Deep Thoughts: Infinity - Theory or Fact

"We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord" 
- 2 Corinthians 5:8

What does infinite mean?  By definition, finite means that something has a definite end, is measurable, bounded, and restricted by a known or unknown endpoint.  Examples of those things that are finite include oil, coal, natural gas, mathematics (a set of numbers), hours in a given day,  or pages in a book.  So, if infinite is the opposite of finite, what does it mean?  Something that has an unknown or unperceived end, not measurable or bounded.  

Is water finite, or infinite?  What about oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and other gases?  What about the sand on all the beaches, ocean floors, mountains, and deserts, or blades of grass, or leaves on trees?  What about time?  What about life?

Water, gases, grains of sand, and vegetation are all resources that are renewable by nature.  They are likely immeasurable, but they are finite to our earth and universe.  We know that through the water cycle, rain falls to the land and seas, and is then evaporated back to the skies through humidity and recycled again.  Condensation and morning dew form as a result of thermodynamics, drawing water droplets from the humidity around us, but this water is then evaporated as well.  In essence, water is a renewable resource, but there is no scientific evidence that it is limitless or infinite.  Similarly with gases.  They are consumed and exhausted through a natural, unplanned, unprogrammed process.  In the oxygen-carbon dioxide cycle, we see a simple example.  Animals breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide; vegetation draws in carbon dioxide and emits oxygen back into the atmosphere.  Science continues to investigate the finite parameters of our natural resources to determine if we indeed will exhaust them at some future point in time.  They look beyond the earth, to the universe, to determine if there are resources we can tap into, to extend the hypothesized endpoint.  Let's be clear, there is no fact-based argument that says water or other natural resources will be fully consumed, but there are many hypotheses and projections that many believe will come to fruition.

Mathematics and science have many laws and philosophies about the topic of infinity.  In math, integers have no defined end, because you can always use the principle of addition and extend whatever that number is by 1.  Also, there is the infinitely small measurement in fractions.  1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, . . . . . . can go on infinitely.  In science, there are infinite space philosophies that suggest the universe is infinite, because we have not achieved knowledge of its entirety yet.  There is also the theory that there are infinite universes; we just haven't discovered them yet.  Some scientists can say that time is finite, because they hypothesize of a known beginning (Big Bang) and therefore it must have a known end.  This truly remains hypothetical, though, because there is no definition of what was before the Big Bang, and if there was something, how did it exist with no time element?  It is a statement of theory, but often pointed to as fact by many in the world of education.

Life, as we know it, on this planet is finite.  Every person, with one exception, in the world that has ever been or ever will be, has a conception date, a birth date, and will have a death date.  The number of days any individual person lives between the birth date and death date varies, but assuredly, we all have a finite number of days walking this earth.  But what is life?

Is life the physical existence of a human's body, or is it the spirit and soul within the body?  No scientist can define the soul or the spirit of a human.  These are terms held in the highest order by those with a vision and hope for something beyond this life.  The scriptures tell us that we are spiritual beings contained within a physical flesh form.  If this is not true, then this life (100 years (+/-)) is all there is.  We are finite, we have an end date, and the only forever remembrance will be what is written upon our tombstone.  As a Christian, though, I believe we are infinite spirits.  We are here, earth, for a short period of time on our way to an infinite eternity with God the Father after we have breathed our last.  This God-shaped spirit is what differentiates every human from every other living creature in this universe.  

According to Genesis 1:27 - "So, God created man in His own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them". God is a spirit; if He created us in His image, He created us as a spirit being, with a physical form.  As a believer in Jesus Christ, Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that upon our death, absent from this body, we are in the presence of the Lord.  This defines the life after this life on earth, and to this afterlife there is no end.  Eternity is infinite, to the best of our knowledge, according to the definition of infinite, without end, immeasurable, and unbound.  You see, with the understanding that there was a Creator, and an established beginning of time, space, and matter, we can now establish that there are infinite realities.  Without a Creator, infinity will always be just a theory of practice to help define the unknown.

Finish Strong

 “He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone.  And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved” – Acts 4:11-12

Do you not know?
What was the point of it all?
When you started, did you know where the finish line was?’
How will you ever achieve all you strive for if you don’t know what it is?

There is a Supreme Being, God Almighty, who reigns over mankind.  He created man from dust, gave life to the world in which we live.  Do you not believe that these things happened?

Is the Bible nothing more than a fantasy for you, or is it a factual recording of our human history?  If we are not capable of realizing the truth that exudes from the pages, and claim them as an interesting compilation of stories, then how can we claim that the Almighty even exists at all?  Can you believe in the Creator and yet claim that He has mislead billions of people?  What a ludicrous thought this is.

