God – The Great Designer

God, The Great Designer – From the Stars to the Sea

God The Great Designer

From the Hubble Space Telescope – Westerlund 2

Sometimes I look at the stars above and wonder in amazement at how big and beautiful the night sky is.

That’s a lot of stars up there!

Do you ever wonder how many stars there really are?

No one knows exactly, except our Sovereign God who created them.

14 Then God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night, and they shall serve as signs and for seasons, and for days and years; 15 and they shall serve as lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth”; and it was so.Genesis 1:14-15, (NASB).2

Here’s an interesting estimate that I saw recently:

Just in our Milky Way alone, astronomers estimate there are about 100 billion stars. (Imagine the Universe, 2015)3

100,000,000,000.

That’s eleven zero’s!

The Great Designer Knows You By Name

We are so blessed that our all-powerful, merciful, loving, and righteous God not only created us and every thing, but He loves us and knows each of us by name – just like the stars in the sky.

He counts the number of the stars;
He gives names to all of them.Psalm 147:4, (NASB).4

From the stars to land and sea, we can appreciate God’s handiwork all around us.

The Great Designer knows you

Australian poet, Maurice Dyson, captures this reminder beautifully in his poem, “The Eternal Spring.”

Please enjoy.


The Eternal Spring

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding. When the morning stars sang together,
and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Job 38:4,7.

Before God made His creatures,
Or earth received its form,
It rested with the Mighty One
To formulate the norm.
The universal features,
As much as we can see,
Are so designed to satisfy
A role in history.

The circular attractions,
Of matter large and small,
Are evident by telescope
Or in the science hall.
We marvel at the actions,
Which keep them in their paths,
And from their stable characters
We standardise our maths.

There is a great Designer
Controlling everything:
The many constellations
Or the sparrow on the wing;
The largest ocean liner
That ever put to sea,
Would never reach its port of call
If facts did not agree.

The law of gravitation
That holds us in our place;
The measureless dimensions
That we commonly call space;
All form a grand equation
That echoes and coheres;
Maintaining checks and balances
Throughout the passing years.

This wonderful creation
And marvellous expanse
Was brought into existence
By the Master’s strict commands;
We share the exultation
That angels once portrayed,
The day they sang that joyful song
When earth and sky were made.

Copyright © 2019 Maurice Dyson.5

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Star Cluster Westerlund 2 and Starforming Nebula Gum 29” by HubbleColor {Zolt}. Public Domain Mark 1.0. Web. Accessed 13 March, 2023.

2 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

3 From the The Milky Way Galaxy | Imagine The Universe! (2015). 100 billion stars reference.

4 Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

Dyson, Maurice. “The Eternal Spring” – Christian Poems About Creation, n.d. Web. Used with permission. Accessed March 6, 2023. Courtesy of freechristianillustrations.com.

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Watered-Down Christianity

Watered-Down Christianity: Misleading The Masses

The very idea of artificial intelligence (or AI) sends shivers down my spine, and yet also fascinates me at the same time.

Who ever thought we’d be in living in an era where self-driving cars are being tested?

And, check this out. 

Recently, I prompted an AI generator to create a rhyming poem about flowers.

In a matter of a few seconds, this is what it came up with:

computer-generated

It’s not the best poem, but not the worst either, right?

But the fact remains, a machine wrote it.

My knowing ahead of time that this poem wasn’t written from the heart and creative mind of a human writer cheapens it for me.

I don’t know about you, but I like to know ahead of time if something is real, or just a clever imitation.

Likewise, in our Christian faith, discernment over what is the real gospel vs. watered-down Christianity is crucial.

Watered-down Christianity isn’t Christianity at all.

Watered Down Christianity: Are You Hearing the Real Deal?

Is what you’re listening to the real gospel of Jesus Christ as recorded in the Bible – or is it just an imitation?

Is the message watered down to make it look and sound like the real thing, but it fails to mention sin, forgiveness, the Cross, the Resurrection, and salvation?

