Robert Lloyd Russell's Blog, page 13

Invisible God, 6of11

 ~ God Is Invisible But His Attributes Can Be Seen~

 

Introductory Quote  ~  “In the early days of space exploration one of the Russian cosmonauts returned from space and matter-of-factly stated that he hadn’t seen God! The essence of his comment was, ‘I’ve been there, done that, I didn’t see God — therefore there is no God.’

“Because God was not seen by Russian cosmonauts or our own astronauts, does that mean that God does not exist?  Does it mean that He is absent from outer space?  Or, is He present but invisible?

“We know that it is dark, very dark, in outer space.  We also are aware that outer space is full of light traveling from stars in all directions.  Only a tiny fraction of this light travels in a direction that causes it to reach our planet earth.  Space travelers do not see the light that is so abundant in space.

“The Scriptures tell us that the God who is light dwells in darkness!” (from the book: “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight”  by Robert Lloyd Russell).

 

Scripture  ~  “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them.  For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.  Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man — and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things” (Romans 1:18-23).

 

Closing Quote  ~  “As we return to Einstein’s theory of relativity, we find that as an object reaches the speed of light, dimensions in the direction of travel become zero.  This means that objects traveling at the speed of light become invisible, no matter how large they are at slower speeds.  Light defies our normal constraints of spatial dimensions.

“Although light is invisible, it is capable of manifesting itself.  We can detect the presence of light as it reveals our surroundings, and we discern the effects of light such as feeling its warmth on our skin.  It is as if we can see the unseen.

“We can utilize the effects of light in many ways.  In our era with the use of lasers mankind has harnessed the power of light to perform many wonderful tasks — from supermarket checkout procedures to critical medical operations.

“In a similar manner we do not see God, but we see the manifestations of God.  The effects of the invisible God are clearly seen.  His presence can be known.

“The key to understanding either physical or spiritual light is found in observing what it can do.  Although no one has ever seen physical light, mankind has learned a great deal about its characteristics; we have applied our knowledge in useful ways.” (from the book: “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight”  by Robert Lloyd Russell).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” 

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

Bible Answer, 87

 ~ Did You Get It Right? ~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~ bible answer ~~~~

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question:  Which two Bible characters never died? 

answer:  Enoch and Elijah.

“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24 niv).

"As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind” (2 Kings 2:11 niv).

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”  

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/“Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

God Our Rock, 26

 ~ The Lord My Rock ~

 

Introduction  ~  In Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:47-49 Jesus relates the importance of building your house upon rock rather than sand.  This principle is even more critical when it comes to our spiritual life.  Each post in this series looks at a different Biblical passage which refers to our God as a Rock (not a complete list).  

 

Scripture  ~  “Blessed be the Lord my Rock, Who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle — my lovingkindness and my fortress, my high tower and my deliverer, my shield and the One in whom I take refuge, Who subdues my people under me” (Psalm 144:1-8). 

 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”  