If indeed you claim to believe in and follow the One called Jesus Christ, than is it not bestowed upon you to study, learn and fully embrace His teachings?  Are we content in claiming our Christianity, simply to avoid Hell, yet not be concerned with living out the truth that is so blatantly provided through His Word.  He died for you to live, not to exist, and to live with conviction, love and purpose.  It is upon you to spread His love, not to simply accept and be done.

The God, we claim to serve, has created the world and all that is in it.  He has provided for your every need, and continues to work on your behalf in the unseen and unknown days that lie ahead.  Our excuses are compiled in a manner to justify our lack of interest in actually recognizing His plan.  We are enamored and enticed by the world around us to pursue our personal interests and have consistently chosen to put God on hold.  Yet, we feel fully justified in claiming our right of passage into eternity.  Just stop and think about it for a moment.  Are you truly committed to God, or are you using Him?

Make a stand Christian.  Take up your armor and fight for the freedom that He died to provide for you.  For life in Christ is truly freedom, and is the only freedom you will ever have.  The freedom discussed in the media and tabloids is still subjective to the world’s perception and understanding.  Pursue God and re-discover the path that He has laid out for you.  The finish line is not far off in the distance, but we must finish strong.

Life's Purpose from Birth

 “Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord" – Psalm 27:14

As the oxygen fills her lungs for the first time outside of her mother’s womb, her eyes separate, and the brightness of the room dilates her pupils.  The coolness of the air and the uncertainty of her new surroundings stimulate her senses, and the only reaction her mind can create is one of helplessness and crying.  As the surgical blade cuts through the umbilical cord, the newborn little girl is brought to her mother’s bosom and comforted.  Wrapped in swaddling clothes, her ear presses to her mother’s flesh and hears the all too familiar sound of her heartbeat.  A calmness comes over her body, and she instinctively curls into a fetal position, drawing her tiny legs up to her chest and bringing her fingers to her lips.

For 40 weeks, this baby and this mother have been inseparable.  The blood of the mother has flowed through the baby, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and growth hormones.  The baby’s body has been formed and shaped by the hand of the Almighty Creator of the Universe (Psalm 139:13), and a purpose-built spirit was placed inside this beautiful child.  For nine months, the mother has loved this child, sung songs, prayed, and wept over this life and the amazing things her little girl would one day accomplish.  Their hearts beat as one during the development, as the images were displayed through months 6, 7, and 8, leading right up to the moment of delivery.  They had a relationship before birth that no other could ever replicate, and one that would be tried from every angle throughout her upbringing.

The mother’s heart is designed with patience, love, and strength all wrapped up in one.  Patience for the birth, the years of growth & maturity, and the rebellion that is sure to come.  Love for the unlovable moments, the unconditional expression of emotion, and the foundation for the development of a new personality.  Strength for the emotional rollercoaster that will ensue throughout this child’s life, and the ability to stand firm on the principles and values that make up a woman of character in today’s world.

The baby’s heart is designed with patience, curiosity, and courage to take on the adventures that lie ahead.  Patience for the unfolding of life, the ever-challenging desire to do more, to excel and succeed in life, and for those around her that will break her heart countless times as she grows.  Curiosity for the wisdom, knowledge, and mistakes that will be made as she develops into a woman of character, always striving to reach that next rung on the ladder of life.  Courage to stand strong in the face of adversity, to take on the challenges in life, and to overcome the obstacles that will mark her pathway in finding her purpose, while living the life God has so wisely directed for her.

From the moment we are born, we are faced with the challenge of patiently waiting for the next great thing.  God has created you for unbelievable opportunities in life, and oftentimes it is difficult to slow down and wait for these opportunities to evolve.  Many times, we charge forward following our own plans rather than waiting for His guidance, because we lack patience.  It’s good to remind yourself when you are feeling impatient that God created you in your mother’s womb to do great things,ves but it will require that you let Him lead you to that place.  It is my fear that the majority of us have a hard time discovering God’s purpose in our life, because we are too far blinded by our own ambition and drive.  There is nothing you can dream up for your purpose in life that will exceed the plans He has destined you for.  I suggest that you take a step back, slow down, and simply ask Him where you should go next, and what He would have you do.  Then be patient and listen, even if it takes a lifetime for Him to reveal it to you.

