Tag Archives: creation

Awe

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Awe is a feeling that comes from looking at a breathtaking view found in nature or the discovery of some profound truth that suddenly brings order into one’s world. When “awe” overtakes us it leaves us with a feeling of amazement or inspiration according to L. Teja Pattabhiraman, writer for the Epoch Times. The writer goes on to say awe is good for relationships, it helps melt away stress. We are happier people as a result. We encounter awe when we experience vastness and transcendence, when we are overcome by wonder.

For the Believer, awe can be found in the majesty of God, whether it’s a discovery found in His written Word or witnessing the power of nature or the beauty of His creation. But awe isn’t just associated with God’s power. Even though He is high and lifted up, He cares about what happens in the everyday life of an ordinary person like me.

What should our response be when we experience wonder? According to the article in the Epoch Times, when we encounter awe we can respond by being more generous or content. Linger in your moment of awe and capture it in visual or written form. Use awe to overcome your circumstances.

When Believers encounter the awe of God the appropriate response is to linger in worship, giving Him who inspires and amazes us His due.

Lord I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds. Lord renew them in our day, in our time make them known; Habakkuk 3:2

The Gap is not a Theory!

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51wiLF+hvNL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_Occasionally I read a book to satisfy my curiosity or learn something more about a particular subject that interests me.  This is one of those great and informative reads.  The Gap is not a Theory! by Jack W. Langford seeks to tackle the issue of a possible time gap found in the opening chapter in the book of Genesis.  For the longest time I have suspected that those who claim the universe is billions of years old and those who believe the earth as we know it is only thousands of years old could both be right.  There are scientific measurements supporting both claims.

In this book the author lays out the case the heavens and earth were created (Genesis 1:1) long before the six day creation account beginning in Genesis 1:3.  The earth at some point in its past “became” formless and void (Genesis 1:2) as the result of a judgment of some kind.  It is proposed this judgment had to do with the fall of Lucifer (Satan).  I found this to be a fascinating study supported by scripture.  At times the discussion of scripture translations from the original Hebrew became laborious to read but the result was rewarding nonetheless.  Langford includes other arguments both for and against the Genesis gap.  

I came away from this read with my faith strengthened and deepened.  It is reassuring to know that the Holy Scriptures are still relevant and in harmony the discoveries of modern science.

Of Creatures and Trees

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tree-779827_960_720Here’s another excerpt from my yet to be released book:

“In my early teenage years I loved to walk alone in the wooded areas near my home. In my meanderings, I was struck by the timeless nature of the forest. Time didn’t seem to matter to the trees. They could be found, day or night, year after year, right where I first spotted them. These tall and stately giants adorned themselves with colorful leaves in autumn, as if readying themselves for a grand ball. I sat for hours watching as the arbors gracefully danced in October breezes. When I returned to the woods in November with my rifle in hand, I looked on as cold windy gusts stripped the trees naked.

It impressed me that the grand order of things did not lessen the generosity of the trees. They labored through the seasons to produce a bounty of fruits, nuts and seeds, not for their own consumption, but as gifts for the passerby.

From my perch in a rotting tree fort, I watched creatures, large and small, carrying out their agendas. In stark contrast to the trees, time for them was of the essence. They spent the precious little time they did have attending to personal needs. These included hoarding and gorging themselves on whatever was available. Animals, it seemed, lived a life of extremes, one of excess and depravity.”

 

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Is it a coincidence that “God” spelled backwards is d-o-g?

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Caras2

Yes, dogs are wonderful, amazing creatures.  But let’s not forget who created them.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence that dog’s were created to become such best friends with mankind.  But let us acknowledge that creatures are not meant to be worshipped.  Let our worship and praise be directed towards our God who created them.

Matthew 22:37

Life got you Puzzled?

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IMG_0896As a kid growing up I remember my family putting puzzles together to help us pass the long winter months.  We also did them for relaxation on summer vacations.  You can image my excitement when I found a puzzle app for my Kindle.  Recently, I downloaded a set of mystery puzzles; ones without a reference picture to guide the placement of the pieces.

Without the image, you must rely on grouping  pieces together of similar color and then assembling them through trial and error.  The subject of the puzzle unfolds like a mystery as more and more pieces are put together.  IMG_0897

As the image gradually becomes known, there is a beauty that comes from combining the pieces. Individual pieces may have interesting characteristics, but it is the assembled group that creates an identity.  My latest puzzle is a human portrait.  As I worked on the puzzle I began to reflect on how beautifully and wonderfully human beings are made.

So God created human beings in his own image.  In the image of God he created them; male and female he create them.  Genesis 1:27 NLT

I also thought about how life often seems to be revealed to me like a puzzle.  Which path should I take?  Why is this or that happening to me?  What will my life be like ten years from now?  What seems to me like pieces being grouped together by trial and error is in reality part of a grand design.  The events, places and people God uses to shape my life come together one by one like pieces of a puzzle. My portrait will not be complete until the last piece is placed, which I suppose could equate to my last breath.  If that is the case, I shouldn’t fret over the missing pieces.  I have come to the realization that I am noticed by others because of who I am, not because of any missing pieces.

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I would encourage you to trust God as he adds pieces to your puzzle.  He holds the reference picture needed to guide the placement of the pieces.  The end result will be a complete masterpiece made ready for the eternity God has prepared.

Jesus told her [Martha], ” I am the resurrection and the life.  Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”  John 11:25 NLT