There’s a lot of false teaching in our world today – meant to tickle the ears and grow the congregation at the same time.

Does the Bible say:

You have to earn your way into Heaven?

That there are many ways to Heaven?

You can pray to whomever you would like?

That we all worship the same God?

No. it doesnt. But, those are just some of the counterfeit teachings leading the masses down a dangerous path.

The right thing to do is to teach people the truth.

The Enemy, working through modern day false teachers, will do anything to destroy the true gospel – that our salvation is through Christ alone.

We must be modern day Bereans.

The Bereans have long been seen as a positive example of how a person or community should respond to biblical teaching. We are called to eagerly learn from God’s Word and, no matter who the teacher is, to investigate new teaching in comparison with the Bible. The practice of the ancient Bereans is a model for all who desire to grow spiritually today.Got Questions website.1

Why is Biblical discernment so important?

Proverbs 14:33

The world, as prophesied in scripture, will continue to rebel against God.

The biblical term “fool” does not mean someone unintelligent or uneducated. It means someone who ignores godly wisdom and truth in favor of their own biases or preferences.Bibleref website.2

People are looking for soft answers, and false teachers are providing what they want to hear.

We must beware of new revelations, mysticism, and biblical “adjustments” to appease modern sensitivities.

Test everything against Scripture.

Be discerning. 

watered-down Christianity

It is up to us as Christians, led by the Holy Spirit, to take the real gospel to the world, and expose what is fake.

# # #


Quotation from gotquestions.org, from “Who were the Bereans in the Bible?” n.d., para. 8. Web. Accessed March 6, 2023. Bereans in the Bible.

2 Quotation from bibleref.com, from “What does Proverbs 14:33 mean?” n.d., para. 3. Web. Accessed March 6, 2023. Biblical definition of fool.

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Foul Language In Movie Trailers

Is Foul Language in Movie Trailers Really Necessary?

Foul language in movie trailers

After some thought, I decided to take a little turn from my regularly planned blog post and issue a word of caution to parents instead.

If you decide to take your kids to a movie at a theater – even if it’s a Christian movie – just know that there is the “possibility” that the trailers that are shown before your movie starts may contain expletives.

Granted, it has been awhile since I’ve been to an actual theater. That is by choice. Most of the movie themes that Hollywood puts out these days are anything but family-friendly.

A few days ago my husband and I went to see a Christian-themed movie at a local theater.

We thought the previews would have been more carefully selected since this was a Christian movie.

In a word, “nope.”

We were shocked to hear two expletives in one of the trailers – an “S-Bomb” and a “GD” – which clearly is an offense to God.

How did that even happen?

Well, ideally, it wasn’t supposed to.

On the simplest level, studios and theater owners try to pair trailers with the audience who’d presumably go see their associated film. –  https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-trailers.htm

Foul Language in Movie Theaters – It’s Ok to Speak Out

The more I thought about it – the more I was sickened by it, and so I did officially complain to the theater.

All this to say – if, as a Christian parent, you want to take your family to see a movie now, you should probably be prepared for a teachable moment when some of these things happen.

I’ve been told I’m fighting a losing battle.

Maybe so, but it pressed upon my heart and I’m glad I said something. 

On another note, here is a link to a Christian movie review site.

This link provides reviews of the actual content in movies today.

MovieGuide.Org

If there’s violence, language, or anything anti-God in a movie – you can find out about it beforehand so you can make an informed parental decision.

# # # 


Dylan Ris “Coming Attractions: Who Picks the Movie Trailers We See?” 9 February 2023. HowStuffWorks.com <https://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/movie-trailers.htm> 26 February 2023

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Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light In The Darkness

Blessing Offor: seeing God's light

Do you like to sing in the car?

Well, me too.

A big thanks to my husband for not covering his ears.

My current favorite song for gracing the cars next to me with song (wink wink) is a No. 1 radio hit, “The Goodness” by Toby Mac. 

When I noticed the other vocalist’s name who Toby was featuring in the song, I just had to look him up.