Refreshing and Life Sustaining

 “But no one who drinks the water I give will ever be thirsty again. The water I give is like a flowing fountain that gives eternal life.”   –John 4:14

Eleven pounds, in 9 days, mind you.  Earlier this year, when I stopped drinking soda (pop), white chocolate mochas, and Arnold Palmer’s (lemonade/iced tea mixed), and drank only water for nine days, I lost 11 pounds.  Tell me once again how important water is to a person’s daily diet.  I remember watching the movie “Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader”, and it’s uncanny how important the symbol of water is throughout the movie, but none more so than in the last scene.  I won’t spoil it for those of you who have not yet seen the highly recommended movie, but the last scene depicts the essence and importance of water in the existence of mankind and all of creation.  In the creativity and imagination of C.S. Lewis, a wall of water separates the world of Aslan and the world of Narnia.  Now refer to Genesis 1:2, “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”

Water was there before any other thing.  Before the earth was formed, before there was light and darkness, before there were stars in the sky, water was.  Were you aware that there is significantly more water inside of the Earth than what we see on the surface (oceans, seas, rivers, and lakes)?  We require it to live.  The Earth requires it to sustain plant, vegetation, and animal life.  The planets require it to sustain balance in the galaxy.  The next time you pick up a glass (or bottle) of water, consider that it was created before there was time or any other thing.  It has recycled itself, through every living thing for centuries and millennia.  It surrounds you in the air as humidity, invisible to the eye, yet present nonetheless.  Don’t believe me, set a glass of ice water on a counter and within minutes water bubbles will form on the outside of the glass through condensation.  We didn’t create the bubbles, they were formed from what exists around us.

Jesus Christ told the woman at the well, He was the living water.  To drink of this water meant she would never thirst again.  Are you thirsty for the truth in this world of misguided deception?  Are you thirsty for rest from the busyness of life?  Are you thirsty for love in a world filled with anger and sorrow?  Come and drink from the well of life – the Savior Jesus Christ.

The Complexity of Creation

 

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding"  Job 38:4

Think, don’t react, just think for a moment about everything around you.  Take a look at the trees, the bark on the trees, the heartwood and sapwood inside of the tree, the budding flowers as new leaves are formed, the roots stretching far underground and of course the leaves on the trees.  It draws nutrients from the soil, water from earth and from the sky, carbon dioxide from the air and distributes all of this throughout the entire ecosystem of its structure so that every part gets exactly what it needs to survive.  Its branches grow toward the light, its roots extend in every direction to provide strength and support, its leaves fall off and are recreated, and each one is unique in its design.  Tell me who designed this infrastructure and ecosystem so perfectly.  Was it Pascal, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Aristotle, Socrates  . . . . .   You get my point, right? 

We know the formula for water, but can we create it?  Can you tell me how to create a single grain of sand or dirt?  Where do I go to learn how to create wood? 

There is a Creator of everything that makes up this incredible sphere called Earth, and the universe around us.  He spoke it into being.  There was nothing but an expanse. He spoke, and it began.  He is the only one who has created water, soil, and air.  He formed the trees, the rocks, the mountains, and the depths of the oceans.  He created light from nothing to shine through the darkness.  The perfection of everything around could not just happen in such intricate detail to sustain itself in perfect harmony. 

Why do we continue to believe that we are here simply by happenstance?  We were created by God with unbelievable, intricate detail as well.  There is nothing about you that is not known by Him.  He has created to do amazing things.  It’s time to recognize that God is God, He made you perfectly, and He doesn’t make mistakes.  Today is your day to make use of everything He has given you.  Ready, Set, Go!

Bible Study – James (day 5)

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

 

“When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” –James 1:13-15

Weakness, we all have them.  My brother runs a program in Michigan for men of addiction, and helping them recover and become restored in society.  One of the important points that I have learned in the few opportunities I have had to visit and meet with him and the men in the Mission is that we all have addictions.  Some are addicted to work, some to food, some to money, some to sex, and then there are the more commonly thought of addictions to drugs, alcohol and violence.  There is something in each of our lives that fills a void, an emptiness or weakness that should be filled by our love for God.  Often this is driven by the desire to control that aspect of our life, yet in reality it is truly controlling us, we are just unable to see the stronghold it has on us, through our biased blindness.

So many times people are asking why evil things to happen to us or why we continue to be tempted even after we have given our life to Christ.  Some even look to blame God for the bad things that happen in our lives.  I’ve seen people justify unethical decisions with a Robin Hood mentality and truly believe these actions are acceptable in God’s eyes.  We try to rationalize and make excuses for our unrighteousness, as if God can be persuaded to accept our actions.  Let’s be very clear about this; God does not change, He demands perfection from us and will accept nothing less.  The evil actions that inhabit your mind, body and soul are worldly, not heavenly.  There is no unrighteous thought, action, of word that comes from our Father in Heaven. 

I’m sure most of you have heard the story of Albert Einstein challenging his professor on good vs. evil and the existence of God.  There are video clips here, which you can see the entire representation.  But for the sake of brevity, I will summarize it here for you.  The professor one day challenges the student with the hypothesis to prove that if there is a God than God is evil. 

Prof: Do you agree that God created all things?  Student: Yes. 
Prof: Do you agree that evil exists in the world?  Student: Yes. 
Prof:  Therefore God must have created evil.  Why would God create evil to happen in our lives if He loves us?

