A SOLAR ECLIPSE: Should Christians EVEN Care?

Photo by Jason Howell, Unsplash

Indianapolis is one of the major cities on the path for good visibility of The Total Solar Eclipse, April 8th.  I tell you... folks are losing their minds! Schools are closing, businesses are shutting down and many governors like ours declared a State of Emergency: Ours is effective March 26 until 11:59 p.m on April 9! 

For weeks now we've been told to gas up our cars; stock up on food and water and generally be prepared for an influx of visitors coming our way.   Hotels are beginning to fill up; Eclipse parties are planned and savvy people are renting out private parking spaces for the viewing.

SO WHAT!?

Let's start with the obvious! Whatever you believe... this occurrence is a big deal! It is an unusual historical event and significant even if you're not into astronomy or other sciences.  The last time a solar eclipse was visible from the U.S. was August 21, 2017. The last time Indiana experienced a total eclipse was in 1869. The next one is projected to be in 2099 (man's estimation of course). 

As Christians we've studied the bible and know that the Hand of God has often been shown in unusual ways! Some have included phenomena occurring in the sky, water, and earth.  Remember the Wise men who followed a star in Matthew 2:1-12; or Moses and the Israelites at the Red Sea in Exodus 13:21-22; and who can forget the great earthquake at Jesus' resurrection, Matthew 28:2.  Any disruption of nature's norm occurring on our planet especially during these times should be of great interest to us (Matthew 24:3-6). 

Now, let's get to some questions I'm hearing:  Should I go out during the eclipse?  Can I go to the bathroom? (honest this was asked!)  Should I take a shower after the eclipse? Will a baby born during a a solar eclipse have birth defects? Should I take a nap during the eclipse? Is this a sign that Jesus is coming or the end of the world is near?

 Before answering let me remind you that luna (moon) is the root word for lunatic. It originally was used to describe someone driven mad by the changing phases of the moon (ie. Wolf Man movies). This accounts for some of the questions coming up!  Many are based on ignorance of science or simply superstitions.  A couple have their basis in religions other than Christianity. What's not covered here you'll probably find on social media - the feeding ground for all conspiracy theorists and lunatics!!!

With all this talk about the moon you can see the connection. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes directly between the earth and the sun and the moon blocks the sun for a viewer on earth. A total eclipse is when the moon lines up perfectly to fully block the sun.  The whole thing lasts only a few minutes!  On April 8 (Lord willing) this sight will be awe-inspiring I'm sure.  But what about a time in ancient history (estimated October 30 1207 BCE) when God made the sun stand still and the moon stay in its place until His people defeated their enemy (Joshua 10:12-14). Now that would be something to see!

WHAT TO KNOW!

PLEASE HEED ALL WARNINGS FOR YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY: Don't look at the Eclipse with the naked eye, using sun glasses or through a camera. without a solar filter. Don't do a Selfie! Special glasses should be used at all times. I've read no where that you cannot go out during the eclipse but know if driving, more people will be moving about and there will be total darkness for a few minutes so be careful. 

NO SCIENTIFIC EXPLANATION: But some people have experienced eclipse sickness or eclipse anxiety —fatigue, balance issues, flu like symptoms during the eclipse.  But remember if you're already diagnosed with a mental or anxiety-related disorder, the eclipse is not the cause but it might trigger some type of negative response.

THERE'S NO SCIENTIFIC BASIS: That solar eclipse affects your health.  Regarding birth defects of children born during an eclipse; the need to shower before or after viewing the eclipse or prohibition against eating, drinking, napping or using the restroom! There is no evidence that doing these activities will cause harm! But if you're uncomfortable know that God gives you wisdom (James 1:5)

BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES: Darkness and uncertainty always brings about fear!  For centuries people groups around the world have equated eclipses with warnings of judgement, doom, or links to specific prophecies. This has caused unusual behavior among the adherents. But if you are a Christian all we need to know is written in His Word.  In it you will find that God is Sovereign Ruler over EVERYTHING! (Colossians 1:16-17)

• God is Creator!  He controls both darkness and light. (Genesis 1:1-5; Amos 8:9; Psalm 19:) 
• God has a Plan!  Like seasons, climates, tides and times-- their   rhythms and cycles help us maintain life as we experience it on a daily basis. (Genesis 8:22; Ecc. 3:1-2; Psalm 74:17, Jeremiah 8:7 ) God has a purpose for everything!
• God keeps His Promise! We will not be deceived by false prophets and fall into apostasy. (Matthew 24:4, 10-13) 

WHAT TO DO!

