Staring Into Space

When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? — Psalm 8:3-4

When my gaze is far off, it could be that I am weary of all that's happening up close. But when I allow my bleary eyes to focus on what's 'way out there,' I am reminded again of God's greatness, goodness, and nearness. I am awed, settled, and refreshed.

Wobbly Doctrine

I just participated in a Celebration of Life. My aim for these is to console people who are hurting, help them grieve with hope, and point to eternal life as a present and available reality. I also listen and observe. Celebrations of Life, memorials, and funerals are good places to gauge the broader culture's knowledge of God and his kingdom. It's pretty wobbly. From the preacher who stokes fear, to statements like "God must have needed another angel," narratives, even ones labeled Christian, seem far afield of God's message. It's sad because it leaves people to wander aimlessly.

Smells Like

He shall take out the memorial portion from the grain offering and burn it on the altar as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. — Leviticus 2:2

In the New Testament age, we are to offer our whole selves to God as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1). When we do, we will spread the aroma of the knowledge of Christ [eternal life] among those being saved and those perishing (2 Cor. 2:15-16). It's a pleasing aroma.