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Psalm 67:1-2 – May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. (ESV)
Ever since I was a small boy with a telescope, I have loved the mystery of astronomical science and the universe. Scientists now understand that gravity can bend light, space, and time, which was only discovered and verified in the early twentieth century by Einstein and Edington. I am amazed at the discoveries of a collapsing sun twenty times larger than our own, and colliding neutron stars, exploding billions of years ago.
Over a lifetime, I have had much to encourage myself and others. So, it was a shock, with no little self-recrimination, that recently, I found myself, whilst pondering creation, just for a moment doubting the need for the existence of God. How could this be possible?
Matthew 16:23 – But [Jesus] turned and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man." (ESV)
There you have it. Where is our focus: on Jesus or on our desire for self-determination?
Distracted, we can let the focus of our mind and heart wander away from the centrality of God's incarnation, His Word, and His desire to bring about our salvation at the inception of the universe.
Once the doubts have been raised, they can't be unraised, like attempting to return an airbed to its original packing when it has been blown up, or trying to return a spilled liquid from the work surface back into its container.
Of course, our part in doubt — and possibly Satan's hands — seeks to amplify the shame of our foot-in-mouth before God, to turn us away from Him. I believe that Satan seeks to widen the gap between us, the created, and a loving Creator. Doubt is an age-old tool used to belittle God's love, His grace, and the victory found in Jesus.
It was true for Peter, and it is true for us. We must sort out where we put our trust.
God's ways, His timing, and the physics of creation may be beyond our ability to comprehend, but that does not stop God's love from being effective to bring us back into the light!
So, with a contrite heart, I deliver my shortcomings between the love of God and my faith into His hands, to allow the Holy Spirit to unpick and remove the hurt and shame from my side of our communing.
Nothing is too big for God to handle, not even the universe!
Prayer: Lord, You are the Inaugurator of life in all its fullness. Forgive us all that is past which is not pleasing in Your sight. Then, may we go with You and take Your peace and presence with us through the day to bring solace where there has been fear, and to bring encouragement where there has been doubt. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
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Tuesday, December 3, 2024 – In Canada — Pray for those in small or rural churches, many of whom are struggling without adequate leaders or funds to minister to their communities. Give them faith and courage to reach out to neighbours and those who are not involved in worship and fellowship. Pray for their dependence on God to grow as they trust him for guidance and provision.
Pray: "December 3, 2024: Asking prayers for a young man , Ben who is suffering with brain cancer —..." 
Thank you!
Amen Rod!
Blessings.
Right on the mark Brother, Blessings.
(Ont.)
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
Thanks for your encouragement, Rod. Praying for your country during this time of loss.
Thanks, Rod, for sharing your personal journey to faith to help us today. Blessings on that journey.
Thanks for your post. Some top scientists are bringing issues of faith and science together. I have found this really helpful.
(Saskatchewan. Canada)
Thanks, Rod, for today’s devotional.
You are so right in saying “nothing is too big for God to handle”. We can take to Him whatever problem troubles us and He will sort it out for the very best result.
Blessings for your writings.
Dear Rod,
I wondered where the title “Creation” was going to lead to in your devotional. Yes, realizing how human we are sometimes can be a shock but as you say we only need to humble ourselves to God and he can help us and forgive us. The world is a wonderful place with many new things being learned by scientist every day which God has created, and we are exploring. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us so we can all gain perspective. May many blessings and new ideas come your way.
Good morning Roderick
This is timely for sure, just last night I was wondering how come science says we come from the monkey or at least we always hear that, could we really??? But the word says, we are in the image of God. So, what does God look like?? Yes, this went on for a few minutes and then just gave into what I truly believe… I am made in the image of God!!! God is God!!! I had more peace with that conclusion then I did with the devil-doubt thought that tried to mess me up.
Thank God He is faithful and forgives.
God bless.
Hello Rod, oh so far away. I always look forwards to your writings, and this took a lot of thoughts and prayers. Thank you so much for making us think. When we were very young, our Preacher Daddy would often take us outside at night to show and tell us what we were seeing. We always said we knew what career he would have gone for had the Lord not got him first. We grew up in the Great Depression so there was no money at all for the cheapest telescope possible. Great memories!! Sputnik and others as we knew were going to be out there somewhere, and we knew we could see them on TV as they returned, I would keep our kids home from school so they could see. They didn’t always think it was necessary, but I understood where Daddy’s heart was. Now we’re watching the weird looking helicopter land on another planet. Hope and pray that you and yours are staying well and are all shot up as we are.
God bless you as you continue to write and share with us.
Rod,
Thank you for highlighting the importance of our focus on Jesus.
Good morning, Rod,
Thank you always for your devotionals. I particularly appreciate the prayer here.
No doubt= fact
Doubt
Hi Rod,
Thanks for sharing your interest in astronomy. In that regard we are certainly kindred spirits. I am a retired minister. Thanks to COVID restrictions I have been making Bible study videos instead of facilitating in church studies.
Grace and peace.
(Ontario, Canada)