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Attention to Detail

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God, God's Faithfulness, God's Power, God's Provision, Uncategorized, tagged Ephesians 1:11, God is in control, God's activity in history, God's attention to detail, God-incidents, Romans 11:36 on September 7, 2017| 12 Comments »

I had no idea; maybe you didn’t either.

One of the reasons birds can fly has to do with the tiny barbs on each feather—hundreds, even thousands of them per feather, depending on the size. The barbs zipper-lock together, providing an airtight seal on the bird’s wings. Without that seal, birds would not be able to achieve lift (1).

The Almighty Engineer of the universe was mindful of every detail necessary so his avian creations could fly. And that’s just one small example out of millions in nature, proving:

God pays attention to detail.

But creation is not the only theater where his attentiveness is on display.

Our detail-oriented God has been active throughout recorded history. Out of countless illustrations, consider these three from the American Revolution:

Bunker Hill, Boston, Massachusetts, June 17, 1775. “Don’t shoot till you see the whites of their eyes” was the pre-battle cry that day and quickly became famous.

The British brought the wrong-size cannonballs to the Battle of Bunker Hill. Though officially the Americans lost this conflict (they ran out of ammunition), the British casualties more than doubled those of the patriots (2).

Perfect weather in March, 1776 assisted the Americans in their move to free the citizens of Boston from British occupation. Frozen ground made it relatively easy to move 350 ox carts of heavy wooden obstacles (in one night!) so they could fortify their position above Boston at Dorchester Heights. In addition, ground fog in the valley hid the patriots from view and a strong wind in the heights helped carry away the sound of their movements (3).

On Christmas Eve of 1776, Hessian Colonel, Johann von Rall was playing cards in Trenton, New Jersey when he received a dispatch: Washington’s army was nearing the city. But Rall stuffed the message in his pocket, unread, and by evening’s end, forgot it was even there. Washington’s attack on the 26^th was a complete surprise and a victory for the patriots (4).

(Washington inspecting the captured colors

after the Battle of Trenton,

by Edward Percy Moran, 1914.)

General Washington wrote to William Gordon in March, 1781: “We have…abundant reasons to thank Providence for its many favorable interpositions on our behalf. It has at times been my only dependence, for all other resources seemed to have failed us” (5).

Our own lives give similar proof of God’s attention to details, when we’ve received just what we needed at the precise time we needed it.

Years ago we needed a new refrigerator. The budget was tight, and such a large expense would normally have required a withdrawal from our paltry savings account.

But! We “happened” to receive an unexpected state income tax return—from a couple of years previous. It was sufficient to purchase the refrigerator with a few dollars to spare.

Yes, there are those who would see such events as coincidences. But when circumstances of protection, provision, and guidance occur again and again, the explanation of simple happenstance proves insufficient.

George Washington was right: we have abundant reasons to thank God for his many favorable interventions.

Think of all the scriptures that assure us of his wise administration of all things and his loving care of all creatures. I find great comfort in the knowledge that:

I am always sheltered under his wings (Psalm 61:4).

“[He] works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:11).

“From him and through him and to him are all things” (Romans 11:36).

Do I always rest peacefully in these truths? No. When troubles assault, it can take some time for my emotional state to catch up to my statements of faith.

However! Even though I may quake at the uncertainties in front of me, I can still choose to trust my attentive Father who will see me through—down to the last detail.

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, Jehovah-sabaoth, the Lord of hosts. All power and authority belong to you, all things are under your control—even the seemingly insignificant details of my life. How thankful I am to be one of your sheep, under your care, my great, attentive Shepherd.

I pray that you, Jehovah-sabaoth, bring all power and authority to bear upon Hurricane Irma, tearing toward Florida as I type. Yet even in the face of uncertainty, your people are grateful. You are in control and every person is in your attentive care, O Great Shepherd. Thank you for watching over them as only you can.

Notes:

Anne Graham Lotz, Refresh My Heart, Word Publishing, 1998, p. 77.
www.wnd.com, “Generals Marvel at God’s Intervention in American History,” Bill Federer.
https://fsu.digital.fivc.org
www.warfarehistorynetwork.com
www.wnd.com, “Generals Marvel at God’s Intervention in American History”, Bill Federer.

(Art & photo credits: www.wikipedia.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikipedia.com (2); http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.dailyverses.net.)