• Pray, Praise, and Worship:  While others may be partying Christians should be inspired to marvel at God's great handiwork!  Seeing the wonder of our Lord should invoke praise and reaffirm our faith in our AWESOME, POWERFUL MAGNIFICENT LORD!  (Psalm 19:1-6; 24:1-10; Psalm 89:8).
• Talk to Unsaved Family and Friends:  This is an excellent time time to brush up on your personal testimony! Just as an eclipse is a rare event with an uncertain timing; we never know when we will have another opportunity to witness to an individual. We are in a season of grace and now is the acceptable time to receive the Lord (2 Corinthians 6:2). While others are looking at the sky remind them that one day Jesus is coming back and they need to be prepared (Acts 1:10-11)

STILL DON'T CARE?

Let me leave you with some final thoughts from that great Christian theologian Charles Spurgeon who witnessed an eclipse, March 14, 1858 and had these words of wisdom to impart from a sermon!

All things teach us, if we have but a mind to learn. 

 There is nothing we can see, or hear, or feel which may not be the channels

 of great instruction to us.  Let us see whether this may lead us this morning

 into a train of thought which may under God's blessing be something 

far better to us than the seeing of an eclipse. 

(When you see the Eclipse my Prayer is that you also see JESUS)

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

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WOMEN FIGHTING FOR RIGHTS IN THE BIBLE!!!

Photo by Nk Ni on Unsplash

  Women's History month is well on the way and what a year for celebrating! Today's children and teens have a wide variety of women to choose from for inspiration.  They come from all around the world and are in positions of great significance making our communities and the world at large better!

But even as we recognize the accomplishment of women now and in decades past we cannot forget that women have been standing up for their rights in every era!  This was true even during Biblical times when culturally, women were marginalized and considered property of their fathers and husbands.

These women were valued only as assets to family wealth or human vessels to carry the next male heir.  That's why Zelophehad Daughters in the Book of Numbers stand out in startling contrast. 

THE FIGHT FOR INHERITANCE RIGHTS

Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah were the five daughters of Zelophehad, an Israelite heading for the Promise land. After deliverance from Egyptian slavery Israelites were promised land flowing with milk and honey denoting its fruitfulness.  God gave Moses instructions for dividing the conquered lands among His people and Joshua executed the plan (Joshua 17:3-4).  But Zelophehad died having no sons.  Under current law his portion would be dispersed among male clan members.  UNTIL, these five bold sisters stood up to Moses and the people demanding their right to inherit! (Numbers 27:1-11)

They brought before Moses a case so strong that he had no choice but ask God for guidance! Our Just God heard and granted the sisters their rightful due and this set a legal precedence in Old Testament Law.  With this exception, to keep the land they had to marry within their clan keeping  it in the family! (Numbers 36:6-12) 

Yet, this fight continued for women until the mid-1800s.  In the United States only single women could own property and then under special circumstances. If married only their husbands could buy or own land.  This changed later with the Married Women's Property Act of 1848 and by the 1900s every state passed laws giving women this right.

THE FIGHT FOR FERTILITY RIGHTS

Two other women find their place among Women's Rights Activists in the Old Testament, Shiprah and Puah! (Exodus 1:15-21) If it weren't for them, there would be no heirs to claim God's promises in Canaan!  Perhaps Zelophehad daughters heard the story about the midwives in Egypt who risked their lives and took note!  Unlike the culture war women are fighting now, these women were trying to keep newborns alive!  When the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt they grew in such numbers that Pharaoh felt threatened.   When a plan to break them with hard work and inferior resources didn't work, he resorted to murder.  He instructed the Hebrew midwives to kill every male Hebrew boy but let the girls live  (Exodus 1:15-20).  The midwives refused and prevented one of the first incidences of Jewish genocide in history.

THE FIGHT FOR EQUAL RESPECT, HONOR, AND DIGNITY

However, The Greatest Women's Rights Activist in the Bible was not a woman! Before the Civil Rights Movement; Women's Rights Protests, and Black Lives/All Lives Matter Marches with praises  resounding for their martyrs; there was One Who has always been in the forefront of Women's Rights...Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! 

