Lifting our thoughts

Recently, while revisiting family in our home State, two friends came to the townhouse where we were staying to give a presentation they were planning for their church congregation. They had done in depth research, and we were happy they decided to “practice” their presentation on us. I knew their work would be good but had no idea how deeply it could reach a person. Although only a small portion of our friends' presentation can be extended, the "take away," relating specifically to clouds and the magnificent role they play in our lives is a must.

These beautiful sky-riders hang over the oceans, having arisen from the waves below.  As the heat of the sun lifts water off the surface of earth’s seas and lakes, desalination takes place. The clouds, moved by wind, carry this desalted water over the land. Altitude and temperature changes create droplets of water and tiny bits of ice which bounce around against one another causing friction. Positive and negative electrical charges jump between the clouds—and voila! We have thunderstorms. Fire in the sky! As nitrogen splits off it is carried to the ground within the rain as the water particles within the clouds become too heavy to float.

This powerful and awesome “sky-action” not only waters the land as it rains, but the nitrogen within the rain serves to fertilize our veggies, flora, and fauna—supporting and strengthening all that grows in the ground. Again, voila! There’s food for humans as well as for Earth’s varied creatures. (Until about age six, we think food comes from the grocery store.)

A little side note about nitrogen: It is an essential element for all living organisms, but it does not come to us through the air. It comes to us through our food.

We rarely think of the power and the majesty that abides in how life is continuously available to all who dwell here. We learn early in school that our bodies are 60-70% composed of water. All tissues of our bodies, and our organs, are continuously supplied with the water we need to exist each day of our lives. So water and air coupled with the food we eat majorly facilitate our living here on Planet Earth.

The question becomes, whose mind is behind all this? Romans 1:20 Is a verse that emphasizes the truth that continual evidence of God is perpetually seen within creation. It states that since the creation of the world, God's invisible attributes, including His eternal power and divine nature, are clearly seen within this "garden" we call Earth. Yet, “without excuse” people fail to credit God for this mighty and awesome place where we live. It doesn't take a lot of common sense to know, as we ponder it all, that beaucoup planning took place. 

I, among billions of others, who see the earth as being full of the lovingkindness and goodness of the Lord. Seeing the profound wisdom and workability the laws of nature exhibit can thrill the human soul who believes the very voice of God brought the earth and all that supports life into being. 

 Richard Dawkins, a well-known atheist author, speaks of human origins in a YouTube video titled “Outgrowing God: Richard Dawkins in Conversation.” Dawkins' views differ, of course. Here is what he projects regarding life on earth and how life happens to be, “It looks as though we are an incredibly lucky improbable accident.” 

The reasons so many of us believe in God as the Creator of the heavens and the earth are exceedingly evident. The masterful, loving hand of God is continuously at work here. His loving care, His wisdom and His mercy are continually evident for all to see and enjoy! Scripture tells us that it is in God that “we live and move and have our being,” Acts 17:28. But, are we grateful for the skin we see and the body beneath it? If not let this be a “new” day.

God has made us with an amazing ability to think, process and achieve. The Bible teaches that positivity and gratitude are game changers. And science has proven that thinking positively powerfully affects not just our souls--but our inner chemistry and therefore our health. 

God’s design from the beginning “majored in water.” And, within God’s perfect timing He sent Jesus to us, who promised “living water” to everyone believing in Him. He was speaking of the Holy Spirit that would come after Jesus’ resurrection once He entered His glory. John 7:37-38, assures us, “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.”