My early AM pondering is leading me, as usual, to thoughts of belief....and unbelief. I was raised going to church (2x most Sundays). My dad (God bless him!) read a devotion for us at dinner.....where we all sat down and ate together. In later years, grandma V.V. was there too. The T.V. was off. We talked to each other. Do I remember about what? Not necessarily. Do I know I miss those days? YES!
I have felt guilty that I let myself get too busy, too distressed and too depressed to carry on our family tradition. I did much better when our kids were little. It was "easier" then. It seems that with all the time-saving devices and technologies we would have MORE time. Sure doesn't feel that way though. More time wasters maybe.
I don't remember ever really questioning my faith. I guess I always just accepted it as true. I remember that I didn't think/know/realize about the personal relationship part of faith until much later. I know that even though I now understand the relationship better I still don't spend time doing things I think I SHOULD do, but find plenty of things I WANT to do! One of our pastors used to say his wife got frustrated that they did not sit as close to each other in the front seat as they used to when they dated, etc. He was driving. So he said, "Who moved?"
I see this in my relationship with God also. He's driving. He's in the same seat. IF I'm not as close as I want to be? I'm the one who moved....and needs to slide back across that seat.
I used to be surrounded by friends and family that did not question their faith either. This makes it MUCH easier to know what I believed. Lately, I have been around many more people that would consider themselves atheists or agnostic. I've been to classes and heard talks about "evangelizing". When you are around people of your own faith and beliefs, you can get out of the realization that everyone may not believe as you do. I think this is what is happening to me.
Someone very close to me is one of those people. A couple of the things he asks me is what if you had not been raised "that" way? What if no one had told you about God? I try not to think about it, but my mind keeps getting drawn back to those questions.
I would LOVE to think that if that were true, I would look around at the nature around me....at my own body...that has held and produced a little bundle of joy.....at his body and how he was grown from my baby to full grown son. The fact that my heart beats, my lungs breathe and my eyelids open and shut without me ever thinking of how those things happen. I would like to think of the people that I have been blessed to know. I would like to think that I would KNOW that a piece was missing in this puzzle of life. I would like to think that someone would give me reading material, a Bible so I could form my own opinion.
Thankfully, since I had a foundation to build on, I have found that easier. Many have not been given that opportunity. I have great respect for adults that come to faith. By the time we are adults, we have formed opinions on information. We have logical minds that try to override a loving, not so logical heart and soul. We have to ponder if we even have a soul and where does it go?
I have to admit I don't have ALL the answers and I'm grateful that I do not have to. In the meantime, I will continue to pass on the insights I've been given, plant the seed if you will. I will leave it up to others along the paths of life to help take care of it....to take care of you. I will pray that you will find a way to KNOW that works for you. I will pray that if you are feeling the need to move back or find that missing piece that you actively search for answers that will bring you peace....and understanding....that you can know.
Colossians 4 (NIV) Further Instructions
2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Faith. Show all posts
Thursday, May 08, 2014
Monday, January 06, 2014
Faith in Science?!?!?!
I will begin by stating that I may come across as sounding like a complete idiot in this post. I am stating my opinion and thoughts that have invaded my head over the last few days. I may or may not change YOUR mind....and that's OK too.
I readily admit that I do not remember much about Biology and Science classes other than some small bits about anatomy and raising money for food for the Oscar fish in jr. high. Our son is visiting and we have been watching the Science Channel. Some very interesting and, often, curious observations. We watch and observe from opposite ends of the spectrum....or so it seems. I watch from a standpoint of there being Someone bigger than us and giving us purpose and that life seems TOO amazing to just be random. Faith first, science second. He watches from a standpoint of explanations and scientific terminology: words like evolution, building blocks of life, etc.
One episode we watched discussed theoretical physics and particle accelerators. I do not even pretend to understand what or how or why these things exist. It was over my head within the first 5-10 minutes. After that, I was shaking my head and saying "hmmmm" a lot. Mainly because the particle accelerator being discussed is 17 miles long and there were numerous people working toward breaking what seemed to be the smallest particle into even smaller particles. If you're interested in further info: (Images of particle accelerator)
An example of nesting dolls was presented. Each doll opened to a smaller doll, which opened a smaller doll, etc. until it was almost microscopic. I understand the fascination. I find it interesting though that we need these big machines and numerous interested parties to work on something that is already there and functioning (overall) rather well.
