Moonbow

Lunar Rainbow at Victoria Falls

Just when you think the earth’s beauty has been mined and you’re familiar with the jewels, another one pops up.  I was not aware of the “rainbow produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon rather than from direct sunlight.” Though faint, often appearing white to our eyes, the colors do appear in long exposure photographs.

A moonbow (also known as a lunar rainbow, lunar bow or white rainbow) is a rainbow produced by light reflected off the surface of the moon rather than from direct sunlight. Moonbows are relatively faint, due to the smaller amount of light reflected from the surface of the moon. They are always in the opposite part of the sky from the moon.
A true moonbow is lit from the Moon itself. A colored rainbow when the sun is setting or when it is darker out is not a moonbow because it is still produced by sunlight. Moonbows have been mentioned at least since Aristotle, in his Meteorology, circa 350 BC, and in 1847, and the term moonbow was used by Nick Whelan who sighted one of the first documented moonbows in Eastern Utah.

In other words, they could not have been easily seen before current technology.  How much more is waiting for just the right technology to display to us?

Almost as much as what is waiting for us in God’s word as we seek His will.  Before we seek Him, we are much as Jeremiah described:

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: (Jeremiah 5:21 KJV)

Jesus described His disciples, too, when the misunderstood a lesson:

Having eyes, see ye not? and having ears, hear ye not? and do ye not remember? (Mark 8:18 KJV)

With the psalmist, we need to seek our Lord in prayer:

Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. (Psalms 119:18 KJV)

What we receive in return cannot be described:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV)

We do know it comes with good and with love, for that is God:

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. (1 John 4:8 KJV)

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. (Psalms 73:1 KJV)

A History Lesson

Following World War II (I know, ancient history to most living today), the United States of America began the business of rebuilding nations. Quite successfully, if you look at Germany or Japan today. Unsuccessfully, if you look at Korea, Viet Nam, Lebanon, Somalia, Afghanistan or Iraq.

Rob Enderle’s “IBM’s Best Battle Strategy May Be To Avoid Wars” has some interesting history lessons regarding competition in business, and one paragraph that made me stop and think very seriously about when to contend (Jude 1:3):

After the Cold War, we stopped focusing on the leaders of global growth (India and China) and started focusing excessively on the losers (Taliban and Al-Qaeda)  – he says it should be no surprise is that we are starting to look more and more like the losers, falling seriously behind China.

I cannot cite the source of the following quote, but I see its application here, too:  Never go into battle where there are no spoils.

No, this is not about geo-politics, nor business strategy, but it does bring to mind IBM’s corporate motto, “Think,”as it applies to Christians.

How are Christians to battle? Take a look at the whole armor of God:

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: (Ephesians 6:14-17 KJV)

Every item there, except the sword, is defensive.  Got that? Think about it. It bears repeating:  Every single part of the armor is defensive, except the sword. That’s God’s word.  Remember, it does not return to Him void (Isaiah 55:11) God-breathed, inspired. When it’s time for us to use it, the words will be provided.

But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13:11 KJV)

Look at the circumstances – “lead you, and deliver you up” doesn’t sound as though Christ is speaking to someone who went looking for a fight, does it? At times it comes to us unexpectedly when we quote the Bible.  It did for a high school student in the Metroplex this last week.  

Christians depend upon the Bible as God’s word.  As I ask my readers to check out the verses posted, I depend on God’s word to speak to their hearts.  Not my words – they are simply bubble wrap. The Bible as we see it was inspired by God to reach out to mankind.  What I write won’t be remembered through tomorrow – His is designed to last an eternity.  Nothing I can say will add to His word.

Passing?

We drive roads similar to this photo quite often. (We could use some more of those clouds that promise rain, though!) They wiggle and wander across our countryside and give few opportunities to pass.  I was on one yesterday that ambled as this does, just a little rolling-hill countryside two-lane road.

I don’t speed (often) and do try to keep within five miles an hour of the posted speed limit.  Often there is someone behind me who finds that pace to slow.  S/He ought to be behind me after dark – I’m close to ten mph slower!

Today an incident reminded me of people who just can’t stand to be behind another vehicle, and that applies to Christians, too, who find themselves ready to speed down that narrow way to the strait gate. When they find themselves behind a new Christian, or one studying a specific doctrinal point, moving slower, they can get impatient, too.

I can understand their eagerness to press on toward the goal, but I’m reminded of how Jesus stopped along the way, while everyone else was rushing.

