THE BEST BIRTHHDAY GIFT

Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones not of material value, but those that prick our hearts, our souls and our minds.  Those that stay with us for eternity and remind us of what is most important in our lives.

On December 24, 1968, William Alders, Astronaut for Apolo 8 space mission looked up from the surface of the moon and saw the most majestic view he would ever witness.  He saw the earth rising across the horizon of the moon's surface.  After being told to wait by the shuttle commander because the picture wasn't a scheduled photo, Alders grabbed his color camera and snapped the below picture which would today, be known as the most influential environmental photo ever taken.  But to many Christians, it may be one of the biggest examples of proof of God's handiwork in creation, ever.  To believe that THIS could come from a BANG instead of the tender care of a Master's hand is insanity.

This week, the first chapter of Genesis tells us of how God carefully and orderly orchestrated His creation in six days and on the seventh day, rested.  And in no less than 7 times did our Creator look at all He did and proclaim "it was good!"  In fact, the last time, the sixth day, He proclaimed, "it was VERY good!"

Just looking at the picture below, one can see it is not only good, but it is indeed, VERY good.  And looking at this incredible picture, taken on  my birthday in 1968, I too, believe without a doubt, it is VERY good.

You see, our Creator doesn't do things half way.  He doesn't do things any way but the VERY best.  He is orderly, precise, intentional, complete and all He does, He does without reservation.  He created the VERY best and He gave His VERY BEST for our redemption.  My question is, how do I do the things He calls me to do?  Am I orderly, precise, intentional, complete and do I give Him my VERY BEST and serve Him without reservation? 

What a beautiful reminder Earthrise serves for each of us.  A reminder of the BEST gift our Creator has given us...redemption through the blood of His son Jesus Christ!

I am grateful for such a beautiful birthday gift!

 

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APPLE's NEW REVELATION

Yesterday, began our first week of the study of Genesis at BSF.  "In the beginning" is how God begins His description of His creation.  Genesis is a description of "new beginnings" about many things...of God's creation of this world, of man, of man's need for redemption, of His chosen people, of a covenant with man and so on and so on.  But what is interesting to me, is after His creation of man, man's "new beginning" of a need for redemption all began with an "APPLE".

On September 12th, our first class day, Apple, Inc. announced the near production and sale of their new iPhone 5.  Now this was something I have been waiting for for several months.  I am qualified for an upgrade on my iPhone and have been waiting for the new "5".  When I awoke on Wednesday morning, the 12th, excited about the first day of BSF, I took Hershey (our puppy)out for his morning "you-know-what"!  We usually sit on the steps a moment together before he is ready to go.  At 5:00 a.m. in the morning, it's still dark, the moon is still in the sky, stars bright and the air quiet and still.  The air was cool and light and it was a perfect time to reflect and pray as we sat together looking into the sky.  It was truly beautiful, and at that moment, I understood what God meant when He said everyone had proof from nature alone, He was creator of all things good.  There is no excuse for anyone to deny knowing Him.  I could not help but sit in praise and thanksgiving at the beauty of the morning.

After a few minutes, in all my humanness, my mind wondered to the "toy" being revealed that day.  Oh boy!  The "Apple iPhone 5"!  As I thought about it, I got the picture of the Apple logo in my mind.  An apple with a bite out of it.  I began to laugh at myself.  And then, hung my head in shame.  What a pity I thought.  Man's first need for redemption began with a bite out of an apple.  Man's desire for something, some "thing", not necessary, just something man wanted, some "thing" he put before God, some "thing" that would offer him power, knowledge, whatever he desired.  But that "thing" is the very "thing" that would separate him from the "One" who provided him with all that he really needed.  Now, man would need redemption.  I hung my head in shame because it reminded me of my need for redemption and what it cost my Lord.

I guess all these "Apple" products can serve a great purpose.  They can be a GREAT reminder to us all of the love and generosity our Lord poured out as He hung on the cross to redeem each of us for the penalty of our sin.  Display the logo, as a reminder of your Redeemer!

KING of ME

Keep drinkin' coffee
Stare me down across the table
While I look outside

So many things I'd say if only I were able
But I just keep quiet
And count the cars that pass by

You've got opinions, man
We're all entitled to 'em
But I never asked

So let me thank you for time
And try to not waste any more of mine
Get out of here fast

I hate to break it to you babe
But I'm not drowning
There's no one here to save

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)

You sound so innocent
All full of good intent
You swear you know best

But you expect me to
Jump up on board with you
Ride off into your dellusional sunset

I'm not the one who's lost
With no direction oh
But you won't ever see

You're so busy makin' maps
With my name on them in all caps
You got the talkin' down just not the listening

And who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

All my life
I've tried
To make everybody happy while I
Just hurt
And hide
Waitin' for someone to tell me it's my turn
To decide

Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)
Oh (oh oh oh)

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Who cares if you disagree
You are not me
Who made you king of anything
So you dare tell me who to be
Who died
And made you king of anything

Let me hold your crown, babe
Oh oh
Ah

The lyrics above are from a song entitled "King of Anything".  I'm sure it was written about an unhappy couple.  I first thought it rather funny - a "You go girl" kind of song.  But later, realized it could also describe our attitudes toward our heavenly Father at times.

Some ONE did die and make Him King of EVERYTHING!  Is He your King?

DOORS

My son Graham has this knack for capturing unusual pictures while riding the subway, bus or taking a liesurley run on a sunny afternoon.  He always has his phone with him and manages to capture the picture and post it on Facebook or texts me with some approprate or humorous caption.  I received this one by text this morning with the caption, "Where does your door lead?"

It reminds me of the doors that are opened and closed by our Lord each and every day.  Think of the story of Noah.  God opened the doors of the ark for the safety, protection and salvation for all who would trust Him, follow His summon and come under His wing of protection.

God also closed the same door of the ark for the safety, protection and salvation of those who trusted Him, followed His summon and came under His protection in the ark.

Remember, it's not what happens when the doors are opened closed, but our attitude and response to their opening and closings.