Sometimes these shows seem to bring up questions....without the answers. Maybe we don't know the answer yet. Maybe we will never find an answer. Maybe it is all just to start a discussion.
People/scientists try to convince us about "intelligent life" on other planets. I don't understand how people can want aliens, but will not explore more about God....or a creator. Maybe it is TOO logical? Maybe there will always be just one more question in science that will be unable to be answered without a touch of faith.
Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
I readily admit that I do not remember much about Biology and Science classes other than some small bits about anatomy and raising money for food for the Oscar fish in jr. high. Our son is visiting and we have been watching the Science Channel. Some very interesting and, often, curious observations. We watch and observe from opposite ends of the spectrum....or so it seems. I watch from a standpoint of there being Someone bigger than us and giving us purpose and that life seems TOO amazing to just be random. Faith first, science second. He watches from a standpoint of explanations and scientific terminology: words like evolution, building blocks of life, etc.
One episode we watched discussed theoretical physics and particle accelerators. I do not even pretend to understand what or how or why these things exist. It was over my head within the first 5-10 minutes. After that, I was shaking my head and saying "hmmmm" a lot. Mainly because the particle accelerator being discussed is 17 miles long and there were numerous people working toward breaking what seemed to be the smallest particle into even smaller particles. If you're interested in further info: (Images of particle accelerator)
An example of nesting dolls was presented. Each doll opened to a smaller doll, which opened a smaller doll, etc. until it was almost microscopic. I understand the fascination. I find it interesting though that we need these big machines and numerous interested parties to work on something that is already there and functioning (overall) rather well.
Sometimes these shows seem to bring up questions....without the answers. Maybe we don't know the answer yet. Maybe we will never find an answer. Maybe it is all just to start a discussion.
People/scientists try to convince us about "intelligent life" on other planets. I don't understand how people can want aliens, but will not explore more about God....or a creator. Maybe it is TOO logical? Maybe there will always be just one more question in science that will be unable to be answered without a touch of faith.
Psalm 8:3-4 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
Monday, July 02, 2012
And Little Children.....
Matthew 11:25 (NIV) At that time Jesus said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Matthew 19:14 (NIV) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Ahhhhh.....summer! The days are warmer and longer. Time to catch up with family and friends. Cook-outs. Potlucks. Graduations. Summer is also the time when many churches hold VBS (Vacation Bible School). School's out.....BUT we never stop learning.....or shouldn't anyway.
VBS....such a busy time, so much planning, so many volunteers needed.....but, oh so worth it!
Our church splits the kids into groups with a variety of ages in each group. My kids are older so I forget how interesting it is to sit and talk/listen to 4 and 5 year olds. They get so excited. They haven't learned classroom rules much yet, so when they are asked a question even just to think about, they answer....loudly. They like to share the things they do know....even if it does not pertain to the subject....in the way we're talking about it. (ex. Noah and the Ark....kid: My friend's dad has a boat.)
There was one little boy in our group who got extra excited and liked to share. "Did you know Noah's Ark was bigger than the Titantic?" He would almost steal the conversation. The other adults and I would smile at each other. I would quietly start edging up and put my hand on his back to get his attention and tell him he could tell me later. We only had 10-15 minutes for story time. However, as the nights continued and we would review the story, I would also feel kind of bad because I did not want to squash his excitement! He was so cute and so sincere it was impossible to get too frustrated with him. By Wednesday night, he leaned over and whispered in my ear, "I love you!". On Thursday night, he shared that he knew he had Jesus in his heart and would go to heaven.
Oh my. Sometimes as an adult I am not that excited or that secure in my faith. The learning continues......
Matthew 19:14 (NIV) Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Monday, October 27, 2008
Concrete Faith
Hebrews 11: 1-2 The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.
