Friday, August 13, 2021

Invisible God, 2of11

 ~ Man Cannot See God ~

Introductory Quote  ~  In the early days of space exploration one of the Russian cosmonauts returned from space and matter-of-factly stated that he hadn’t seen God! The essence of his comment was, ‘I’ve been there, done that, I didn’t see God — therefore there is no God.’

“Because God was not seen by Russian cosmonauts or our own astronauts, does that mean that God does not exist?  Does it mean that He is absent from outer space?  Or, is He present but invisible?

“We know that it is dark, very dark, in outer space.  We also are aware that outer space is full of light traveling from stars in all directions.  Only a tiny fraction of this light travels in a direction that causes it to reach our planet earth.  Space travelers do not see the light that is so abundant in space.

“The Scriptures tell us that the God who is light dwells in darkness!” (from the book: “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight  by Robert Lloyd Russell).

Scripture  ~  “Then Job answered and said: ‘Truly I know it is so, but how can a man be righteous before God?  If one wished to contend with Him, he could not answer Him one time out of a thousand.  God is wise in heart and mighty in strength.  Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered?  He removes the mountains, and they do not know when He overturns them in His anger; He shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble; He commands the sun, and it does not rise; He seals off the stars; He alone spreads out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea; He made the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south; He does great things past finding out, yes, wonders without number.  If He goes by me, I do not see Him; if He moves past, I do not perceive Him; if He takes away, who can hinder Him?  Who can say to Him, “What are You doing?”  God will not withdraw His anger, the allies of the proud lie prostrate beneath Him’” (Job 9:1-13). 

Closing Quote  ~  As we return to Einstein’s theory of relativity, we find that as an object reaches the speed of light, dimensions in the direction of travel become zero.  This means that objects traveling at the speed of light become invisible, no matter how large they are at slower speeds.  Light defies our normal constraints of spatial dimensions.

“Although light is invisible, it is capable of manifesting itself.  We can detect the presence of light as it reveals our surroundings, and we discern the effects of light such as feeling its warmth on our skin.  It is as if we can see the unseen.

“We can utilize the effects of light in many ways.  In our era with the use of lasers mankind has harnessed the power of light to perform many wonderful tasks — from supermarket checkout procedures to critical medical operations.

“In a similar manner we do not see God, but we see the manifestations of God.  The effects of the invisible God are clearly seen.  His presence can be known.

“The key to understanding either physical or spiritual light is found in observing what it can do.  Although no one has ever seen physical light, mankind has learned a great deal about its characteristics; we have applied our knowledge in useful ways.” (from the book: “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight  by Robert Lloyd Russell).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Thursday, August 12, 2021

2 Gives 2

 ~ 2 Spiritual Disciplines with 2 Results ~

Be In The Word of God  ~  “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious” (1 Peter 4:7a). To be serious about your Christian faith requires spending regular time in the Word of God—a critical spiritual discipline for a healthy spiritual life which results in a clear mind and self-control. 

Be In Prayer  ~  “But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers” (1 Peter 4:7).  Prayer is another critical with regards to all of life on earth and for a healthy spiritual life which is a responsibility, duty, and ministry that all Christians are called to. 

Result One  ~  “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:8-10).  To love others deeply is a practical result which comes from the two previous spiritual disciplines. 

Result Two  ~  “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’  Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.  As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Peter 4:8-10).  The result of the previous paragraphs is stated clearly. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Wednesday, August 11, 2021

God Our Rock, 22

 ~ Rock of My Salvation, 2 ~

Introduction  ~  In Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:47-49 Jesus relates the importance of building your house upon rock rather than sand.  This principle is even more critical when it comes to our spiritual life.  Each post in this series looks at a different Biblical passage which refers to our God as a Rock (not a complete list). 

Scripture  ~  “But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name his horn shall be exalted.  Also I will set his hand over the sea, and his right hand over the rivers.  He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my Father, my God, and the rock of my salvation’” (Psalm 89:24-26).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *