CHRISTIAN LITERATURE
& LIVING

Was blind, but now I see.

3 : 10 October 2004

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Copyright © 2001
M. S. Thirumalai

CELESTIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Steve Harrison


MY FIRST VIEW INTO THE COSMOS

Astronomy has always been an appealing science to me. As a first-grader, I prided myself in knowing all the planters in our solar system and their relative order from the sun. Each picture and fact I collected increased my fascination with the planets. One Christmas, I was overjoyed to receive a telescope and finally peer firsthand into the night sky to discover its planetary treasures.

THE MYSTERY OF THE PLANETS

As I observed and studied books, it seemed that each planet was distinctly mysterious. Mercury was closest to the sun, Venus was shrouded in a thick cloud and Mars was the possible home of extraterrestrials. Jupiter, the largest, had several moons while Saturn possessed strange, yet beautiful rings. Uranus was tilted on its side, Neptune contained turbulent storms, and Pluto traveled in a strange lopsided orbit. All the planets contained unique features that made me spin imaginative dreams of space and exploration.

HUMAN LIFE

Later, I discovered that life did not exist on Mars and the beauty of the planets existed only at a distance. As various space probes were sent to obtain scientific data, their conclusions were clear. All the planets, except for Earth were unsuitable for life. Some were extremely hot while others were gripped with temperatures nearing absolute zero. Some showed the scars of volcanic activity and violent storms while others were alone as frozen objects entombed in deathly silence. All lacked life-giving oxygen and were permeated with various types of gases.

All this data was in direct contrast to Earth. Relative to the other planets, Earth possessed a very moderate climate. Water did not vaporize on a global scale nor was the earth permanently frozen by sub-zero temperatures. Rather, it was blessed with as abundance of blue oceans, white clouds, and green vegetation. The earth contained an incredible variety of living creatures, making it the only planet in our solar system full of true beauty, warmth and life.

THE EARTH IS DIFFERENT FROM THE REST

As I have considered these facts, I have come to a simple conclusion. The earth is different from the rest of the planets because it in proper relationship with the sun. As a planet, it is not enough to simply be in the sun's orbit but it must be in the right relationship with it. This is the key and without is there is only searing heat or biting cold, poison and lifelessness.

The earth does have occasional storms, forest fires, and even earthquakes, however, because of a proper relationship with the sun. Life always returns and often with increased intensity and strength. Life will exist and multiply where it is able.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND MAN

The Bible also tells us about relationships- not among planets, but between God and man. The Scriptures give examples of people who were in a right relationship with the Son and those who were not. Those that were, lived a fulfilling life and blessed others with their warmth. Those that were not, struggled for fulfillment, because, like the planets relation to the sun, it is futile to expect to have a radiant and vibrant life outside of a right relationship with God.

Occasionally, I have talked to people that are cold, empty, or simply lifeless. I have also seen people with fiery tempers spew out poison with their tongues. Unfortunately, as these conditions continue, others begin to be affected. Something is obviously out of sync. The problem is real but the solution is uncomplicated- a realignment of our relationship with God.

LET GOD BE AT THE CENTER OF OUR LIFE!

To do this, it is important to make certain that God is at the center of our lives and that we revolve around Him. Our primary concern must be for His happiness rather than our own. Secondly, we must honestly evaluate our current relationship to God. Is it where it should be or have we shifted away form Him? If we have changed our relationship, we must initiate its restoration. As this is done, we will be able to demonstrate true radiance, warmth and life to god and to those that need us.


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THE MARK OF THE BEAST - Tomorrow's Education | "WHAT'S THE USE OF PRAYING FOR HER?" | GOD'S NEW FLOW IN PERSONAL FINANCES | THE CASE OF THE FRAUDULENT SURRENDER | JESUS LIVING IN OUR FLESH? | CELESTIAL RELATIONSHIPS | FOUNDATIONS AND PURPOSES IN MARRIAGE | A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO PASTORAL EPISTLES | HOME PAGE | CONTACT EDITOR


Steve Harrison
BETHANY URBAN DEVELOPMENT
moldan@comcast.net


Sharing Your Faith with a Buddhist, a book on evangelism by M. S. Thirumalai


If I gained the World, a novel by Linda Nichols


Godwrestling Faith, a spiritual development book by Mike Evans


Short Term Missions, a book by Roger Peterson, et al.


Solitary Poet, Poems of Reflection by Stan Schmidt.


Sharing Your Faith with Hindus by M. S. Thirumalai.


Written on the Heart by J. Budziszewski.


Written on the Heart by J. Budziszewski.


Hadassah, One Night with the King.







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