A Heavenly "Atta Girl" Delivered by Little Lips
12 years ago
Thursday, August 14, 2008
GOD Endeavors
God Created This?
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20 (NIV)
As Valerie and I have been hiking over the last several weeks, the thought has occurred to me that anyone looking at the world as it exists presently, may have a hard time finding God in it.
As we've hiked the trails, we've come across more than one little bird that had made its last flight. Not only had they flown their last, but it was obvious they had been another creature's dinner. We've come across numerous berry-pit filled evidences of bear along the trails. The thought has crossed my mind that, if hungry enough, those same bear wouldn't mind having us share the same fate as those birds.
We've seen plants that are struggling to survive the drought of summer. We've been on trails that were nearly overgrown with tangles of branches and thorny berry bushes (and possibly bear hiding among them, just out of eyesight, waiting for the right moment for "carry-out").
The last trail was strewn with loose rock that made descending very difficult. They also choked out any, and all, vegetation.
The thoughts extend off the trail as well. They go to the family of a young girl killed in a car accident trying to understand "why." They go to babies born with defects and diseases. They go to victims of "natural" (though, eventually, I hope to show they aren't "natural" at all) disasters such as earthquakes, floods and tornados.
One can hear the voices asking, "Where was God when ...," or, "How could God allow ...," or "What kind of God would cause ...."
So, what are the answers? How can what we see in our world be reconciled with a God of love (1John 4:16) and compassion (Lam. 3:22-23)? What happened? Where is God in all this?
There are answers. It begins with a proper understanding of God and His character. It begins with a proper understanding of the way things were meant to be. It begins with a proper understanding of man's intended relationship with God and the relationship between actions and consequences. If you'll indulge me over the next couple of posts, I'd like to re-assure you that God does care and that He is still in control and that you can find Him if you look for Him. He's still here. He hasn't moved, and He's waiting for you - patiently - to give you a hope and a joy and a peace beyond comprehension.
Our beginning verse said that God should be seen and understood by what He's made. If you're having trouble seeing Him, or maybe you don't even believe, but you're curious, this is what I say to you tonight: Come along on some great big ole' GOD adventures. Discover Him for Who He is and the plans He has for you. Join in and discover the One who said He formed you in the womb. He knows you and wants to be known by you. Its possible, and its a journey worth taking!
Until next time ...
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." Romans 1:20 (NIV)
As Valerie and I have been hiking over the last several weeks, the thought has occurred to me that anyone looking at the world as it exists presently, may have a hard time finding God in it.
As we've hiked the trails, we've come across more than one little bird that had made its last flight. Not only had they flown their last, but it was obvious they had been another creature's dinner. We've come across numerous berry-pit filled evidences of bear along the trails. The thought has crossed my mind that, if hungry enough, those same bear wouldn't mind having us share the same fate as those birds.
We've seen plants that are struggling to survive the drought of summer. We've been on trails that were nearly overgrown with tangles of branches and thorny berry bushes (and possibly bear hiding among them, just out of eyesight, waiting for the right moment for "carry-out").
The last trail was strewn with loose rock that made descending very difficult. They also choked out any, and all, vegetation.
The thoughts extend off the trail as well. They go to the family of a young girl killed in a car accident trying to understand "why." They go to babies born with defects and diseases. They go to victims of "natural" (though, eventually, I hope to show they aren't "natural" at all) disasters such as earthquakes, floods and tornados.
One can hear the voices asking, "Where was God when ...," or, "How could God allow ...," or "What kind of God would cause ...."
So, what are the answers? How can what we see in our world be reconciled with a God of love (1John 4:16) and compassion (Lam. 3:22-23)? What happened? Where is God in all this?
There are answers. It begins with a proper understanding of God and His character. It begins with a proper understanding of the way things were meant to be. It begins with a proper understanding of man's intended relationship with God and the relationship between actions and consequences. If you'll indulge me over the next couple of posts, I'd like to re-assure you that God does care and that He is still in control and that you can find Him if you look for Him. He's still here. He hasn't moved, and He's waiting for you - patiently - to give you a hope and a joy and a peace beyond comprehension.
Our beginning verse said that God should be seen and understood by what He's made. If you're having trouble seeing Him, or maybe you don't even believe, but you're curious, this is what I say to you tonight: Come along on some great big ole' GOD adventures. Discover Him for Who He is and the plans He has for you. Join in and discover the One who said He formed you in the womb. He knows you and wants to be known by you. Its possible, and its a journey worth taking!
Until next time ...
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