Why are we so awed and inspired by the beauty in the creation? Is it because of something built inside of us by God that gets stirred by that beauty? I believe so. Is that thing inside of us that gets stirred the inborn part that desires to connect with God, thus the beauty that is in God that is expressed in His creation stirs that part inside of us? I think so.
God says in Romans 1:18-25 that He is revealed in creation and therefore man has no excuse for not knowing Him.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Beauty of God in Creation
God is so amazing. Even in this fallen creation there is so much beauty all around us.
Back in mid-December, as I watched the snow come down, I was thinking about how beautiful the snow is. Each season has its own beauty. Winter can be such a dull drab time of year with the leaves off the trees and no flowers, etc. But the snow covers all of that.
God could have made the snow another color, like brown and then the winter would be just dull and drab. But God made the snow white and thus it creates a beautiful landscape. White snow on the tress and ground make them have a unique beauty.
God as creator is obviously reflected in His creation. God Himself must be incredibly beautiful!
Back in mid-December, as I watched the snow come down, I was thinking about how beautiful the snow is. Each season has its own beauty. Winter can be such a dull drab time of year with the leaves off the trees and no flowers, etc. But the snow covers all of that.
God could have made the snow another color, like brown and then the winter would be just dull and drab. But God made the snow white and thus it creates a beautiful landscape. White snow on the tress and ground make them have a unique beauty.
God as creator is obviously reflected in His creation. God Himself must be incredibly beautiful!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christ Our Hope
Over the past week I have thought a lot about those who die as Christians and go on to be with the Lord. A friend of my mother's, who I had known all my life, died just over a week ago. She was a very committed Christian and thus I know she has gone on to be with the Lord. Her youngest daughter had died just a few months ago, so she has also gone on to be with her daughter once again. Because of Christ we can have this assurance of eternal life and hopeof being with Him forever.
This may seem a strange thing to be writing about at this time of festive celebration. But had Christ not come to the earth as a man to deliver us from the penalty of sin, which is death, we would have no hope. It is only because of Christ that we can celebrate in life and in death.
It makes me think of these two scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Corinthians 15:16-23 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
This may seem a strange thing to be writing about at this time of festive celebration. But had Christ not come to the earth as a man to deliver us from the penalty of sin, which is death, we would have no hope. It is only because of Christ that we can celebrate in life and in death.
It makes me think of these two scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Corinthians 15:16-23 For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: 17And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. 18Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. 19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Why the Shepherds?
In Luke 2:8-20, we are told who the first recipients of the news of the birth of the Messiah were. Of all the people on earth in places of “importance” and authority that the revelation could have been made to, it was made to a small group of lowly shepherds out in the fields near Bethlehem.
Who would I have first announced the birth of the Messiah to? It probably would not have been to some lowly shepherds, men despised by many, an occupation that was not well thought of.
Fortunately, I am not God. He knows best.
God revealed it to these men, who without question went in search of the baby and spread abroad the message shared by the angel about who this baby really was. Perhaps if God had revealed the true identity to more reputable or educated people, they would have been too afraid of their reputation to risk making such a declaration. Would a more “cultured” person have considered going to a smelly stable? Perhaps a more educated person would have had to consult with scholars first to make sure that this could be the case.
God’s ways are not our ways. God chooses the foolish things to confound the wise.
1 Corinthians 1:25-31 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
2 Corinthians 7:1
2 Corinthians 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
This is a verse that captured my attention recently. Although I have read this many times, this time it real jumped out at me. There is little I can say about it. The verse itself is quite clear.
This is a verse that captured my attention recently. Although I have read this many times, this time it real jumped out at me. There is little I can say about it. The verse itself is quite clear.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Freedoms and Repentance
We just celebrated Independence Day and the wonderful freedoms we have in this country. I want to say, "Thank you God for all the freedoms we still have in this country." We still can go to church freely and openly. We can still buy and read the Bible without being jailed. We can still legally preach the gospel.
I know our freedoms as Christians in this country have begun to be eroded in recent years. But whose fault is that? Is it because we as Christians have failed to stand up? Have we become apathetic? Have we tried to be "politically correct" in our churches? Have we failed to preach the truth of God's Word in our churches, the truth that salvation is only through Jesus Christ? We can stand around and point fingers and say that our freedom is being taken from us, but I think in some cases we have given it up, by our failures.
Again, I must say that I believe there is room for repentance within the church within this country. The Bible says "If MY PEOPLE, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME." That is us the the church of Jesus Christ.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
We need God to heal our land. What are we going to do about it?
I know our freedoms as Christians in this country have begun to be eroded in recent years. But whose fault is that? Is it because we as Christians have failed to stand up? Have we become apathetic? Have we tried to be "politically correct" in our churches? Have we failed to preach the truth of God's Word in our churches, the truth that salvation is only through Jesus Christ? We can stand around and point fingers and say that our freedom is being taken from us, but I think in some cases we have given it up, by our failures.