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Good Things

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Faithfulness, God's Goodness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, God's Presence, God's Protection, God's Provision, God's Refuge, God's Strength, Hope, Perseverance, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged God's Blessings, God's enablement, God's favor and honor, Perseverance, Psalm 84:11 on August 24, 2017| 9 Comments »

(A personal psalm)

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield;

The Lord gives grace and glory;

He does not withhold the good

From those who live with integrity.

–Psalm 84:11-12 HCSB

I praise you, O God, that you are the Sun of my life (Psalm 84:11a), sustaining me in body, mind, and spirit, lighting my way with infallible dependability.

Just as the magnetic force of the sun keeps the planets in orbit around it, you keep me within the orbit of your love and care.

Like the sun you are my ever-present, never-changing source of power, enabling me to grow into your radiant likeness, day by day.

Even when menacing clouds of despair or discouragement roll in, your splendorous Light breaks through with encouragement, hope, and strength.

I praise you, O Lord, for being a shield around me (v. 11a)—a living shield that is always present, always on guard, and always ready to act.

Through the fiercest storms of life, you are a refuge, a stronghold in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).

You have protected me from what I thought I wanted, life choices that would have led me down treacherous paths.

And with the truth of your Word, you’ve deflected the poisoned arrows of hurtful thoughts and harmful lies.

Evidence abounds every day of your loving benevolence, as you not only meet my needs but graciously supply surprise blessings far beyond necessity.

Throughout my life I’ve seen evidence of your gracious provision: financial obligations met when funds ran low, impossibly long to-do lists shortened by cancellations and changes of plans, difficult circumstances resolved.

Even though I may walk through dark valleys of illness, trial, or tragedy, I know you will pour grace into my soul, enabling me to endure.

I praise you, O God, that you do not withhold even one good thing from those who live with integrity (v. 11c).

It’s so easy to become focused on material things, even though we know that a full closet, a garage of gadgets, and a large bank account offer fleeting satisfaction at best.

Instead, your priority, Father, is providing the good things of eternal value. You never withhold your quieting peace or soul-drenching joy, the delight of your calming presence, your perpetual strength to persevere, or the exhilarating hope of eternal life.

These good things and more are always available to those who trust in you.

Heavenly Father, when trouble invades my life remind me that:

My vision of what’s good is severely limited (Romans 11:33-36).
Your ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:8-9).
You accomplish monumental purpose through the meanest of circumstance (Romans 8:28).
The perseverance to navigate a hard road will one day be lavishly rewarded (James 1:12).

I praise you, Almighty God, for each good thing you bring my way, each blessing mentioned here and countless more unmentioned.

Now may complete trust and enthusiastic obedience be my gifts to you.

(Art & photo credits: www.heartlight.org; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.dailyverses.net (2).

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Deck-larations

Posted in Appreciation, God, God's Power, God's Wisdom, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Beauty of creation, Creation, Creation-inspired worship, God of Creation, God reveals himself in creation, Isaiah 55:12, Job 12:10, Joy in God's Creation, Praise for God's Creation, Psalm 104:24, Psalm 65:12 on July 27, 2017| 21 Comments »

“The hills are clothed with gladness,” King David proclaimed (Psalm 65:12b).

I couldn’t agree more. Even on the little hillside of our backyard viewed from my perch on the deck, I see much gladness. And observations of the gladness lead to worship.

Sun glints through the trees creating a spotlight effect on some branches and turning backlit leaves into glowing emeralds. Down by the creek bed foliage is draped in deep, green-black shadow, beckoning wildlife into its cool environs.

Thank you, Father, for the comfort and cheer of dappled light.

Air currents waft through the trees causing branches to bob and sway. The long, compound leaves of the black walnut tree swing back and forth like bells joyfully ringing on the breeze. And flowers appear to wave jauntily to their Maker.

Thank you, Father, for the restoration and delight of a cool breeze.

Two cardinals take turns serenading amidst the lacy greenery overhead. Robins, house wrens, chickadees, and more add accompaniment; the cicadas provide percussion.

The hills have certainly burst into song this day (Isaiah 55:12)!

Thank you, Father, for the pleasure and solace of bird song.

Two small squirrels play tag, spiraling rapidly around a tree five times. When they stop, I wonder, Are they tired or dizzy? And how do they run so fast, even clambering upside down without losing their grip?

(Woosh!)

Sometimes they jump impossible distances from tree to tree and I catch my breath. Their safety seems in jeopardy, yet the little fellows never fall. God has specially equipped them to handle such feats—just one of a million examples of how he has engineered every plant and animal for survival.