The greatest part of this story though is that the student stands up for God with the following rebuttal. 

Student: Professor, you’re wrong.  Can you tell me is there such a thing as cold? 
Prof: Of course. 
Student: No, it is merely the absence of heat.  Can you tell me is there such a thing as dark? 
Prof: Of course, every night. 
Student: Again, you’re mistaken.  Dark is simply the absence of light.  (at this time the professor is frustrated)  You see professor, evil exists only in the absence of good.  God did not create evil, He created good.  It is our lack of acceptance of His good that has resulted in evil in this world.

As we are tempted daily by evil, we must learn to turn to God for strength, courage and confidence to overcome these temptations and addictions.  It is only through God that we are able to fill the void in our life, with something that is wholesome, pure, good and righteous.

ACTIONs for Growth: What are you addicted to?  Don’t minimize the importance of this question.  What is it in your life that draws you away from God?  What are you relying on instead of relying and trusting in the power of the Almighty?  Do you expect that God is going to bend or break His principles and requirements for eternity based on your excuse for your unrighteousness?  Think again.  He is immutable and never changing.  Your unrighteousness is forgiven and you are provided acceptance into heaven based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not because God has reduced the requirements.  Put a plan in place to remove these addictions and replace them with God’s love and strength.   

    





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Bible Study – James (day 2)

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It

 

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” –James 1:5-6

 

Within the confines of my mind a war is raging.  Every thought, emotion, worry, concern and joy is held captive to the inherent sinful nature of my being.  I’ve heard so many times that the flesh is weak and as often as I hear it, it continues to challenge my walk each day.  The problem is that in my complete unrighteousness I am struggling to glorify God in my words and actions.  A wise man once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” (Socrates) 

Who is the first person you call when you are having a problem in life?  Your spouse, your sibling, your best friend, your parent or another close acquaintance are going to give you another humanistic opinion on a subject.  Granted, they may have more experience in a specific matter, but they do not have the answer to finding wisdom.  We, as humans, have a natural tendency to solve problems ourselves.  We research the problem, discuss it with others and fret over it time and time again.  When confronted with difficult choices we generally look to our own wisdom, experiences and worldly view for the answer, when we have the power and authority of the Creator available to us.

God’s promises throughout scripture that He will be there for me.  He will be my strength, my comfort, my courage and my provider.  I have nothing in this life that I have not received because of His loving grace and blessing in my life.  When I am in the word and studying my eyes are opened to all that He has given me and all that He has for me in the future.  My problems don’t go away, but my mind is enlightened with the reality of where my persistence and strength will come from. 

Often times we question is God is really interested in my trivial daily problems.  The answer is a resounding yes.  The Creator of the universe, created the sperm and the egg that in turn created you.  He formed and multiplied your cells to the point you became a baby in your mother’s womb.  He gave you your first breath and He will give you your last.  There is not one aspect of your life He isn’t intimately familiar with.  What problem are you facing that God has never seen before?  Is there something in your life that will take God by surprise?  You can rely on friends and families for advice, but rely on God’s word for answers to life’s questions.  Seek Him and you shall find Him.

ACTION for Growth: You 10 minutes this morning should be spent reflecting on the problems you are facing and giving them to God.  The wisdom and knowledge will come from Him and only Him, but you must seek it.  Do not allow yourself to be persuaded that you are in control of your life – He who created you, knows you better than any other.  Read Psalm 139



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The Key

Read It, Learn It, Live It, Share It
"It is better to trust the Lord than to put confidence in people." – Psalm 118:8

I sat on the rocking chair looking out at the God’s perfect ocean.  It was late in the evening and the sun was just above the horizon, casting brilliant hues of pink, orange, yellow and red over the dark blue, purple and aqua of the water.  White crested waves crashed against the sand and rocks of the jagged Pacific coastline.  The day had been filled with stressful meetings and the disappointing news that we had not won the deal.  The others that I traveled with on this particular trip had gone back to their rooms to dwell in the missed opportunity.  I could have done the same, Lord knows there were 100’s of e-mails waiting for me in my Inbox.  But, I needed to be reassured that everything was still okay, and there was not one single e-mail that would have convinced me of that.