3 By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see. (MSG)
I have a problem with judging distance....always have as far as I know. Overall, this has not caused too many problems except some with driving and parking (as my family will attest to!) :) One of my biggest problems has always been with parking ramps. I try to avoid them at all costs.
For the last week, my mom has been in the hospital. The hospital has a parking ramp. A couple of days during the week, I had no choice but to park in the ramp (and bonus, the hospital validates so it's free). The first day, I cautiously approached the ramp. I drive a van. The bar hangs at 7'. My head knows that in most ramps, the van will fit. My eyes tell me a different story. My eyes make me think that I will be bashing my way through IF I get in at all.
I have had to learn that my eyes are not always my most accurate source of information. Sometimes I need to lean on the fact that there is more to something than what my eyes see. As I was pulling into the ramp that first day, I was reminded that faith is often like that and I remembered the above verse. There are many versions. Basically, it boils down to the fact that faith is not based on what we see. It is believing in what we don't/can't/won't see.
Our family has had to have a lot of faith over the past week. Faith that God has the best interest of our mom as his main focus. We knew that whatever happened she was going to be fine. She still will. She's one of the main reasons for my faith. This week just reminded me that faith is much more firm and structured than I thought and had been feeling.
Faith is what my heart knows, but my head (logic) and eyes try to convince me otherwise. Keep your eyes and heart open for those little ways that God uses to let you know he's there. One other way last week? A car moved over in front of me on one of those rough days. The license plate? LORDGOD I smile.
3 By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see. (MSG)
I have a problem with judging distance....always have as far as I know. Overall, this has not caused too many problems except some with driving and parking (as my family will attest to!) :) One of my biggest problems has always been with parking ramps. I try to avoid them at all costs.
For the last week, my mom has been in the hospital. The hospital has a parking ramp. A couple of days during the week, I had no choice but to park in the ramp (and bonus, the hospital validates so it's free). The first day, I cautiously approached the ramp. I drive a van. The bar hangs at 7'. My head knows that in most ramps, the van will fit. My eyes tell me a different story. My eyes make me think that I will be bashing my way through IF I get in at all.
I have had to learn that my eyes are not always my most accurate source of information. Sometimes I need to lean on the fact that there is more to something than what my eyes see. As I was pulling into the ramp that first day, I was reminded that faith is often like that and I remembered the above verse. There are many versions. Basically, it boils down to the fact that faith is not based on what we see. It is believing in what we don't/can't/won't see.
Our family has had to have a lot of faith over the past week. Faith that God has the best interest of our mom as his main focus. We knew that whatever happened she was going to be fine. She still will. She's one of the main reasons for my faith. This week just reminded me that faith is much more firm and structured than I thought and had been feeling.
Faith is what my heart knows, but my head (logic) and eyes try to convince me otherwise. Keep your eyes and heart open for those little ways that God uses to let you know he's there. One other way last week? A car moved over in front of me on one of those rough days. The license plate? LORDGOD I smile.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Doubting (put your name here), stop doubting and believe
In the Bible, it was Thomas:
John 20:24 - 29 (NIV)
24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Today, it could be any one of us....we can read the Bible, we can feel God's presence and peace, but that little feeling of doubt is never too far away. Thomas didn't just want somebody's word for it. He wanted proof! If we're honest, would we have asked for anything less? Do we now?
Jesus told Thomas to go ahead and touch his hands and side and then, "Stop doubting and believe." Thomas did and THEN he believed.
Jesus knew it would be more difficult for us. Look at verse 29. "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus looked far into the future and knew that there would be days when you and I know we love God, but He just doesn't feel real close right then. Jesus still offers us His hands and side as proof that He did what He said He would do. He died on the cross, rose the 3rd day and went back with His father to prepare a place for us to live eternally.
Deuteronomy 7:8-9 (NIV)
8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
We're one of those thousand generations. He is faithful. He still welcomes doubters, seekers or whatever we need to call ourselves when things aren't going like we think they should. Ask Him to prove Himself to you. He will, no doubt about it.