(“In his hand is the life of every creature.–Job 12:10a)

Thank you, Father, for the evidence of your wisdom, power, and influence—even among our backyard squirrels.

I’m remembering other animals that have visited less frequently. In the fall, a chubby woodchuck lumbers in the underbrush, fueling up for hibernation. Every now and then we spot a chipmunk or rabbit; sometimes even deer emerge out of the thicket, regal and quiet, to feed and rest in the yard. Our resident raccoon occasionally perches in his hole high up in the hawthorn tree, checking on the weather.

On summer nights we enjoy a festival of fireflies. Our trees appear decorated for Christmas with hundreds of twinkling lights. Frogs in the creek bed offer the sound track.

Thank you, Father, for the fascinating variety of creatures with which you’ve populated the world. “How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures” (Psalm 104:24).

The sky is full of God’s creatures, too. A small gaggle of Canada geese announce their coming with raucous honking. They’re heading for the pond behind duplexes down the street. Long necks stretch forward; large wings gracefully ply the air.

Also skyward, among great banks of cumulus clouds glides a puffy hippo!

And sometimes a red-tailed hawk glides in circles above the trees. Landing requires several battings of wings with feathers fanned out and talons extended forward–a lesson in aerodynamics and precision.

“The heavens declare your glory; the skies proclaim your works” (Psalm 19:1), O God, night and day.

Thank you, Father, that all things speak of you—flora and fauna, rock and water, earth and sky.

This deck has become a holy, hallowed place where the glory of your creation excites wonder.

And woven throughout your works is the mystical and supernatural—to inspire, expand, and enrich our souls for more of you.

To that end I seek for my own life the same wisdom, power, and influence I see in your creation. Then I too may reflect your glory (2 Corinthians 3:18).

________________________________________

What has compelled you to worship from your deck, porch, or beach towel? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!

(Photo credits: www.guideposts.org; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.flickr.com; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.pixnio.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.flickr.com; http://www.slideshare.net; http://www.pinterest.com (2).

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Obstacle or Opportunity?

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Power, Hope, Maturity, Uncategorized, tagged Choosing Our Attitudes, Improving our attitude, Positive Perspective, Vasco de Gama on July 13, 2017| 17 Comments »

No doubt it’s happened to you too: a shift of life-circumstances occurs in an instant and suddenly your world is shattered. Maybe it’s a job transfer or termination. Maybe it’s the break-up of a long-term relationship or marriage. Maybe it’s an accident or life-altering medical diagnosis. Your thoughts wrap around the event and its consequences with such ferocity, you can think of nothing else.

We know focusing on “what ifs” and “if only-s” is counter-productive. And as people of faith we know God has our best interests at heart. But we hurt, and we wonder what God is up to.

The next time cataclysmic circumstances overtake me, I want to be better prepared, starting with a new perspective. I want to view obstacles as opportunities:

“What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity?

Our attitude toward it.

Every opportunity has a difficulty,

And every difficulty has an opportunity.”

–J. Sidlow Baxter

(pastor, theologian, author, 1903-1999)

The trouble is, attitudes are not easily adjusted. How do we change our perspective? Perhaps such strategies as these will prove helpful:

Be intentional about word choices.

We can call our situations opportunities as Reverend Baxter suggests. Challenges are adventures as we live out God’s plan for this circumstance. And we can change the D of Disappointment to an H for His appointment*—an appointment to learn, grow, and mature (James 1:2-4).

Consider the circumstances from God’s point of view.

According to Charles Spurgeon, what seems a crushing burden to us is a matter of small dust to God. I need to focus on how great he is compared to the smallness of my problem.

(“Great is our Lord and mighty in power,”

His understanding has no limit.”

–Psalm 147:5)

Such scriptures need to be front and center, posted in attention-grabbing places like inside the refrigerator, on the steering wheel, or in the sock drawer.

Let purpose impact perspective.

When our daughter was in high school, she joined the track team one spring. Heather never won a single race. But she didn’t consider herself a loser, because instead of running against the competition, she ran against the clock. Every tenth of a second she shaved off her time, she considered herself a winner. Her purpose for running was not to become a track star; it was simply to be with friends and get a good work out. Her purpose impacted her perspective.

God has purpose in our circumstances—to produce tremendous benefit in our lives and in the lives of those around us. We can choose to embrace his purpose (even though we may not know what it is) and allow it to impact our perspective.