As always, I knew I would find God at the ocean’s edge.  I could find Him in the beauty, magnificence and power of the Sun disappearing beyond the edge of the vastness of the water.  It calmed my spirit to just realize that I am a part of His day, and that regardless of what occurs during the day, He has control of it all.  The world is still rotating, the sun is still in the sky and God still hovers over the ocean just as He did on day one.  When I’m at the oceans edge at sunset I observe the originality of God’s creation:

1. Depths of Waters in darkness and God created light, separating darkness from light
2. God created the sky to separate the waters above and below
3. God created land amidst the waters below, and vegetation on that land
4. God created lights in the skies – to give light to the earth, and to determine time.  The greatest light for the day and the lesser light for the night
5. God created animals in the sea and in the air
6. God created animals on the land and then God created mankind in His image to rule over the animals and the vegetation of the land.
7. God rested in all of His goodness having created perfection

All of this is captured in the stillness, quietness and majesty of sitting and looking out over the ocean.  It brings me back to a place where I am not depending on what happens in a day’s activities.  It brings me to a place where I can remember that God created all of this and controls it all.  I am but just one part of His amazing plan, and I must not forget that my trust lies in Him, not in mankind.

When I am not near a beach or ocean or majestic mountain though, I can always turn to the exact center of the bible and find a reminder that God is in control, not mankind.  Psalm 118:8 is the very center of God’s word and the key scripture to understanding God. I suggest you put a marker there in your bible, so you can always find a quiet place and quickly reflect on this scripture when the world is closing in.  Be blessed. 



Prayer:
Loving Father,
You are my amazing creator.  You fill my mind with righteousness and my heart with love.  You have created this world perfectly for us to live in and serve You.  Let us not lose sight of that as we are attacked daily by life’s problems.  We rest in knowing that you are in control of all things and know us very well.  Bless me Lord, that I might live long in Your service and praise You throughout my life.  In Your name we pray – Amen



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Don’t Forget to Live (pt 4 of 7)

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Psalm 139:13-14

My thoughts:
Over the last week or so I’ve been trying to help you understand that we don’t have to argue with Atheists when confronted, but rather simply ask questions that allow them to see things from a different light.  This brings to the forefront how science and God are not at odds with each other, but perfectly in line, when honest and openly thought through.

Take a moment and do this simple trick for me as you read this. 
Stop breathing….stop…hold on…keep holding your breath…watch the seconds tick by.   How long could you hold your breath, before your brain forced you to inhale again?  Why?  Where did that instruction come from?  Did you have to think about breathing or did your body just force you to do it?
You see, we must breath in order to survive.  The cells of our body require Oxygen, and when it is absent negative consequences begin destroying cells in brain, which can then lead to stroke or an aneurism.  The red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, which result in healthy organs, circulation, muscle motion and cell regeneration.   So, if it is completely through evolution that this all became real, where did the original design and purpose come from?  How frequently do you tell yourself to breath?  If you are like 99.9% of the world’s population, it is never.

Now, intentionally focus on how many times you blink while you read the rest of this blog.  Your nervous system is telling your eyelids to close over your eyeball for multiple reasons.  Most of us are correct to think it is to help hydrate our eyes, but it’s so much more than just that.  We do need moisture in our eye sockets for your eyeball to move up/down and side to side.  The blinking of eyes will help distribute that liquid evenly over the surface and protect the eye from dust, debris and irritation.  But, did you realize it is also a way for your brain to regain focus, to stimulate an internal timer, to capture and relay a snapshot of a given moment, to calm one’s emotions or to simply allow one’s brain to rest for a 100 milliseconds or so?  Every time you blink, all of these things take place.  Yet, I’ll bet you never once in your entire life told yourself to blink.  Even on those really windy days, where dust is flying; you instinctively squint your eyes, and even close them for a longer period of time than a normal blink.  You didn’t have to think about doing it, it just happens. 

“Tell your heart to beat again.” was the line from a song a few years back from Christian artist and American Idol winner, Danny Gokey (written by Bernie Herms, Randy Phillips and Matthew West).  It tells the story that when we are heartbroken, we sometimes have to remind our heart to beat again and that it will be okay.  It helps us focus on the fact that God has carried us through troubles in our life and will continue to carry forward in our life.  It also reminds me that my heart gives me life.  It is the engine, the driver of function for the rest of my body.  Blood flows through my body, because my heart beats 72 times a minute (or so).  It increases the blood flow automatically when I am stressed or working out, and slows it down when I’m sleeping.  I’m not ever telling it to pump blood, it just does it.  There is no life unless blood is pumping through the brain, the cells, the nervous system, the lymph nodes, the organs, etc. etc.   You can be brain dead and still be alive, but when the heart stops, everything else stops with it.

This simple test was to help you realize, that you are not in control of your own bodily functions; and it’s not through a random formation of cells and molecules that these three simple functions came into fruition.  They were designed to work perfectly for a given purpose – to sustain life.  You are an amazingly complex creation that required an intelligent design, not an act of random, happenchance circumstance.  If indeed, the Atheist continues to believe that all of this evolved randomly over time to become this perfect, intricate design; we need simply ask them how did our predecessors survive during this evolutionary process?  How did the blood flow through their bodies before the heart existed?  How did the lungs draw in the exact amount of oxygen for sustainable life and exhale out the exact amount of carbon dioxide without the brain instinctively giving the instructions?  How did our earliest evolutionary ancestors see and keep their eyes from drying in socket?