In one word, “amazing.”

Are you familiar with Christian musician, vocalist, and songwriter – Blessing Offor?

Blessing Offor

There are so many wonderful things to say about this man and yes, “Blessing” is his real first name.

Blessing has already collaborated with many top Christian artists and shared his own vocal expertise on Season 7 of The Voice.

A virtuoso on the piano, Blessing (in his own right) has been called “a force to be reckoned within the music stratosphere” and rightfully so. (JFH News, 2022)1

But there’s much more.

Born in Nigeria, Blessing knows what it means to face overwhelming challenges. Congenital Glaucoma, combined with a freak accident later in elementary school, claimed all of his vision before he turned eleven years old.

Even so, he has a gift from God that continues to shine through the challenges he faces.

His incredible voice and the joyful attitude I saw him display in an interview drew me to his music.

Released last year, the song “Tin Roof” is one of my favorites. Not only just for Christians, it strikes a chord for anyone who is in the midst of despair.

As Christians though, we know that through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, our sorrows are washed away once we’re in Heaven.

That beautiful analogy is like the comforting sounds of raindrops on a tin roof.

Blessing Offor: Seeing God’s Light

How do we react when we face overwhelming challenges in our life?

Do we dwell in anger over our suffering, or do we look forward to a brighter day?

Even though Blessing faces a daily challenge that most of us can’t even imagine, he’s never given up on his dreams . . . or on God.

When you find that your faith is up to the challenge and in fact grows for the challenge, it’s a kind of joy that nothing else can touch. – Blessing Offor.2

Earlier this year, Blessing released his full length debut album titled “My Tribe.”

Here’s a favorite – the soul-searching and faith-affirming song, “Believe.”

Blessing Offor’s upcoming tour starts March 2nd of this year. You can find his tour schedule here.

Face the problems head on, ask questions, ask God the tough questions, but don’t give up.

We are all going to go through hard things, really hard things, but we can have the confidence to know that there will be brighter days ahead.

“Even if He doesn’t save your eyesight, He’s still good.” – Blessing Offor.3

# # # 


1From JFH News Report via PFA Media, No. 1 Artist Blessing Offor Shares Soaring live Video For Single Believe. (November 11, 2022). https://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2022/11/11.BlessingOfforReleasesLiveVideoforBelieve.asp

2-3Blessing Offor interview.  “How Losing His Sight Affected Blessing Offor’s Faith.” [YouTube]. March 8, 2022, Web. Accessed February 16, 2023. Retrieved from: Interview With Blessing Offor

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A Best Day

A Best Day in Your Life

Think back.

What was your best day ever?

Was it your wedding day?

Best day: your wedding day

The birth of your child?

Best day: the birth of your baby

Was it the day you gave your life to Christ?

Best day: when you gave your life to Christ

Remembering our favorite days is one of the best ways to bring on a smile.

It’s healthy for you too, because positive thinking helps reduce stress and reminds us to be thankful for all of our blessings.

A Best Day on an Island

Several years ago, my husband and I went on a Christian marriage retreat in the Bahamas.

The beautiful beach, having church on the beach, meeting friendly people, and the delicious food were unforgettable.

We were joined by good friends and met many new friends from all over the world.

One of the highlights of the trip was a boat ride to Paradise Island to hear MercyMe perform – right there on the beach.

best day vacation

We sat out on our beach towels and enjoyed the music and the beauty of the island all around us. 

I was talking with this one lady sitting next to me and she said, “This must be what Heaven is like.”

I agree with her.

It was one of the best days in my life that I’ll never forget.

In Heaven, Every Day is a Best Day

Best days are filled with happiness, joy, no stress, amazing surprises, delight, and wonderful people.

So guess what? 

Your best days on earth don’t even compare to what you will experience some day in Heaven.

We will have endless best days in our heavenly home.

Everything is perfect

No stress

No illness, pain, or suffering

Saved love ones reunited

And best of all, Jesus will be there!

John 14:1-3

# # #


Scripture quotation is from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.

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