Supermoon

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Did you see the Supermoon on Saturday night? This big, bright special moon occurs roughly about every 20 years or so.  Scientists tell us that it will look about 14% bigger and about one third brighter than usual.  This special moon occurs when the moon is closest to the earth.
According to NASA statistics, reported on their website, http://solarsystem.nasa.gov/planets/profile.cfm?Display=Facts&Object=Moon, the closest distance between the earth and the moon (called the perigee) is 225,623 miles. The farthest distance (called the apogee) is 252,088 miles.
What makes this moon so special tonight is that the perigee also corresponds with the full moon.  Some people believe there is evidence that the perigee relates to or causes natural disasters and possible supernatural events.
However, many scientists claim it only affects tides.  No matter how God’s people “look” at it, we have to realize the heavens really do declare God’s glory.  As we gaze at the heavens we can stand in awe at God’s infinite wisdom, power, and generosity to share so much with mankind.
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

A Bible Comment on Current Events

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While the world is so focused on the massive tragedies occurring in Japan, the rest of the world is showing significant signs of trouble, also.  We need to be closely watching and praying.  The Bible contains some very explicit verses that contain these directives! Here are a few: Mark 13:33, Mark 14:38, Luke 21:36, Ephesians 6:18, Colossians 4:2, 1 Peter 4:7.

So, what do we watch, and what do we pray about? In summary, we can say we need to “watch what’s going on!”  And, as for what to pray about, the list is possibly endless.  But, here is a great Bible instruction on where to start.

1 Timothy 2:1-6 1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

God cares about everything that’s going on, and about everybody, even those who do not yet know Him.

 

Proverbs 17:9

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He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends.

At times, we may think that sharing what we know about another person’s “transgression” might actually help the person, but, the truth is, we need to think again … seriously!  Both the Old and New Testaments emphasize that seeking love and expressing love for others involves a “covering.”

Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

1 Peter 4:8 8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

We need special wisdom to know when to speak up about a transgression and when to “cover.”  And, even when we may decide that it is wise to speak, we still need a righteous motive, like “seeking love.”

Effects of Tragedies in Japan Are Far-Reaching!

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The world is reeling, experiencing various repercussions from the Japanese double/triple tragedies.

For example, a British website (www.telegraph.co.uk) reports radiation is already being detected many hundreds of miles away from the Japanese nuclear facility.  This same site also reported some experts “expect” radiation to reach Britain within 14 days (forthnight), albeit, at levels that are not expected to cause health problems.

Apparently, in Eastern Russia (near to Japan), frightened citizens are rushing to get iodine tablets, face masks, and equipment to measure radiation levels.

In the US, our President is attempting to keep our citizens calm, while numerous safety investigations begin and emergency contingency plans are examined.

Should God’s people (around the world, including in Japan) be concerned enough about numerous “fallout” (Ha! A play on words) possibilities to do anything drastic to protect themselves?  After all, we are citizens of this world and are being affected, along with everyone else, right?

I think it is good to ask this direct question so we can all examine our levels of awareness, our decisions/judgments based on Bible wisdom as well as everyday saavy, and our levels of trust in God’s protection.

While there are numerous Scriptures to help guide us as we ponder this question, one particular verse stands out for me today with regard to personal safety and God’s protection.  Psalm 91:7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

How many of us can believe this verse and know we can claim it when we sense we are in mortal danger?

 

Is Another Disaster Looming for Japan?

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It is now six days since Japan experienced the massive earthquake and tsunami. Japanese officials (and many experts) are greatly concerned about the damaged nuclear reactor. Officials are seeking help from the International Atomic Energy Agency Director.   We need to seek help from the Almighty God who created the atom and knows how to use the wonders of the atom for the good of mankind.

As concerned citizens of the world community and especially as concerned disciples of Jesus Christ, let us beseech our powerful God to avert any further crises for Japan.  Let us pray for wisdom and right judgment.

Did God Mean the Days of “Leavened” Bread?

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Recently, I came across an article that purported to “correct”our teaching that UNLEAVENED bread should  be eaten during the Days of UNLEAVENED Bread.  The author concluded that because Jesus is the only truly UNLEAVENED human Who ever lived, we should eat LEAVENED (yes, that is what he said we are to eat) bread to show our need for His salvation.  And, of course, disciples of Jesus Christ know He truly was UNLEAVENED.  (Thank God for our miraculous salvation through Him).

Now, that kind of human “reasoning” MIGHT make some kind of “sense” if we IGNORE what the Bible tells us to do. So, what does the Bible clearly say?

In Leviticus 23:6, Moses wrote (as the Spirit of God moved him…see 2 Peter 1:21), And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread.

Clearly, that’s a straight forward description of what kind of bread we should be eating during the seven days of the feast of the first month.  But, let us look at a few more places (Scriptural Witnesses) to let the Bible speak for itself:

Exodus 12:15  Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread….

Exodus 13:6-7 Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread….Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days….

Exodus 23:15 Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and none shall appear before me empty:)

Exodus 34:18 The feast of unleavened bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleavened bread, as I commanded thee, in the time of the month Abib: for in the month Abib thou camest out from Egypt.

Other clear Scriptural descriptions:Numbers 28:17; Deuteronomy 16:3, 8; 2 Chronicles 30:21, 2 Chronicles 35:17; Ezra 6:22; Ezekiel 45:21.

Is this sufficient to prove the point?  God knows what He is doing.  If He wanted us to eat LEAVENED bread during the holy day season of the first month, He is entirely capable of writing those words CLEARLY in HIS WORD.

 

Proverbs 16:33

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Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established.

This Verse of the Day reminds me of so many other Scriptures…one in particular.

In 2 Corinthians 10:5 we learn that all of our thoughts must come into captivity.  Of course, this means our thoughts are brought into a discipline of thinking.  In effect, our thoughts become captive or disciplined to God’s way of thinking.  It takes quite an effort for both God and mankind for this to be accomplished because God says mankind’s thoughts are not His thoughts (Isaiah 55:8).  However, God can build/ground/transform or “establish” our thoughts as we commit our ways (our works) to Him.

Earthquake Victims

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What an awesome tragedy to hit the nation of Japan!  As concerned disciples of Christ, let us go to God on behalf of the victims and ask God to ease their suffering.  Of course, the true and lasting answer to the earthquake and tsunami victims’ pain is the soon coming Kingdom of God.  If they only knew!  The light of God’s Truth will comfort them and set them free.  As we view the suffering via the news, let us be increasingly motivated to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come”  and ask God to intervene quickly.

Be sure to listen to the sermon delivered Sabbath, March 12, 2011 on the subject of
“Earthquakes.”