John 20:24 - 29 (NIV)
24 Now Thomas, one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. 25 So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it." 26 A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you!" 27 Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe." 28 Thomas said to him, "My Lord and my God!" 29 Then Jesus told him, "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Today, it could be any one of us....we can read the Bible, we can feel God's presence and peace, but that little feeling of doubt is never too far away. Thomas didn't just want somebody's word for it. He wanted proof! If we're honest, would we have asked for anything less? Do we now?
Jesus told Thomas to go ahead and touch his hands and side and then, "Stop doubting and believe." Thomas did and THEN he believed.
Jesus knew it would be more difficult for us. Look at verse 29. "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."
Jesus looked far into the future and knew that there would be days when you and I know we love God, but He just doesn't feel real close right then. Jesus still offers us His hands and side as proof that He did what He said He would do. He died on the cross, rose the 3rd day and went back with His father to prepare a place for us to live eternally.
Deuteronomy 7:8-9 (NIV)
8 But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. 9 Know therefore that the LORD your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands.
We're one of those thousand generations. He is faithful. He still welcomes doubters, seekers or whatever we need to call ourselves when things aren't going like we think they should. Ask Him to prove Himself to you. He will, no doubt about it.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Gotta have faith.....By faith,.... Anyway
No, I don't mean the George Michael/Wham kind of faith (Wow, fly back to the 80's!). The song will probably be back around thanks to the Eli Stone show. I just listened to the whole song again (and watched the video). Yikes! I used to sing the words and not even think about them. DEFINITELY not the kind of faith, faith, faith I'm thinking of!
I'm thinking the Hebrews 11 kind of faith.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Many of the verses in this chapter begin with "by faith". In fact, the NIV version lists "by faith" over 20 times in 40 verses! Some of the things and people mentioned "by faith": Creation, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, Israelites, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. Looking at these names, I realized these were not perfect people. Many of them had messed up, but still had faith that God would be with them during their times of trouble.
Reading on, I discovered a surprising fact.
Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV) 13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:39 (NIV) These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
How often do we believe that if we live by faith that entitles us to what God promises? We are blessed, definitely. I believe that part of the reason we do not receive ALL that has been promised is because we still live in a fallen world. If life was so great here, would we yearn to eventually go to our promised, much better forever home?
Another version I read mentioned not receiving the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race. We're still running the race, the prize lies ahead. Run on, one step at a time, to the prize! :)
Sometimes we get glimpses, unexpected blessings, prizes along the way. A few weeks ago, I was treated to time with my mom and a Martina McBride concert. I did not realize how much I would enjoy the concert and her many songs.
The following link is to her video for Anyway. Kind of follows the faith theme. Believe anyway, even when it doesn't make sense, even when you don't see the prize right now. Have faith in what you can't see. We don't "see" the wind either, but we know it's there and we feel it's power!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uLtyzRgmyI
I'm thinking the Hebrews 11 kind of faith.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV) Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Many of the verses in this chapter begin with "by faith". In fact, the NIV version lists "by faith" over 20 times in 40 verses! Some of the things and people mentioned "by faith": Creation, Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses’ parents, Moses, Israelites, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. Looking at these names, I realized these were not perfect people. Many of them had messed up, but still had faith that God would be with them during their times of trouble.
Reading on, I discovered a surprising fact.
Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV) 13All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance. And they admitted that they were aliens and strangers on earth. 14People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:39 (NIV) These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.
How often do we believe that if we live by faith that entitles us to what God promises? We are blessed, definitely. I believe that part of the reason we do not receive ALL that has been promised is because we still live in a fallen world. If life was so great here, would we yearn to eventually go to our promised, much better forever home?
Another version I read mentioned not receiving the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race. We're still running the race, the prize lies ahead. Run on, one step at a time, to the prize! :)
Sometimes we get glimpses, unexpected blessings, prizes along the way. A few weeks ago, I was treated to time with my mom and a Martina McBride concert. I did not realize how much I would enjoy the concert and her many songs.
The following link is to her video for Anyway. Kind of follows the faith theme. Believe anyway, even when it doesn't make sense, even when you don't see the prize right now. Have faith in what you can't see. We don't "see" the wind either, but we know it's there and we feel it's power!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uLtyzRgmyI
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