We were created by an intelligent, purposeful maker, known to most as God, the Father.  If someone wants to say there is no proof of that, ask them, where is the proof of life sustainability before the heart, brain, lungs and eyes evolved.  There is none.  Every animal has some form of these organs which help sustain their life.  At some point they were created.  For even if they evolved; and hypothetically we evolved from them; the same problem existed.  Even the earliest evolved form of life had to survive before it could evolve.  Help them understand how little proof there is for any of their hypothesis on the evolution of life.

Be Blessed,

Rich

 

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God, the Creator (pt. 3 of 7)

“But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.”   Job 12:7-10

My thoughts:
I sat at my desk on a longer than normal day.  In front of me was a brand new spiral bound notebook, ready for a new month of notes, when the most amazing thing happened.  Suddenly a small black spot appeared on the first page of the notebook.  It caught my attention because it came out of nowhere, and my pen was still in my pocket.  As I stared at that black spot, I noticed it started to move and then it shifted into the letter ‘T’.  As quickly as that had happened I noticed other black dots forming and before I knew it words appeared, sentences appeared and before I knew a paragraph had appeared.  Then another and another and the page flipped and letters, words and paragraphs continued to form.  As if this wasn’t enough, pictures and graphs appeared in the right spot and chapters were formed.  Finally, the last page was crafted and the words ‘The End’ appeared on the very last page of my brand new notebook.  It all had taken place in a matter of minutes, and when I picked up the notebook I turned to page 1 and found it to be a comprehensive, in depth expose on plight of the impoverished indigenous people in Uganda.  The book had made itself.

How many of you believe this really happened?
How many of you are stating that this is certainly absurd and ridiculous fantasy?

As impractical and unreal as this scenario was, so is the concept that man came from nothing.  Just as a book cannot be formed by nothing, neither can the complexity of the human body.  Believe it or not, there are people in the world that believe the human body came from nothing.  How can something come from nothing? 

The complexity of a human body is unreal and needs to be considered deeply when a person makes this claim.  It is made up of the Musculoskeletal System of bone, joints, cartilage and muscle, the Circulatory System including the heart, veins, arteries, vessels and bone marrow, the Nervous System with the brain, spinal cord, nerves throughout your body and senses (taste, sight, hearing, touch); the Integumentary System of skin and tissue, fingernails, hair; the Immune System with lymphoid and myeloid; the Respiratory System of nose, larynx, trachea, bronchus and lungs; the Digestive System from the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, to the liver, pancreas and colon; the Urinary System including kidneys, ureter and bladder ; the Reproductive System which is uniquely designed for the male and the female; and the Endocrine System of glands including the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. 

Some believe we are made of star-dust and that these complex interdependent systems all formed perfectly without design or intent.  Again, we need to address these individuals with basic questions and avoid confrontations.  If they believe that we were formed from nothing then help them understand how completely far-fetched that idea really is.  The body contains trillions of cells.  Each cell is made up of a nucleus, which contains our DNA, which is unique to every human being on earth; RNA, Proteins, Lips and complex carbohydrates.  These are the foundation for every form of life.  Every cell carries this information as the genetic instructions for each person.  It is the guideline, the instruction book for life.

Simply ask them, how was DNA created from nothing and why was it created?  What was the stimulus that required DNA to be created in order for organs, skin, tissue, blood, hair, toenails, etc. to be created?  For you see, unless DNA existed first, then these other complex systems could not have come into fruition.  So was DNA formed from nothing?  If it was, why was it?

God, the Creator, in one breath created all of this because He knew the complexities and the requirements to sustain life, before life even existed.  This cannot be evolved into, it must be created in a single interdependent requirement at one given time.

Be Blessed,

Rich

 

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How Can It Be?

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding"  Job 38:4

Think, don’t react, just think for a moment about everything around you.  Take a look at the trees, the bark on the trees, the heartwood and sapwood inside of the tree, the budding flowers as new leaves are formed, the roots stretching far underground and of course the leaves on the trees.  It draws nutrients from the soil, water from earth and from the sky, carbon dioxide from the air and distributes all of this throughout the entire ecosystem of it’s structure so that every part gets exactly what it needs to survive.  It’s branches grow toward the light, it’s roots extend in every direction to provide strength and support, it’s leaves fall off and are recreated and each one is unique in it’s design.  Tell me who designed this infrastructure and ecosystem so perfectly.  Was it Pascal, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Aristotle, Socrates  . . . . .   You get my point, right? 

We know the formula for water, but can we create it?  Can you tell me how to create a single grain of sand or dirt?  Where do I go to learn how to create wood? 