Look for the blessings.

(“When I am in the cellar of affliction

I always look about for the Lord’s choicest wine.”

–Samuel Rutherford–

pastor, theologian, author, 1600-1661)

Rutherford wasn’t referring to material blessings, although God certainly bestows those, even in the midst of pain or trouble. The Lord’s “choicest wines” include his peace (Isaiah 26:3) and joy (Psalm 16:11) that defy explanation as difficulties assault.

But, we must look about. Will the blessing arrive through a special scripture or other reading? Perhaps through a song or the comment of a friend? The possibilities are endless because our God is infinitely creative. Our part is to be attentive.

Focus on God himself (Isaiah 41:10).

By his power the whole universe functions as a cohesive whole. Out of his infinite wisdom, every creature is provided for. And because of his loving compassion, every person may enjoy eternal life through his Son, Jesus. God is able to do all things! He will not fail to see us through all our troubles (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

One of the first explorers to sail around the southern tip of Africa experienced whipping winds and driving rain during that portion of the voyage. He named the area Cape of Storms.

When Vasco de Gama traversed the same promontory in 1497, he renamed it Cape of Good Hope. His focus was not on the turbulent waters under and around his ship but the treasures of India ahead.

Vasco de Gama

In life, we can focus on the storms of difficulty and pain. Or, we can center our hearts and minds on the life of good hope Jesus provides here and now, as well as look ahead to the glorious eternity of heaven.

The choice of perspective is ours. Will we choose to view our challenges as obstacles or opportunities?

_____________________________

What helps you achieve or maintain a positive perspective when adversity strikes? Please join the conversation in the comment section below!

* His Imprint, My Expression, Harvest House Publishers, 1993.

(Art & photo credits: www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com (2); http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.wikimedia.com (2).

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The Language of the Universe

Posted in God, God's Power, God's Wisdom, Uncategorized, tagged Fibonacci Numbers, God's creation, Golden Spiral, Job 12:7-9, Mathematics in Creation on June 22, 2017| 16 Comments »

“Ask the animals, and they will teach you,

or the birds of the air, and they will tell you;

or speak to the earth, and it will teach you,

or let the fish of the sea inform you.

Which of all these does not know that

the hand of the Lord has done this?”

–Job 12:7-9

It’s true. Just a bit of knowledge in the fields of zoology, botany, or geology does inform us of the precision with which our God created all things:

Every living thing is provided just the right kind of nourishment it needs.
The Amazon rain forest supplies the entire planet with half its oxygen.
Rivers respond to God’s laws of physics, causing them to meander instead of run straight. As a result, calm estuaries form so young aquatic animals are protected while they grow.

Countless facts such as these make it difficult to disregard the evidence: A Supreme Being had to mastermind all this.

Even mathematical explorations lead us to the same conclusion.

Take for example Fibonacci* numbers—a sequence where each succeeding number is the sum of the two preceding numbers. 0+1=1; 1+1=2; 1+2=3, 2+3=5, and so on, produces this sequence: 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, etc.

So what’s the big deal? someone may ask. There are more than a few big deals.

First, the number of petals on a flower very often comes from the Fibonacci sequence. The calla lily has one petal; Euphorbia, two; trillium, three; violets, five; bloodroot, eight; and black-eyed Susan, thirteen. The list could continue.

Or, imagine each Fibonacci number as the sides of a square arranged like this:

Now add an arc from opposite corners in each square, to form a spiral. Someone designated it the Golden Spiral.

Look familiar? You’ve seen it in the interior view of a nautilus shell,

the pattern of sunflower seeds,

the tail of a seahorse,

the rotation of a hurricane,

and the expansive reach of some galaxies.

Other spirals are also in evidence:

Imagine holding a stem of leaves. Look carefully at how each leaf is attached to the stem and you’ll see a spiral pattern. Now put your (imaginary) finger on one leaf and turn the stem to find another leaf in the same position on the stem. The number of turns will be a Fibonacci number.

Count the leaves in between those two leaves you’ve just identified, and again, the total will be a Fibonacci number. For example, the ratio of turns to leaves is 1:2 for elms, 1:3 for beech, 2:5 for oak.

Trees are not the only vegetation to display spirals in a consistent ratio of side-by-side Fibonacci numbers. The scales of pinecones grow in opposing spirals in a 5:8 ratio, the bumps on a pineapple are 8:13.

