reflections/meditations

One of the most humbling aspects of the human dilemma is that too often we consent to the right but find ourselves trapped in or at least struggling with the wrong. This is discussed in Rom 7: Rom 7:21 . . . I find it to be a law [–> of reliable observation, a law of human nature] that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver Read More ›

Psalm 2 gives interesting context to the political storms of any given day: Psalm 2: The Reign of the LORD’s Anointed 1 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the Read More ›

Ac 27 records Paul’s journey to Rome as an appeals prisoner, including a shipwreck. After adverse winds had led them to Fair Havens, Crete, a ship’s council decided to sail on despite danger to reach a better port 40 miles down the coast, despite the hazard and counsels of caution by the Apostle in chains. A seemingly desirable South wind came up, giving them a reach wind to sail the 40 miles. But then an early Nor’easter struck. By v 20, they had been kept in its grips and were reduced to emergency measures: Ac 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope of our being saved was at last Read More ›

In the midst of defeat, conquest, devastation, chaos and want, Jeremiah expresses confidence in and loyalty to God: Lamentations 3:22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;[b]    his mercies never come to an end;23 they are new every morning;    great is your faithfulness.24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,    “therefore I will hope in him.” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for him,    to the soul who seeks him.26 It is good that one should wait quietly    for the salvation of the Lord. [ESV] We find an echo in the “actual” definition of faith in Heb 11: Heb. 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those Read More ›

As we see riotous turmoil grabbing headlines, a bit of balancing perspective is always helpful: Psalm 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days Read More ›

Typical images of the solar system are NOT to scale, showing the planets at grossly exaggerated sizes. Here is a typical case, HT Wikimedia, WP and Planet User: So, some video makers did a little project to show it to scale, out to Neptune . . . beyond, lies vastly more of course, but Pluto has been demoted to “dwarf planet.” Video: A Pandemic Sunday reflection from scripture comes to mind: Psalm 19:1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the Read More ›