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

Bible Question, 87

 ~ Test Your Bible Knowledge ~

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

~~~~ bible question ~~~~ 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~  

 

question:  Which two Bible characters never died?

Please provide your answer in the comments below! 

 

The answer will be provided in a future blog.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”  

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/“Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

Labor Correctly

 ~ Characteristics of Effective Labor for God ~

 

Scripture  ~  “Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.  This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, though he knew only the baptism of John” (Acts 18:24-25).

 

Apollos Is A Good Example  ~  Notice four key aspects of his ministry:

First, notice that he was “an eloquent man” – he used language effectively.

Second, he was “mighty in the Scriptures” – he knew the Word of God. 

Third, “instructed in the way of the Lord” – he had received good mentoring. 

Fourth, “fervent in spirit” – he was proactive rather than laid back.   

 

Summary  ~  These four factors will go a long way towards the goal of being “a good minister of Jesus Christ.”

“If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed” (1 Timothy 4:6-7). 

 

Comment  ~  This post is about serving God effectively in whatever role He has given you.  These factors are not limited to Pastors, Preachers, or Teachers. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”  

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

God Is My… (Psalms), 70

 ~ God Is My Redeemer, 2 ~

 

Introduction  ~  Previously from July 16, 2017 through January 6, 2019 ALN posted a series of 60 posts of “Jesus is…,” and now we look exclusively at who “God is…” from the Book of Psalms.  While not a complete list these posts occur are in the same order they are in the Psalms.  

 

Passage  ~  “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name!  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (Psalm 103:1-5).  

 

Other Passage  ~  “For You are my rock and my fortress; therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.  Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.  Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth” (Psalm 31:3-5).   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” 

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

Myth, 108

 ~ You Need To Know The Original Languages to Understand the Bible ~ 

 

Myth  ~  Some have been led to believe that they cannot understand the true meaning of the Bible if they don’t read and understand the original languages which the Bible was written in.   Reality  ~  It is true that scholars can sometimes pickup nuances because of their knowledge of the original manuscripts but that does not alter the fact that anyone with a desire can understand all the important aspects of the Bible.  The Holy Spirit of God is our teacher – and no one can do better than that.    Scripture  ~  Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you.  But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:25-26). The Apostle Paul wrote, “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4).   Comments  ~  In our day we possess numerous faithful Bible translations which will enable any true seeker of understanding the truth.  Knowing the original languages is certainly a great tool for Bible study.  However, they are far from essential.  Studying without the original languages but with the Holy Spirit is FAR superior to knowing the original languages without the Spirit’s guidance. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

* * * * *

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”  

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/“Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

Invisible God, 5of11

 ~ Man Cannot See God’s Shape ~

Introductory Quote  ~  “In the early days of space exploration one of the Russian cosmonauts returned from space and matter-of-factly stated that he hadn’t seen God! The essence of his comment was, ‘I’ve been there, done that, I didn’t see God — therefore there is no God.’

“Because God was not seen by Russian cosmonauts or our own astronauts, does that mean that God does not exist?  Does it mean that He is absent from outer space?  Or, is He present but invisible?

“We know that it is dark, very dark, in outer space.  We also are aware that outer space is full of light traveling from stars in all directions.  Only a tiny fraction of this light travels in a direction that causes it to reach our planet earth.  Space travelers do not see the light that is so abundant in space.

“The Scriptures tell us that the God who is light dwells in darkness!” (from the book: “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight”  by Robert Lloyd Russell).

Scripture  ~  Jesus said, “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true.  There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which He witnesses of Me is true.  You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.  Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved.  He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.  But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish — the very works that I do — bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me.  And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have [not]… seen His form.  But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe.  You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.  But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (John 5:31-40).

Closing Quote  ~  “As we return to Einstein’s theory of relativity, we find that as an object reaches the speed of light, dimensions in the direction of travel become zero.  This means that objects traveling at the speed of light become invisible, no matter how large they are at slower speeds.  Light defies our normal constraints of spatial dimensions.

“Although light is invisible, it is capable of manifesting itself.  We can detect the presence of light as it reveals our surroundings, and we discern the effects of light such as feeling its warmth on our skin.  It is as if we can see the unseen.

“We can utilize the effects of light in many ways.  In our era with the use of lasers mankind has harnessed the power of light to perform many wonderful tasks — from supermarket checkout procedures to critical medical operations.

“In a similar manner we do not see God, but we see the manifestations of God.  The effects of the invisible God are clearly seen.  His presence can be known.

“The key to understanding either physical or spiritual light is found in observing what it can do.  Although no one has ever seen physical light, mankind has learned a great deal about its characteristics; we have applied our knowledge in useful ways.” (from the book: “GOD’S NATURE: Sonlight Sunlight”  by Robert Lloyd Russell).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell” 

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

Some Sure Things

 ~ Are Your Thoughts and Decisions Aligned With Reality? ~

Our culture has a saying: “There are only two sure things—death and taxes.”  The Word of God provides a different list of things that are sure!

Universal Death  ~  Each of us are terminal the day we are born!  “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

Exposure of Sin  ~  “Be sure your sin will find you out” (Numbers 32:23b).  “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many.  To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:27-28).

The Truth of God  ~  “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity’” (2 Timothy 2:19). 

The Truth of Biblical Prophecy  ~  “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

The Truth of Christ’s Second Coming  ~  “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly’  Amen.  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).    

Eternity Future  ~  “This hope [literally: this certainty] we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. (Hebrews 6:19-20).  

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”  

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/ 

God Our Rock, 25

 ~ Rock of My Salvation, 3 ~

Introduction  ~  In Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:47-49 Jesus relates the importance of building your house upon rock rather than sand.  This principle is even more critical when it comes to our spiritual life.  Each post in this series looks at a different Biblical passage which refers to our God as a Rock (not a complete list). 

Scripture  ~  “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord!  Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.  For the Lord is the great God, and the great King above all gods.  In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also.  The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land.  Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.  For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of His hand.

“Today, if you will hear His voice: ‘Do not harden your hearts, as in the rebellion, as in the day of trial in the wilderness, when your fathers tested Me; they tried Me, though they saw My work.  For forty years I was grieved with that generation, and said, “It is a people who go astray in their hearts, and they do not know My ways.”  So I swore in My wrath, “They shall not enter My rest”’” (Psalm 95:1-11).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog.

Author web page: http://booksrlr.com/ “Books by Robert Lloyd Russell”  

·         Be an insider!  Sign up for his Author Newsletter and receive occasional news and special offers.  His books have won national and international literary awards.  Subscribe today and receive a welcome gift.  Your email will never be sold, given, or used in any other way.  You can easily unsubscribe at any time.  https://www.subscribepage.com/rlr 

Daily blog page: http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ “Abundant Life Now”

·         The INDEX of topics is accessed by scrolling down the left column.

·         The current TOP 10 reader favorites are listed at the bottom of the page.

·         Personal TOP 10 favorites are listed in the right-hand column of the blog. 

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/robertlloyd.russell 

Career page: http://www.robertlloydrussell.com/