Even the DNA molecule measures 34 angstroms long by 21 angstroms wide for each full turn of its double helix spiral—again, neighboring numbers in the Fibonacci sequence.

Similar ratios are found on sunflowers. The number of seed-spirals going in one direction will add up to a Fibonacci number; those going in the other direction will be a neighboring Fibonacci number.

Evidence of these number sequences is so vast in creation, The Fibonacci Quarterly was established in 1963, published by The Fibonacci Association. Their purpose is to document the occurrence of the phenomenon in nature.

I wonder if they would agree with Galileo (1564-1642) who proclaimed:

“Mathematics is the language

in which God has written the universe.”

Just the Fibonacci sequence alone gives much proof.

* * * * * * * * * *

Glorious God, you are the Artist who fashioned mountains and sunsets of breath-taking beauty. You are the Scientist who designed flora and fauna to thrive and regenerate. You are the Mathematician who shaped the world with symmetry, organization, and pattern. The whole earth is filled with your glory (Isaiah 6:3)—down to the last molecule! How can we express the overwhelming wonder that fills our hearts?

* Leonard da Pisano, also known as Fibonacci (son of Bonaccio), discovered the sequence pattern around 1200 A.D.

(Art & photo credits: http://www.pexels.com; http://www.pixhere.com; http://www.wikimedia.org (3); http://www.wikipedia.org; http://www.peakpx.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.wikipedia.org (2); http://www.wikimedia.org (2); http://www.pxhere.com.

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God IS for Us

Posted in Encouragement, Faith, God's Faithfulness, God's Grace, God's Love, God's Power, Godly Character, Hope, Maturity, Perseverance, Suffering, tagged 2 Corinthians 4:17, God's goals for us, Isaiah 41:10, Romans 8:31 on June 8, 2017| 12 Comments »

“If God is for us,

who can be against us?”

–Romans 8:31 NIV

As I write…

…two friends are fighting cancer, one of them for the second time.

…Another deals with debilitating illness every day while a fourth deteriorates as the result of Alzheimer’s.

…A married couple among our acquaintances is separated. He is filing for a divorce that she doesn’t want or deserve.

…Families and friends of those who died in the recent terrorist attacks suffer through the aftermath, as well as those injured, their families and friends. My heart aches for the first responders as well.

Though I wish it weren’t so, even devout believers in Jesus endure physical pain, emotional hurt, and horrific circumstances. How can God be for us when so many endure anguish?

Here’s what I’ve come to understand:

#1. My interpretation of a particular verse must be measured against the whole of scripture and the experience of countless saints through the ages.

Evidence from the Bible and church history would indicate that “God for us” does not mean he will engineer a problem-free life—even for one of his beloved. Perfection is reserved for heaven.

What God has promised here and now is to:

be with us,
provide strength,
help us through the situation, and
uphold us with encouragement and comfort (Isaiah 41:10).

But when shocking news sends me spinning toward fear, when trouble threatens to destroy my peace and joy, when pain exhausts my strength, those familiar promises seem—dare I say it?—inadequate.

God may have promised:

His presence with me, but I want him to show me the way out.
His strength, but I don’t feel it. Instead, I feel terribly weak.
His help through the situation, but I want his help around it.
His encouragement and comfort, but I am discouraged and uncomfortable.

Such statements bring immediate clarity to the inadequacy. Look how I am the focus of those statements, how I assert my desires for relief and ease.

The problem is me.

#2. God’s desire for me during my time on earth is not endless comfort and pleasure.

His goals include:

maturity (James 1:4)—fully developed character of faith, discipline, and integrity.
Heightened awareness of him so that “in the darkness of adversity, [I am] able to see more clearly the radiance of his face”* (2 Corinthians 4:6).
Lessened awareness of the inconsequential things on earth (Colossians 2:1-2).

And why are these goals important to him? Because the result is an indescribably glorious prize:

“Our momentary light affliction is producing for us

an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory.”

–2 Corinthians 4:17 HCSB

Paul wrote that—a man who suffered much. He was beaten, imprisoned, and even stoned because of his faith in Jesus (2 Corinthians 6:4-5).

Yet he was able to assert that anything he had suffered was nothing compared to the glorious joys of heaven awaiting him. That’s a critical truth to remember.

Also helpful to keep in mind:

#3. Evidence abounds that God is for us no matter the circumstances.

Just for fun, I counted up God’s attributes in the index of one of my resources—attributes such as God’s Attentiveness, God’s Blessings, and God’s Care. The list includes twenty-eight different categories. No doubt there are even more.