And he must needs go through Samaria. (John 4:4 KJV)

At Jacob’s well, a gift to Joseph, He sat and talked with a woman. Her story is loved and has been reflected in many others.  There’s no indication of why “he must needs go through Samaria,” but we use the story to grow more like Him.  Another such story is of Jairus’ daughter:

And besought him greatly, saying, My little daughter lieth at the point of death: I pray thee, come and lay thy hands on her, that she may be healed; and she shall live. (Mark 5:23 KJV)

A life or death situation where time is of the essence, a child’s life at stake – and Jesus stops in a crowd of people and asks “Who touched my clothes?” Not His arm, not any portion of his body, but just touched His garment.  Of course, the child was not harmed by this delay. And there are other such stops.  How about Zacchaeus?  You haven’t forgotten that early Bible story of the short man, have you?

And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down; for to day I must abide at thy house. (Luke 19:5 KJV)

“Must abide,” not visit, not dine, not sup – “I must abide at thy house.” That’s what I want, for Jesus to abide in my house.  I want Him to use me to further His work, to use the gifts provided to accomplish His will.

And that may mean slowing down along that narrow way to the strait gate.  Not passing up opportunities to help others as they make their own way to the goal God has set for them.  We don’t know when the journey will end, and although we are looking forward to that reunion, be patient.  Enjoy the journey with your brothers and sisters in Christ, you’ll be spending eternity with them, too.

Earth Light

There have been some very interesting shots from the International Space Station over the years.  This 60-second MSNBC video caught my eye Sunday – watch it, takes but a moment. The bright yellow lights are cities.  See the white lighted areas along the cloud lines?  Those are lightning displays.

The power to light an area equal to a city within a bolt of lightning.  We know so little of our world, while we have learned so much! See again that thin greenish line of atmospheric airglow.

The flight to the sunrise begins over the Pacific Ocean and zooms at an altitude of about 220 miles (350 kilometers) past Vancouver Island and Victoria, the Pacific Northwest and the American Southwest, Texas and Mexico, Central and South America. The highlights to watch for include constellations of city lights, lightning flashes in the clouds, the stars whirling in the night sky above, the faint brown-yellow atmospheric airglow that rims the eastern horizon, and the glorious dawn at the end.

My grandfather came to Oklahoma on a train, then drove a covered wagon to a new home before 1910.  His grandson was an aerospace engineer with NASA, reaching for the heavens.  The past century’s giant steps forward have given us new perspectives as we view our planet and the changes on it.

From space, our Texas drought can be tracked, smoke from the fires photographed.  Hurricanes, too.  The massive ones, such as Katrina and Irene, can be seen in their entirety and their size is simply awesome.

I know, this is very similar to other posts this summer, but this one is pure awe while watching this small slice of God’s awesome power and planning.

O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep. (Psalms 92:5 KJV)

Our lesson Sunday morning was the second on Theology Proper, the study of God, His essence, His existence, His attributes and our limited ability to understand Him.  David wrote of this in his psalms:

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. (Psalms 104:24 KJV)

There are many verses in Job about how we do not understand God’s ways:

Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand? (Job 26:14 KJV)

Many who deny the existence of God say He is simply a way these men faced the unexplainable, putting a name to what they did not, and we do not, understand.  They continue by showing examples of what science has done in explaining how our world works and when it originated.  I’ve acknowledged hearing, researching and learning about what they’ve learned – while they cannot say the same about a Christian’s belief.

Come, join us in seeking what God has said, and done:

When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek. (Psalms 27:8 KJV)

Understanding Difficulties

If you have not read Marty Fish’s “If God Does Not Heal,” please take a moment to read it.  Marty spent more than a year believing God would heal his wife.  Like Marty, I know that God does have the ability to heal us all, but that is not part of His plan for mankind, nor for us individually.

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (James 1:3 KJV)

That’s what I see in Marty’s writing to us.  Patience.

But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:4-5 KJV)

That’s the wisdom Marty received.  The wisdom that put the words on paper explaining his faith, sharing it with us.

It is fairly simple to express our beliefs in good times.  When we continue to express our faith during difficult, painful times, we become a witness to others that we are far beyond ‘fair weather friends’ to our Lord.  We are His children, in pain, and He provides for us to the point that we share His blessings.

Instead of denying Him, railing against Him or demanding He make the world to our liking or we’ll just mark Him off, we need to come to Him as child to parent and seek the comfort He has promised.  There is an inexplicable comfort – and joy.

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: (1 Peter 1:8 KJV)

Barney Warren knew that in 1900 when he penned:

I have found His grace is all complete,
He supplieth every need;
While I sit and learn at Jesus’ feet,
I am free, yes, free indeed.

