It took about two hours to do that!Feb 14, 2007
Feb 13, 2007
Snowed in!
So I guess a couple of days really means over a week.........
For those who haven't heard, we're in the middle of a huge blizzard here in Champaign. There's a foot of new snow on top of the couple of inches we already had. I made my way to the bus stop at 8:45 this morning only to have the bus driver tell me that the University canceled classes today (and tomorrow) for the first time since the late 70's. It was nice to have an extra day at home with Lisa and Stephen.
This weather got me thinking about the Lord and if it is something that He allows Satan to use. Is He the one that caused this? What about other natural disasters? Here are a few verses (there are many others):
"For to the snow he says, 'Fall on the earth,' likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour." Job 37:6
"For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea."
"He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalm 107:25, 29
"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea,'Peace! Be still!' And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm." Mark 4:39
So obviously God is the one in control of the weather (even the snow.....). In many instances it relates to judgment, but not always. It makes me wonder if there is some sort of judgment related to this storm. Hmmm..........Job 1 presents an interesting case. God seems to allow Satan the opportunity to at least control the wind in order to test Job:
"And the LORD said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.'"
".....a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people....." Job 1:12, 19
So does God give Satan control of other aspects of weather? How often does that happen? I need to ponder this a bit more........
For those who haven't heard, we're in the middle of a huge blizzard here in Champaign. There's a foot of new snow on top of the couple of inches we already had. I made my way to the bus stop at 8:45 this morning only to have the bus driver tell me that the University canceled classes today (and tomorrow) for the first time since the late 70's. It was nice to have an extra day at home with Lisa and Stephen.
This weather got me thinking about the Lord and if it is something that He allows Satan to use. Is He the one that caused this? What about other natural disasters? Here are a few verses (there are many others):
"For to the snow he says, 'Fall on the earth,' likewise to the downpour, his mighty downpour." Job 37:6
"For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea."
"He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed." Psalm 107:25, 29
"And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea,
So obviously God is the one in control of the weather (even the snow.....). In many instances it relates to judgment, but not always. It makes me wonder if there is some sort of judgment related to this storm. Hmmm..........Job 1 presents an interesting case. God seems to allow Satan the opportunity to at least control the wind in order to test Job:
"And the LORD said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your hand. Only against him do not stretch out your hand.'"
".....a great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people....." Job 1:12, 19
So does God give Satan control of other aspects of weather? How often does that happen? I need to ponder this a bit more........
Feb 4, 2007
Trois reflets
It's been a busy couple of days, sorry I didn't post something last Tuesday. We went out of town to visit Lisa's dad (he had surgery last week) and my grandparents. I'll write again in a couple of days, but for now, a few thoughts......
- It's interesting to watch people get on the bus every day. There are several rules to follow, sort of like urinal etiquette for guys. First, if there is an empty seat, sit there, presumably so you don't have to sit by anyone else. Second, if there isn't an empty seat, sit by someone of the same gender. If it's not possible to follow those rules, sit by a member of the opposite sex. The thing is that when you actually talk with someone you don't know, they're generally pretty nice. Deceit? Maybe, as the actions of most (including myself) point toward most of us wanting to sit alone in our own world without talking to anyone. I don't want to be someone that avoids the world, I want to engage it. Jesus says that even saying 'hi' can be a big deal, that the Kingdom of God can advance through that (Matthew 5:47).
- On the radio today I heard it said that watching a big game like the Super Bowl releases adrenaline in a manner similar to riding a roller coaster (except it lasts three hours, not three minutes). It can cause heart attacks in at-risk folks. Wow! I suppose having a heart attack while watching a sporting events might be a sign of caring too much about them. I know that feeling, though. I know the heart-racing excitement that comes from watching a game, but is it good? When does it become sinful?
- I was with an older brother tonight, and we were talking with a Muslim friend of his. We discussed some things about the Bible and the Koran--it was good. This other brother was very bold in bringing up some things he wanted his friend to consider. It's a boldness that I lack at times. I find myself being hesitant to bring up spiritual matters. May the Lord grant me a greater awareness of His Spirit and how He wants to work in situations such as these.
- The Bears were terrible tonight, and the real drag about that is that now we in the Chicago area have to hear talk about Rex Grossman for a few more weeks. Maybe I'll avoid sports radio for a while........
- It's interesting to watch people get on the bus every day. There are several rules to follow, sort of like urinal etiquette for guys. First, if there is an empty seat, sit there, presumably so you don't have to sit by anyone else. Second, if there isn't an empty seat, sit by someone of the same gender. If it's not possible to follow those rules, sit by a member of the opposite sex. The thing is that when you actually talk with someone you don't know, they're generally pretty nice. Deceit? Maybe, as the actions of most (including myself) point toward most of us wanting to sit alone in our own world without talking to anyone. I don't want to be someone that avoids the world, I want to engage it. Jesus says that even saying 'hi' can be a big deal, that the Kingdom of God can advance through that (Matthew 5:47).
- On the radio today I heard it said that watching a big game like the Super Bowl releases adrenaline in a manner similar to riding a roller coaster (except it lasts three hours, not three minutes). It can cause heart attacks in at-risk folks. Wow! I suppose having a heart attack while watching a sporting events might be a sign of caring too much about them. I know that feeling, though. I know the heart-racing excitement that comes from watching a game, but is it good? When does it become sinful?
- I was with an older brother tonight, and we were talking with a Muslim friend of his. We discussed some things about the Bible and the Koran--it was good. This other brother was very bold in bringing up some things he wanted his friend to consider. It's a boldness that I lack at times. I find myself being hesitant to bring up spiritual matters. May the Lord grant me a greater awareness of His Spirit and how He wants to work in situations such as these.
- The Bears were terrible tonight, and the real drag about that is that now we in the Chicago area have to hear talk about Rex Grossman for a few more weeks. Maybe I'll avoid sports radio for a while........
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