How can I doubt the motives of such a loving, generous God?

My own experience provides bountiful evidence.

As some of you will remember, I’ve kept a journal since 1983 of God’s faithfulness to our family. Each year I total up the blessings, and praise God for his help, kindness, and miracles during the previous twelve months. To date there are more than 1,200 entries in all.

(Can you see how yellowed and tattered the edges of this first page are?!)

At the end of one particularly difficult year my jaw dropped to discover more entries than any year previously. God had indeed been for me—through it all.

The great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor (1832-91905), was right:

(“All our difficulties are only platforms for the manifestations of his grace, power, and love.”)

Every day, every moment, the Almighty God of grace, power, and love is at work for our benefit.

Who could possibly win against such supremacy?

* Sarah Young, Jesus Calling, Thomas Nelson, p. 361.

* * * * * * * * * *

How have you experienced God’s grace, power, and love during a time of difficulty? Please share in the comment section below!

(Art & photo credits: http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.picturequotes.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.biblesociety.ca; Nancy Ruegg; http://www.quotefancy.com.)

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Unspoken Truth

Posted in God, God's Goodness, God's Power, Uncategorized, tagged Creator God, God's attributes revealed in nature, Psalm 104:24, Romans 1:20 on May 11, 2017| 17 Comments »

Though another cold spell (down to 33 degrees!) just moved through our area, spring is still evident everywhere. Small leaves on tree and bush have quickly grown into verdant foliage. Flowers bloom in dazzling colors, and birds happily twitter nonstop. I’m captivated again by the beauty and grandeur of nature, especially as the earth reawakens from winter.

Just being outdoors surrounded by God’s splendor can increase our awareness of him. His attributes are on grand display every day, in every corner of our planet. For example, we see confirmation of:

His glory – God’s magnificence is personified in the splendor of sweeping prairie vistas, the majesty of mountains, and the vastness of oceans.

(Cook’s Inlet, Alaska)

His power – Who else could create innumerable galaxies of stars, planets, and moons, then place them over light years of endless space?

His holiness – God is perfect; his works are perfect. Evidence abounds in the exact count of petals on a buttercup (It’s always five), the ever-changing hues of a sunset sky, and on the rainbow wings of a Fire Clipper butterfly.

His grace – God keeps Planet Earth in a state of perpetual renewal as the sun provides energy, rain supplies hydration, flora and fauna exchange carbon dioxide and oxygen.

His wisdom – Unlike most substances, water expands when frozen, increasing its volume. As a result, ice floats. Imagine what would happen if glaciers sunk to the ocean floor. Sea water would have chilled dramatically a long time ago and cooled the planet. Life would have been unsustainable.

His ability to work wonders – God made creatures that morph in astounding ways: caterpillars become butterflies, tadpoles turn into frogs, and newborn kangaroos, no more than pink blobs the size of bees, transform into two hundred pound adults.

His goodness – Our world abounds with countless plants and animals in various shapes, colors, textures, and more. Such diversity is surely not necessary for our survival. Wouldn’t a world in shades of gray suffice? Wouldn’t bread and water keep us alive? But God sees fit to bless us with the delight of variety.

His orderliness — God has designed entire ecosystems so precisely that every organism is perfectly provided for in a methodic, rhythmic cycle.

His creativity – Planet Earth is home to at least 9,000 species of birds, 15,000 different kinds of mammals, 27,000 types of fish, 400,000 different sorts of flowers, and 900,000 species of insects. Each one is unique.

(Rainbow Leaf Beetle)

The scope of creation is so vast, the most detailed descriptors only skim the surface of its marvels. Everywhere we look—into the deepest recesses of space with a telescope, or into the minutia placed under a microscope, we see intricacy, precision, and complexity.

(Microbe Organism)

* * * * * * * * *

The earth is full of your riches, O God. Day and night the visible things of creation silently shout the unspoken truth that you are the all-powerful, ever faithful, and perfectly wise God. Lead me, I pray, to experience your world with the eyes of worship.

Psalm 104:24 ASV; Romans 1:20; Grace Notes by Philip Yancey, p. 165.

What additional evidence of God’s attributes do you see in creation? Please share in the comments section below!

(Photo credits: www.pixabay.com; http://www.maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.pixabay.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)

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The Name of Our God

Posted in God, God's Power, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Psalm 105:3, Psalm 34:3 on November 3, 2016| 4 Comments »

“Glorify the Lord with me,” David invited. “Let us exalt his name together” (Psalm 34:3).