The small steps of liberty and value women gained in the Old Testament waned over the years.  By the time of Christ, women were denied education even religious instruction.  They could not be a witness in legal matters (their word could not be trusted).  They couldn't speak to men of note in public and their status was little more than household slaves. 

 But Christ restored their dignity through His word and personal example! Mary of Bethany sat at His feet along with His disciples (Luke 10:38-42).  Mary Magdalene and other women were the first witnesses of His resurrection (Luke 24:10).  He conversed with the Samaritan woman boldly and openly. (John 4:7-26) Thus, we see a woman evangelist and missionary in a foreign land and the birth of the Church Age heralded from the lips of a woman. Throughout Christ's ministry we find  women in His company as disciples, highlighted in teaching illustrations, and bearing witness to His glory.  His example continued throughout the Apostolic Age with Paul and others and although contested in some measure TODAY their significance cannot be denied!

THE FIGHT FOR RIGHTS ALREADY WON!

Women's Rights is NOT coveting what belongs to men (Gen. 5:2). There are role distinctions that must be obeyed for spiritual order and harmony!  Women's Rights is NOT claiming rights that are not our own! God still calls the shots! (I Corin. 6:19-20)  But in the course of normal respect, dignity, and justice Christ has ALREADY leveled the playing field! If you consider diversity, equality, and justice for women as a basic human right you can be sure that Christ felt the same (Galatians 3:28). Getting contemporary cultures to agree seems to be the problem.  And so we continue to remind them of the woman's contribution as we exercise with excellence our gifts and by celebrating our right to be acknowledged not just in March but EVERY DAY!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the pencil and the no comments will change to a writing space.

MESSY RELATIONSHIPS...Anchored in Love!

Picture: Cathal mac an breath (Unsplash)

Well, it's that time of year again, Valentine's Day. The Hallmark Channel on steroids!

Forgive my cynicism.  I'm all about showing love. And as Dionne Warwick once sang, What the World Needs Now is Love...

 WHAT WE DON'T NEED IS HYPOCRISY!

 Grabbing a card from the Dollar Tree, grocery store flowers, maybe a stuffed animal or boxed candy and calling it love!  I'm not knocking any of these as long as the Giver has put some thought into it! But if you're doing it just for show...then send me a text with an emoji!

 But Sisters, how do you respond to something like that when you really want to hold onto the relationship? When you vowed to God you'd hang in there no matter what if you're married!

Many Christian women are in relationships that are high maintenance and just down right messy!  It's not that you are unequally yoked 2 Corinthians 6:14 but you have a spouse or significant other who doesn't affirm you the way you desire.  A great guy in every other way but not fluent in your particular love language!

These DIFFICULT relationships require more than a once or twice a year compulsory show of affection.  They need something EXTRA to survive!  Something stronger than sentiment, more authentic than materialistic expressions hyped by culture. THEY NEED ANCHORED LOVE!

ANCHORED LOVE DEFINED

Click Here: Luke 6:27-36

Anchored love is living out the mandate of Jesus who compels us to love those who don't deserve it.  To serve without thank yous, sacrifice without complaining, and to forgive over and over.  It is the essence of Agape love-- unconditional and usually non-reciprocal.  Different than Eros love (romantic, emotional, or physical) it does not dissipate over time! More intense than Philia love (friendship) which has its place in marriage but if that's all you have it's no more than a transactional agreement--what you can get out of it! Agape love is the highest form of love! 

When you don't get the attention or gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and the like, Anchored love will remind you that beautiful flowers will die!  Candy will be eaten with nothing left but wrappers in a few days!   Jewelry will get lost among the multitude of other items in your jewelry box! But not so with Anchored love!