There is a Creator of everything that makes up this incredible sphere called earth, and the universe around us.  He spoke it into being.  There was nothing but an expanse, He spoke and it began.  He is the only one who has created water, soil and air.  He formed the trees, the rocks, the mountains and the depths of the oceans.  He created light from nothing, to shine through the darkness.  The perfection of everything around could not just happen in such intricate detail to sustain itself in perfect harmony. 

Why do we continue to believe that we are here simply by happenchance?  Look at the oceans and the perfect flow of water to the pull of gravity and the rolling waves of the tide as it comes in.  Look at the sky in it’s infinite depths and realize that though we believe we know how far it stretches, there is no way to be sure we have seen it all.  How were the stars so perfectly placed and the the planets in an exact orbit around the sun, so as not to burn up or freeze.  The grains of sand along the shores are so numerous that man is unable to comprehend the number of such magnitude.

If indeed you continue to believe that the perfect environment for our life cycle on this planet called earth was random, then I say there is something that has blinded your acceptance of the truth.  I will always believe and can never be convinced otherwise, regardless of my age, that we were created by God with unbelievable, intricate detail, just like the air, water, beach and sky.  There is nothing about the human that is not known by Him.  He has created us to do amazing things. 

It’s time to recognize that God is God, and He made you perfectly because He doesn’t make mistakes.  You may feel unworthy of His love and attention, but you are mistaken.  For His love for you is unquenchable.  Today is your day to make use of everything He has given you.  So begin by acknowledging that He is the Creator of all things and that He indeed has a plan for you.  Today is your day to do amazing things.

 

You can't hide

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." - 1 John 1:8-9

It is so easy to justify our actions at times, and create the illusion that everything is ok. If you are like me, you are really good at putting on the false impression that life is good when you are breaking inside. How many of us have been in the middle of an argument when the phone rings. Picking up the phone the attitude changes, the voice changes and the pleasantries come out. Most of the time it's pretty easy to deceive others into believing that everything is just fine.

The problem is that when we try this with God it doesn't work. I chuckle as I think about the times in my life when I have tried to put on the righteous face for prayer time, when I know my heart is bitter, angry or hurting. How silly of us to think that God doesn't really know what's going on inside of our hearts and minds. I believe it is His desire to hear us bring that before Him, and seek His help in forgiving or dealing with our problems. You need to realize something, there is nothing, yes nothing, that you can bring before God that is going to make Him stand back in amazement or disgust. He created you, and before you drew your first breath, He knew you. 

Do you believe that? Do you believe that God created you? If so, than you must also believe that the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth is not surprised when you have done something wrong. After all, what makes you any different than the 20 billion or so people that have come and gone on this earth over the several thousand years since Adam and Eve were in the garden? Is there something different about you that no other human being in history other than Jesus Christ himself has possessed? Face it, you're not coming up with any original sins. The things you struggle with, I struggle with and so do millions of others. The key for you to realize as a confessed believer in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, you have the power and authority to bring those sins to God Almighty, with a heart of true repentance and receive complete forgiveness. Yes, complete forgiveness.

God promises us in Psalm 103:12, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." So here is your geography challenge for the day. If God throws your sins as far as the east is from the west, how far would you have to travel to retrieve that sin? Folks, (tongue in cheek) we all have a long way to go to overcome our sinful nature, and walk perfectly in God's eyes. As a matter of fact - you never will, so quit deceiving yourself. Take a few moments each day to come before God with a repentant heart, seeking righteousness, and truly ask for forgiveness. In doing so, God removes the unrighteousness as stated here in 1 John. Try it tonight before you go to bed. Stay strong and be blessed. 

It's Too Complex for Mankind

"Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding"  Job 38:4

Think, don’t react, just think for a moment about everything around you.  Take a look at the trees, the bark on the trees, the heartwood and sapwood inside of the tree, the budding flowers as new leaves are formed, the roots stretching far underground and of course the leaves on the trees.  It draws nutrients from the soil, water from earth and from the sky, carbon dioxide from the air and distributes all of this throughout the entire ecosystem of it’s structure so that every part gets exactly what it needs to survive.  It’s branches grow toward the light, it’s roots extend in every direction to provide strength and support, it’s leaves fall off and are recreated and each one is unique in it’s design.  Tell me who designed this infrastructure and ecosystem so perfectly.  Was it Pascal, Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Aristotle, Socrates  . . . . .   You get my point, right? 

We know the formula for water, but can we create it?  Can you tell me how to create a single grain of sand or dirt?  Where do I go to learn how to create wood? 