M-m-m. That’s puzzling. Why didn’t David say, “exalt his names?”

He has dozens—Creator, Father, Holy One, King, I AM, —to name just a few.

My question led to three observations.

One, most of us do have at least three names: first, last, and middle. Royals are often given multiple names. Prince William of Great Britain, for example, is actually William Arthur Philip Louis Windsor. Yet even when he’s asked to give his full name, that word name is used in singular form.

Two, most parents, including royalty, take great care in choosing names for their progeny. They not only consider how first, middle, and last sound when spoken together, they consider the meanings of the names.

Three, some moms and dads choose names that honor family members or friends. Perhaps they hope the name will also bequeath to their child the positive traits and accomplishments of the honorees.

Based on these observations, it would seem appropriate to do the following when we desire to praise or rejoice in God’s name:

Think on at least several of his names
Consider their meanings, especially as they relate to personal experience
Meditate on the attributes and accomplishments of God associated with that name

Let’s try it. The name-list above offers a start.

God of heaven and earth, you are Creator of all. My mind cannot begin to fathom your power, wisdom, and creative genius that brought this universe into existence—out of nothing. From vast planetary movements to intricate ecosystems, your divine proficiency produces perfect function.

You are the Holy One of the universe—completely righteous and totally separate from anything or anyone else. You are the only one who is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. There is no one like you.

Yet you are my Heavenly Father! You lovingly and patiently care for me, providing guidance and instruction on how best to live. You graciously bestow blessings—sometimes special desires of my heart, and even serendipity gifts that I haven’t asked for.

You are the King of the universe, in control of everything. But unlike some rulers, you know what you’re doing. Everything you do is perfect. I can trust you with the concerns of my life because of your great wisdom and understanding.

You are the great I AM, who always was and always will be. You live in a perpetual present tense. And you are always the same—dependable and faithful, loving and gracious to your children.

Thank you, God, for revealing these names to us—and many more. They help us to understand who you are and how you respond to your children. And as we meditate upon them, our hearts are filled with wordless wonder and overwhelming gratitude.

With David we glory in your holy name(Psalm 105:3)!

_________________________

Photo credits: www.ourdailyblossom.com; http://www.fishwallpaper.net; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.wallpapercave.com.

(Reblogged from January 28, 2013)

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How Do I Praise Thee? Let Me Count the Ways

Posted in God's Goodness, God's Power, Praise, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Daniel 4:3, Praise to God, Psalm 105:2, Psalm 145:9, Psalm 86:15 on October 20, 2016| 4 Comments »

Years ago I purchased Joni Eareckson Tada’s book, A Quiet Place in a Crazy World (Waterbrook/Multnomah Books, 1993). Have you by chance read it also? If so, you might remember that within its pages she calls attention to the many ways God meets us in the midst of the craziness, offering us a place of refuge, promise, confidence, and more.

One way to meet with God, no matter where we are or what we’re facing, is to fill our mouths with his praises (p. 141). If you know Joni’s story as a quadriplegic for over twenty-five years (when she wrote the book), you understand what an incredible statement that is. If she can praise God continually, I have no excuse.

It was during a recent rereading of A Quiet Place that Joni inspired me to conduct a word study of praise and fill an entire page with synonymns.

‘Care to guess how many I found, as one word led to another? Twenty-five!

Their definitions and synonymns overlap one another, like the pleasing harmonies of a pastoral symphony – a symphony of praise.

Not wanting to bore you (!), I’ll include just ten here, as I contemplate a few reasons for praising God’s wonderful deeds (Psalm 105:2):

How do I praise thee, Lord? Let me count the ways.

I acclaim you, Father, with enthusiastic approval—

Even with passionate applause and loud shouts—

Because you watch over me with gracious, attentive care.

You uphold me every day of my life.

I adore you, my Redeemer, with profound love and reverence.

You provided the way of salvation for me

Through the sacrifice of your only Son.

Now I revel in the continual access of your presence.

I am in awe of you, God Almighty.

With unspeakable wonder I contemplate your power—

Your ability to create out of nothing,

To preserve and protect with a word.

I celebrate you, Sovereign Lord,

To honor your magnificence and rejoice in your goodness.

Your reign is all-inclusive and spans all time.

You are good and compassionate on all you have made.