 

ANCHORED LOVE SEALED

Click Here: Ephesians 1:13

Messy relationships are hard but are easier to navigate if they are sealed in Christ.  This is a fact!  You can't show or receive Anchored love with grace on your own.  John 15:5b reminds us that without God we can do nothing. Without the Holy Spirit you will not love the way Christ commands. Reliance on the Holy Spirit enables you to love past disappointments! Feel joy in meager efforts of affection!  And keep you from Facebook Envy as you scroll through pictures of elaborate gifts and dinner!  You have peace knowing your true self worth and are satisfied that bills are paid, your children are cared for; and when you really need him, he'll be there! This is the Spiritual fruit of a love sealed in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22)

ANCHORED LOVE DELIVERED

 Click Here: Romans 5:8

No Valentine exists that can compare with the love Christ shows for those who trust in Him! From the time of Adam, we've had a messy relationship with the Lord! Yet, He loves us still! We are the crown of His creation (Psalm 8:5).  On Calvary He sent His love to us signed sealed and delivered! A valentine fashioned on a blood-stained cross.  With the stripes from beatings He wrote to the world:  Will You Be Mine!?  An Elaborate dinner awaits all who will accept Him as Savior (Revelation 19:6-9) and we are sealed forever more in His love (Ephesians 4:30)!

Dear Sisters, Dionne was right! What the world needs now IS LOVE but NOT the artificial kind!  We need ANCHORED LOVE.... even if it comes wrapped in MESSY RELATIONSHIPS!

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the pencil and the no comments will change to a writing space.

HOLD FAST! The ANCHOR of HOPE

 

Picture credit: Sam  Moghalam Khamseh
from [Unsplash]

 Am I the only one who senses Year 2024 will be particularly   unsettling?  I'm definitely a landlubber, one uniquely comfortable on the shores of life, but recently I've developed the heart of a mariner.  I'm diligently looking out to sea and preparing for the uncertainty of a coming storm.

 From childhood I've heard this  sailors rhyme:  Red sky at night, sailor's delight.  Red sky at morning, sailors take warning!  What I didn't realize was its biblical source:  JESUS!

 Matthew 16:1-4 reads like this: 

1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew a sign from heaven. 

 2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

  3And in the morning, it will be foul weather today: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? 

 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seekers after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them and departed.

Like the ancient religious leaders we often demand of God a sign from heaven to help us, guide us even comfort us through the storms yet to come but do we not see that it has already been given?  IT IS HOPE!! God tells us not to FEAR but to Hold Fast to OUR HOPE IN CHRIST perfectly illustrated in I Thessalonians 5:21-22  Click Here

TEST ALL THINGS!

We are inundated with information: truth, half-truths and down right lies!  It comes from everywhere and very little can be trusted.  What is true for us now was the same for the Apostle Paul who gave this warning to the Christians at Thessalonica!  In the first few verses of this chapter he tells them to be awake and alert for Christ could come at any time! To live as children of light in this dark world. In other words don't 'fall for the okie doke' as the Old school saints would say: examine or test, the validity of the information you receive with the Word of God  Click Here: Romans 2:18

HOLD FAST!

Even with thorough examination of the Word and the discipline it demands, Christians may have difficulties but we must not give up!  To hold fast in nautical terms means to grab on to something solid and secure to keep from being swept overboard.  I don't have to tell you how rocky the seas of change are today.  Even as I write socially, politically, mentally, economically~we are experiencing it all!  Yet, The Lord Jesus Christ the Rock on which our anchor of hope holds will keep us steady, keeping us true to all that we have learned! Click Here: Matthew 7:24-27

AVOID EVIL!

There was a reason in Jesus' High Priestly Prayer recorded in John 17:15 that He asked God  not to keep us from the cares and woes of this world or its deadly influence.  He didn't ask that we be spared by way of escape at all but to be protected from the evil one." He then in the 17th verse exclaimed: "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth!"  If we know TRUTH then we know EVIL when we see and hear it!  So its incumbent  upon us to avoid even its "appearance"as shown earlier in I Thessalonians 5:22.   TEST, HOLD AND AVOID EVIL! Do this and your anchor will hold!

IN TIMES LIKE THESE

In times like this you need a Savior,

In times like these you need an anchor,

Be very sure, be very sure

Your anchor holds and grips the Solid rock!

(Hymn by Ruth Caye Jones, Copyright 1944)

MORE SCRIPTURES TO ENCOURAGE YOU: Hebrews 10:23-25; Mark 9:23; Psalm 71:14; Romans 12:12; Romans 15:13; Jeremiah 29:11; I Peter 1:3; Isaiah 40:31

UNTIL NEXT TIME...

If you would like to leave a comment please send an email to: sisters4sisters@att.net OR  scroll to the bottom of my blog page at  http://alittlewiser63.blogspot.com  click on the pencil and the no comments will change to a writing space.