There is a Creator of everything that makes up this incredible sphere called earth, and the universe around us.  He spoke it into being.  There was nothing but an expanse, He spoke and it began.  He is the only one who has created water, soil and air.  He formed the trees, the rocks, the mountains and the depths of the oceans.  He created light from nothing, to shine through the darkness.  The perfection of everything around could not just happen in such intricate detail to sustain itself in perfect harmony. 

Why do we continue to believe that we are here simply by happenchance?  We were created by God with unbelievable, intricate detail as well.  There is nothing about you that is not known by Him.  He has created to do amazing things.  It’s time to recognize that God is God, He made you perfectly, and He doesn’t make mistakes.  Today is your day to make use of everything He has given you.  Ready, Set, Go !

I Am His Creation

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”– Jeremiah 1:5

I work in the Technology sector for a Fortune 50 technology company.  I am privileged to work with some of the most brilliant people in the industry.  As such I have visibility to some very amazing innovations and ideas for future technology that will absolutely change the landscape of how we use computers and electronic devices.  I personally hold multiple patents on technology innovation received over the last 10 years.  I have discovered that when someone creates something they have a vision of it long before it ever becomes something tangible that you can hold in your hand.  Taking their vision, their imagination and putting it down on paper is the first step, then determining what it will take to develop, manufacture and sell the product completes their ability to bring a new technology to market.

Consider Bill Gates, Founder and previous CEO of Microsoft Corporation.  Do you think Bill Gates envisioned that his computer operating system that, created in the 1980’s, would evolve into Windows, Internet Explorer and Microsoft Office?  Maybe not, but he absolutely knew that the world needed something to run the home computer, and with Microsoft DOS, the PC business has evolved into the Tablets, Smart Phones, Internet, Wi-fi, and Laptops connected around the planet and communicating at unbelievable speed.  He created something to run on IBM and Compaq computers that has literally changed the world to what we see today.  He knew without a doubt that his Operating System would simplify computing for everyone long before he ever wrote one piece of code for the Microsoft DOS O/S.  So, we agree that Bill Gates could see the success of his vision (his baby) long before it ever actually served it’s purpose in the world.

If we can see it in mankind; Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Orville and Wilbur Wright, Henry Ford, Arthur Fry and countless others that have changed our world; than why can’t we see it in our Heavenly Father.  Before you were conceived, before you were formed, the God of the Universe knew exactly why He was creating you.  We are Spiritual, with a flesh and bone skeleton that was formed in the womb.  The Spirit was there long before the flesh ensued and God knew you in that Spiritual form.  He loved you then, He gifted you with a purpose that only you can provide in this community of fellow sinners, to bring them closer to His Kingdom. 

He didn’t all of a sudden realize that your mother conceived and then had to go figure out what to do with this new being #10 Billion 230 Million and 2.  You were planned by God the Creator.  You were gifted before you were formed.  You are not a random person born on this revolving planet.  Take what He created and do something with your life that is worthy of His creation.  He doesn’t make mistakes and there is no way He created you as a mistake.  You are valued, loved and purposed – no go do something with it.



© Sondove Enterprises, 2015
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Stay Thirsty My Friends

“And the earth was tohu vavohu (without form, and void); and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Ruach Elohim (spirit God) was hovering upon the face of the waters.” – Genesis 1:2 {OJV}

Those of you who have been reading my Daily Thoughts for a few years are familiar with my wonder and amazement at the spiritual and deep importance of water.  The simple reality that it represents over 70% of the earth’s surface and averages over 65% of every human being on earth is not just coincidental. If you have ever contemplated this fact and the importance it represents in life, than you have come to the realization that water cannot be created.  It is, it always has been and it will forever be.  Sure, you can create water droplets through condensation and hydration processes, but in reality all you are doing is drawing existing water vapors from the air and bringing the molecules together to form larger masses of an existing element.

Water recreates itself through the process of reversible change.  Glaciers form and melt again; snow falls (many of you in the North are experiencing this wonderful element as we speak) and then melts away again pouring it’s nutrients into the earth so plant life can grow.  Through the hydration cycle, water evaporates into vapor, is drawn upwards, and reforms as water droplets which in turn fall back to the earth.  This cycle was not created by man, or by happenstance.  It was created on the first day of creation, when God separated the heavens and the earth.

You can read through the Hebrew texts, the KJV, the Greek texts and they all introduce water in the second scripture of the entire Word.  It is introduced as already existing, not something created within the context of the scriptures.  Read carefully the text of this verse in the New American Standard Bible “..the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” Gen 1:2  Where does it state that God created the waters?  It doesn’t.  Therefore we must assert that the waters existed before any of His other creation.  Water is mentioned over 750 times in the Bible.  If this is the case, than don’t you believe there is a Spiritual and Eternal significance to water?  I do.    

© Sondove Enterprises, 2015
For more Daily Thoughts go to: http://sondove.blogspot.com
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