I exalt you, King of Glory, in order to increase in my spirit

The intensity of your splendor—

Splendor that surrounds me but is only perceived in part,

Holy magnificence to be fully revealed one day in heaven!

I give tribute to you, Lord Jehovah,

With my testimony of praise,

Expressing gratitude for your benevolent gifts

And admiration for your astounding attributes.

I glorify you, Creator God, with honor and high praise

For the perfection of all your works on the earth.

Billions of components function as a cohesive whole,

Manifesting your wisdom and power.

I honor you, God of Grace,

With deep respect and humble reverence.

Without you as my deliverer I’d drown in my failures,

But with you as my treasure I have all things in One.

I marvel at your constancy, the one and only I AM.

You are self-existent and self-sufficient, dependent on no one.

You are always present, everywhere at once.

And you are pure, holy, and astonishingly perfect.

I revere you, God Most High,

With profound awe, deep respect, and grateful love

Because yours is the greatness and power, the glory and splendor.

All dominion belongs to you.

And wonder of wonders, I belong to you, too.

(Art & photo credits: www.waterbrookmultnomah.com; http://www.dayofgrace.me; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.youtube.com; http://www.interest.com (3).

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Signs and Wonders

Posted in Blessings, Encouragement, God's Goodness, God's Power, Uncategorized, Worship, tagged Job 5:9, Miracles, Psalm 104:24, Psalm 66:5, Psalm 77:11, Psalm 92:4 on October 10, 2016| 14 Comments »

“Come see what I found!” our middle-school neighbor called to us the other day. Steve and I had just pulled into the driveway from doing errands.

We joined Emmie under their tall oak tree; she pointed to a fat,three-inch caterpillar slowly making his way up the trunk. It was the Hungry Caterpillar and he’d discovered steroids!

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“Do you know what kind of moth or butterfly he’ll become?” I asked.

“Yeah. I looked him up on the internet. He’s an Antheraea Polyphemus. He’ll turn into a moth with big eyes on his wings.”

Even though the metamorphosis of caterpillar to moth is a common occurrence, the process is still a miracle–a special revelation of God’s creative genius and power.

As I studied that chubby green fellow lumbering up the tree, I marveled again:

Of course, God’s astounding works are not limited to creation. Supernatural manifestations of his divine power occur all around us. Frequently.

Examples include those times when:

Events coincide to produce a glorious result.

My friend, K, was visiting from out of town, and we decided to get our hair done together. At the time, my hairdresser’s son was dealing with a medication addiction, and K was able to speak with M from experience, about dealing with an addiction of a family member. M was so grateful for K’s wisdom. “God sent you here today!” she said to my friend as tears welled up in her eyes.

The impossible is made possible.

I thought I lost my watch at the Atlanta Airport. It turned up in my carry-on bag in the outside pocket. I’m quite sure God picked it up and put it there! Granted, some would call it a coincidence. Most of you know what I call it: a God-incidence.

A need is not just met, but supplied beyond what we’d even thought of.

The church my husband pastored for ten years awarded a number of scholarships each year to students furthering their education. They provided our son a full scholarship to seminary. He’s been a pastor now for six years.

Perfect, surprise blessings seem to fall from heaven itself.

In the 1980s our church enjoyed the ministry of an outstanding music director. However, Diane’s husband was transferred less than two years later and sadly, they had to move.

Fast forward twenty years. Steve was pastor of a different church on the other side of the state. When we needed a music minister, guess who applied?! Diane and her husband lived just to the north. Soon we were enjoying her creativity, passion, and expertise—all over again!

Sure disaster doesn’t materialize.

I pulled Steve’s new car into a parking space at a strip mall, so proud of driving his stick shift with no frog-jumps. Imagine my surprise, upon returning to the lot to discover the car had rolled across the aisle! I’d forgotten to set the brake. But the car sat in its new spot as if that were the space I’d pulled into—albeit backwards. One more God-incidence that filled me with wonder.

And wonder is a perfect gateway to worship.

* * * * * * * * * *

I praise you, O Father, for the countless miracles you perform, demonstrating your gracious compassion and the splendor of your glory. How awesome are your deeds on our behalf. Contemplation of your astounding works makes me giddy with joy!

(Psalm 77:11; Job 5:9; Psalm 66:5b; Psalm 92:4)

What sign or wonder provides a gateway to worship for you? Please share in the comment section!

(Art & photo credits: www.bugguide.net; http://www.flickr.com; http://www.pinterest.com (3).

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