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My wife and I have enjoyed the distinct privilege of being on a cruise this past week. It’s been an absolutely amazing experience and one that came at a great time for us, physically with our rest, personally in our relationship and spiritually in our walks with God. All of us need rest and I hope you are taking yours, too!
One day on the boat I was sitting on the ledge of our cabin window looking West at the incredible ocean that stretched out before me. It was a windy day and the waves were really hitting us hard, you could feel the boat rocking back and forth as it skipped along the water en route to L.A.
As I kept gazing out the window I had the incredible sense of smallness. Here we are on the edge of the coast (not more than a few miles from land) and yet no land can be seen with the naked eye. Here our, this 1,000 foot cruise liner, burning over 1,000 gallons of fuel an hour, and yet the ocean tosses us to and fro like a toy in the bath tub.
For a brief moment, I think I had a glimpse, a 1/100th of a glimpse of what it was like for Job the day he was questioned by God.
Most of you probably know Job’s story from the Bible. He was an incredibly wealthy man with a great family when God allowed it all to be taken away. In minutes — literally! — he learned that all he owned had been stolen, that all of his children had been killed and that his own wife was asking him to curse God and call it quits. Job was devastated, and soon hit rock bottom.
Before long, four of his buddies show up and try to “encourage” him all to no avail. Of course, for three of them, their encouragement is filled with theological mistakes and blunders and they do a horrible job of representing God. At the end of many days of arguing, questioning God and blowing off three of his friends, Job’s fourth friend speaks truth. And as this young man finishes his dialogue, God makes an appearance and Job get his chance to question the Creator.
Of course, Job’s earlier bravado about wanting to question God disappears at the moment God shows up. And instead of Job questioning Him, God turns the tables and starts questioning Job. Check out Job 38:1-7:
Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: ”Who is this that darkens my counsel
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It’s hard to narrow it down to just one part of creation. God’s creation is marvelous and endlessly fascinating. Today I experienced the song of birds as the sun rose over the mountains. It seemed like a ten thousand birds were all singing in perfect harmony. I wondered how many people were hearing this song that speaks of God’s vastness and majesty. The colors in the sky seemed to constantly be changing from dark purples and blues to pinks and oranges as the sun came up over the horizon. It was beautiful and amazing. The crisp fresh air, the songs, the Painter’s sunrise, the mystical clouds–it was magical. God is beyond compare.
- Danny, April 19th, 2010 at 9:16 am
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- Tenth Dot Ministries» Blog Archive » The Creator God by How To Create Blog, April 19th, 2010 at 11:10 am
For me it is the stars. I work a night shift. When I have a moment during my shifts on a clear night, I love to look up and take in the view. It just makes me stand and be still and listen for God.
- 8W55, April 19th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
it is such a great reminder that we’re just a little speck in the grandeur of God’s vast world. i love going out in nature and just sitting and being still. listening to nature’s sounds. it’s especially calming when near a body of water and when things are still at night with a slight breeze.
- cynlay, April 19th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
I live in a valley in the heart of Mexico. From my house I can look out and see mountains in every direction. Behind the mountains I see more mountains. Sometimes I just stand at the top of the stairs, or sit on the roof and am honestly speechless. God is so amazing.
Also, living in a small town in the heart of Mexico, means lots of clear nights, with few city lights. the stars are AMAZING. I seriously stand out there for hours, or lay on our roof for hours gazing out at the stars, astounded by God.
However, even though I’m amazed when I look at the stars or the mountains, just like PJ said in todays devotion, I’m reminded how small I am compared to God. How much I can’t even begin to THINK about comparing myself to Him.
- Jess, April 19th, 2010 at 9:14 pm
I am amazed how this volcanic eruption in Iceland is literally shutting down travel in Europe. We think we have control and power and put faith in our technological advances – yet God can shut us down in an instant.
I am amazed that this all powerful, enormous God still loves a dirty sinner like me..
- davidmac527, April 20th, 2010 at 11:16 pm