Again, I must say that I believe there is room for repentance within the church within this country. The Bible says "If MY PEOPLE, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME." That is us the the church of Jesus Christ.
2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
We need God to heal our land. What are we going to do about it?
Saturday, July 3, 2010
"These Things"
As there is so much going on in the world and the economy getting worse and worse in this country it is easy to get caught up in all of it. But there are two scriptures that I think we need to keep in mind especially in this time.
The first verse is: Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
"These things," that this verse is talking about are the things that indicate the end of the age. The kind of things we see increasing every day now such as; earthquakes, weather changes, wars and rumors of wars, etc. As I heard one person say some years ago, "we are not to look at these things, but we are to look up,."
The second verse is: Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
In this verse, "these things" is referring to the material needs that we have such as, food, clothing and shelter. God will supply our needs, if we seek first His kingdom.
The first verse is: Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
"These things," that this verse is talking about are the things that indicate the end of the age. The kind of things we see increasing every day now such as; earthquakes, weather changes, wars and rumors of wars, etc. As I heard one person say some years ago, "we are not to look at these things, but we are to look up,."
The second verse is: Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
In this verse, "these things" is referring to the material needs that we have such as, food, clothing and shelter. God will supply our needs, if we seek first His kingdom.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Oil Disaster Needs Prayer and Repentance
I recently read that a prophetic person stated that the Lord had showed
him in 1997 that after Oral Roberts would go home to be with the Lord there
would be an oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that only the "thumb of
God " could stop.
So I am praying for the thumb of God to come down and stop this. But I have a feeling it is not going to be until man acknowledges there is nothing he can do to stop this oil from continuing to gush out of the sea bed.
I have a sense that this is the hand of God's judgment on our nation and perhaps the best thing any of us can do is repent. 2 Chron. 7:14 speaks of "my people who are called by my name" needing to humble themselves, and pray, and turn from their wicked ways. I certainly have been in a place laying my heart open before the Lord to see if there is any wicked way in me. (Psalm 139:23-24)
In the mean time I am concerned for and praying for those living along the
Gulf Coast. I am praying for the Christians to hear a clear word from the
Lord about how best to protect themselves from the toxins in the air from the gases being released from the oil well and the very toxic dispersant that is being sprayed.
him in 1997 that after Oral Roberts would go home to be with the Lord there
would be an oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico that only the "thumb of
God " could stop.
So I am praying for the thumb of God to come down and stop this. But I have a feeling it is not going to be until man acknowledges there is nothing he can do to stop this oil from continuing to gush out of the sea bed.
I have a sense that this is the hand of God's judgment on our nation and perhaps the best thing any of us can do is repent. 2 Chron. 7:14 speaks of "my people who are called by my name" needing to humble themselves, and pray, and turn from their wicked ways. I certainly have been in a place laying my heart open before the Lord to see if there is any wicked way in me. (Psalm 139:23-24)
In the mean time I am concerned for and praying for those living along the
Gulf Coast. I am praying for the Christians to hear a clear word from the
Lord about how best to protect themselves from the toxins in the air from the gases being released from the oil well and the very toxic dispersant that is being sprayed.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Seated In Heavenly Places
On Tuesday night at Bible study, Pastor was talking about being seated in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. If we are in Christ, we are wherever He is.
Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
That whole concept of being in two dimensions at once, the natural/physical dimension and the spiritual dimension at the same time is so hard to get my mind around.
Yet according to scripture that is the truth. I am seated with Christ in a place of victory over all the powers of hell as I walk out my Christian life day by day. Paul prayed that we would know this reality in the prayer he recorded in the letter to the Ephesians. I continue to pray this prayer for myself and for others in the body of Christ.
Ephesians 1: 16-23 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Because I am seated with Christ in the heavenlies, I can walk in victory in my Christian life and stand against all the power of the enemy.
Ephesians 2:4-7 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, 5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
That whole concept of being in two dimensions at once, the natural/physical dimension and the spiritual dimension at the same time is so hard to get my mind around.
Yet according to scripture that is the truth. I am seated with Christ in a place of victory over all the powers of hell as I walk out my Christian life day by day. Paul prayed that we would know this reality in the prayer he recorded in the letter to the Ephesians. I continue to pray this prayer for myself and for others in the body of Christ.
Ephesians 1: 16-23 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; 17That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, 19And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Because I am seated with Christ in the heavenlies, I can walk in victory in my Christian life and stand against all the power of the enemy.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Known From Afar?
Psalm 138:6 For though the LORD is exalted, Yet He regards the lowly, But the haughty He knows from afar.
I want to know God up close and personal. I don't want Him to be far from me. So God I choose this day to humble myself before You. May I never walk in pride/haughtiness.
I want to know God up close and personal. I don't want Him to be far from me. So God I choose this day to humble myself before You. May I never walk in pride/haughtiness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)