighbor is doing or cause problems for them, but I'd rather treat my neighbors like I want them to treat me--with respect and with as little hassle for them as possible.

         If they have the time and seem like they want to talk then I'll gladly take the time to visit with them.   I'll hear their needs and if there is some way that I can be of service to them then I'll do it.  And this doesn't just apply in the immediate vicinity where I live.  The world is our neighborhood and we should be good neighbors with everyone.

          Sadly, neighborliness has been forgotten by much of the world.  There is a lot of spitefulness, greed, and distrust in our world.  People are out for themselves, their specific group, or their nation.  To a certain extent I suppose you have to think in these terms, but that shouldn't be the way our lives are ruled.  It sure seems like we'd all be better off if we showed more love for each other and had a greater live and let live philosophy about everything.

           We need to live within God's law which is the perfect law that would solve all the problems of this mean old world.   I guess there's just too many folks thinking that their law is God's law even if their thinking is wrong.   Maybe those people need to do a bit more thinking and a bit more studying on the issue.   Thoughtful kind people are the ones I want for my neighbors and that's the kind of neighbor I prefer to be as well.

This royal law is found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” If you obey this law, you are doing right.
James 2:8

New Century Version (NCV)

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Music (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

The Very Large Array at Socorro, New Mexico, United States. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

My heart, O God, is steadfast,
my heart is steadfast;
I will sing and make music.
Psalm 57:7
New International Version (NIV)

       One of the truly wonderful gifts that God has provided us is the gift of music.  I've often maintained that music is the language of God.  We hear the sound of music throughout nature and now radio astronomy has indicated that even from the depths of space something akin to music is being transmitted from the stars.   In the Book of Job  (38:7) reference is made to the stars singing together--this written long before the more recent discoveries of astronomy.

         Music--in the more traditional sense--represents order, harmony, and emotion.  The sounds of music can bring us to tears or incite us into action.  The structuring of sounds into a framework that we can define as music is a miracle in some sense.  Though music has become so commonplace in our lives, it is still amazing to consider how music can move us in so many ways, evoking memories as well as raising hopes for the future.

         To my thinking music is a wondrous element of our existence that embodies so much that is spiritual and good.  Now, this is not to say that man hasn't corrupted some of this wondrous gift to create blasphemous and evil music.  Sometimes the lyrical content of songs is far from Godly and expresses vile sentiments, but this is the way of the things of this world.   At it's core music is  a good thing.

         One day we will hear nothing but good music that is worthy of being played and sung in the presence of God.   When I hear a song or a musical work that lifts me a bit higher toward heaven that's when I believe that I am hearing the voice of God speaking through beautifully organized sound.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

New International Version (NIV)

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Love (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

 I took photo in Lubbock, TX, with Canon camera.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your unfailing love.
Psalm 31:16

New International Version (NIV)

      We've all most likely heard it said that "God is love" and yet sometimes we ask why a loving God would allow bad things to happen to us sometimes.  We have to realize that we live in a fallen world.  Humanity has opened the doors to sin and sin in turn causes the pain and the bad things to happen.  One follows from the other.  Imperfect that we are, we often fall into the ways of sin and face the consequences that result from our actions.

         Never fear though, for God is ever watchful over us.   Through his never-ending love He continues to provide our needs.  He hears our prayers when we call to him.  Even if his answer is not the one we want, it is the answer we need.   A good parent does not give a child that which will hurt them even though the child may beg or scream--that is the parent's love in action.  The child might feel resentment for a short term, but eventually that child usually will understand that what seemed like deprivation was actually an act of great caring.

         Love involves sacrifice.  God made the greatest sacrifice because he loved us.  If we accept this and believe in this truth, then we will come to know the greatest love of all.   God's love for us is like no other.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
New International Version (NIV)

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Knowledge (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

The interior of the pedestrian bridge that crosses Shuter Street and links St Michael's Hospital to the hospital's Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and International Centre for Healthcare Education & Research. Doors Open Toronto 2011. Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 1:7

New International Version (NIV)

        Education and learning are good things.  We should all strive to continually increase our intelligence since that goal is an important element of our existence.  Some people have a vast amount of knowledge to the extent that they can be like walking encyclopedias.  But what good is that knowledge if those people don't know how to apply it in order to make them spiritually stronger rather than just smart?

         Knowledge and the ability to properly use that knowledge has been given to us by our Creator.  If we are not using that gift in a way to glorify Almighty God then we are merely exploiting our gifts for our own vanity or to satisfy the temporal world of humanity.  There's nothing wrong with wanting to better the state of this world, but we should also give credit where it is due.

          When we honor and respect our Lord then our knowledge will increase in more practical and proper directions.  Without God in our knowledge equation we are leaving our creativity and productivity open to misguided uses and destructive tendencies.

          God expects us to seek greater knowledge, but we are to seek Him first.  

Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
Romans 1:28

New International Version (NIV)

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Please God First and Your Rewards Will Follow

Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

        This world can make it tough on the person who wants to do right and live by the precepts of what is taught in the Bible.  Sometimes it feels like Christians are fighting a losing battle.  More often than not we've seen the side of righteousness cede to the way of worldliness.

         Most people react according to what makes them feel good and doesn't offend others.  Sure it's nice to be happy and be filled with good feelings, but if it's sin then it is the wrong way to go.  Sin often feels good when you're at it, but down the road there are consequences and what we reap from sin is not very pleasant.

          And if you're trying to go through life not offending anybody then you might as well give up now.  You can never please everyone so you should accept that trying to do so is a futile goal.  What pleases one will offend another.  Even the best and sweetest actions you can think of can be condemned by someone somewhere.  

           The only goal that matters is pleasing God.  We can please ourselves and others, but those actions are in vain if they have not been performed within the parameters that God has set out for us.  Likewise we can set about doing good in God's eyes and be reviled by most of the world.  To be hated for doing the right thing is a victory that not many of us enjoy winning.

            Do what good you can.   Stand firm in righteousness and the ways of God.  Your rewards may not be instantaneous, but your rewards will be waiting for you somewhere in the future.  

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)

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Joy (Elements of Existence) #AtoZChallenge

  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Clap your hands, all you nations;
shout to God with cries of joy.
Psalm 47:1

New International Version (NIV)

      We all have so much that we could celebrate in this life and yet there are so many who go through life disgruntled and never attaining the joy that God meant for us to have.  Then again, what do many of us celebrate?   We have special days of the year and special events in our lives, but those joys are fleeting, quickly becoming hazy memories of past moments of glory that are soon trampled by what we see as the drudgery of our lives.  We should be happy, but often we can find many reasons not to be.

       Yet we do have every reason to allow joy to well up within us leading to rejoicing and praise.  God has done so much for us.  Have you come to recognize that?    God has not only given you life here on Earth, but the salvation that will provide you an eternal life in Paradise.   Is that not a reason to shout to God with cries of joy?

        The bottom line is that hope, peace, and joy are yours if you are willing to believe in what God has done and receive his grace that will provide you salvation.   It's a gift for you to willingly accept.  Once you have learned to trust in God's promises and providence then you can feel the gifts within you.   

          If a friend hands you a gift do you accept it?  God is presenting his gift to you.  It's yours for the taking.   Receive it and be blessed for eternity.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13

New International Version (NIV)

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