• Refrain:
  It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
  Full of glory, full of glory;
  It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,
  Oh, the half has never yet been told.

Well, I’m trying to tell you my half.  His grace is sufficient, as Paul discovered when one of his prayers went unanswered:

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)

When we are in God’s will, the trials and difficulties we encounter are not of our own causing, but naturally befall anyone. When we are in God’s will, it is not our sinfulness that causes tragedy, as explained by Jesus:

Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and slew them, think ye that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem? (Luke 13:4 KJV)

Through all of life, there remains a goal for those who love the Lord.

Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12 KJV)

Because of His words, the examples He has given us, I decline the temptation to blame Him for the natural course of our lives, and I accept His grace as sufficient.

That’s Joy?

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (James 1:2 KJV)

Or, to but it another way:

Consider it all joy when you encounter various trials; (James 1:2 NASB)

Preposterous, isn’t it?  How can we count something as joy when it’s also described as a trial or a temptation?  How are we supposed to feel when someone we love has been given a prognosis that will change an entire family’s dynamics?  Will cost them their health and may be life threatening? 

Where’s the joy in that?  And believe me, I’ve been asking such questions since my mother’s ALS diagnosis over thirty years ago, and the questions come back to me as we’ve gone through a series of health related issues this past year.

People I love dearly, as though my life depended upon it, have faced and are facing diagnoses and prognoses that affect our family’s way of life. Yet, I understand what James is telling us, and it was made very clear in a recent In Touch devotional, “Trials and Joy”, which said:  “these verses are not telling us to be happy in our pain, but rather to rejoice in the blessings that accompany suffering … thereby produce endurance and spiritual maturity.  In every trial He has hidden a beautiful and precious gem.”

I’m not certain about their devotional’s “test our faith” part because I don’t believe temptations come from God.  I do know that He always provides a means of leaving temptations behind, even if it is a temptation to blame Him – or deny Him – because of it:

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13 KJV)

Some will say that God only makes perfection, because that is what He is – perfect.  Although He is perfect and He did make this world, it is not perfect and it was made that way on purpose. We gain only a small glimpse of that purpose as we draw near to Him, so our knowledge is limited.

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV)

Through both of my daughters’ spinal surgeries, through the spinal surgery of my Oklahoma Sister-in-law, the heart surgery of my Ohio Sister-in-law, through my Oklahoma Brother-in-law’s cancer treatments, through my Beloved Husband’s shoulder surgery and his Myasthenia Gravis diagnosis, all within the last year, each one of them has not wavered in the faith that God’s will is working in their lives.

Each one of them has continued to be a faithful witness, just as my mother was during her life with ALS, that neither disease nor death is sufficient to separate us from the love of God.

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (2 Timothy 1:12 KJV)

I Need You

This was a Facebook friend’s status.  I read it about 7:30 am.  Sometime during the night this friend needed someone.  There were a couple of answers posted later on with funny excuses, but I doubt those were answered by the person in mind when it was written.

My Second Great-granddaughter is very good at saying, “I NEED you,” with great emphasis on the ‘need’, when she wants to do something and has been told it requires an adult’s assistance.  Her parents have taught her not to use the stairs at Nanna’s house unless an adult is with her, so the need is evident when she wants to go up and play in the game room, or go outside and ride the electric cart.

Both of the above examples have to do with our recognition that we need someone with us.  God, in His infinite wisdom, provided someone to be with us at all times – His Holy Spirit.

Jesus spoke of Him:

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:16 KJV)

And, He explained the Comforter’s purpose:

Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:17-18 KJV)

To the Jew and the Muslim such talk appears to be polytheistic. Three gods – God the father, God the son, God the holy spirit.  But it really is no different than me saying I am a daughter, I am a wife, I am a mother. There are many examples of one doing/being three.

There is an explanation from a Rabbi at http://www.menorah.org/rabbimaxwertheimer.html that helped me understand, too.  While there is nothing like one’s own experience when understanding comes, the examples from other people can be eye opening.  All of our experiences, hopes and fears, though, fall short of reality.

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV)

The Holy Spirit does reveal much of what God has in mind for us:

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. (1 Corinthians 2:10 KJV)

Paul’s 2:9 quote comes from the prophet, Isaiah:

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him. (Isaiah 64:4 KJV)

When Jesus was born, the world was not prepared for what He would do.  The prophecies given were interpreted in light of what mankind wanted.  Even today that occurs.  I don’t believe we have more than a glimmer of what God has prepared for those who love Him.

But I know it will be more than our expectations.  And I know He is always there when needed.