Tuesday, October 16, 2012

God's Handiwork



I just returned from a wonderful vacation with my wife. For as long as I can remember I wanted to see the Sequoia trees in California, and that dream was fulfilled by visiting Sequoia National Park. I tell you I was in awe looking at the size of these beautiful trees. As I stood looking up, I felt so small. That is me in the first picture above looking up at the "General Sherman Tree," the largest tree. Actually according to the US Park Service, the "General Sherman" is the largest tree (by volume) in the world.

In case you are unfamiliar with the Sequoias,  I would like to share some interesting facts from the pamphlet the Park Service hands out when you enter the park. They grow up to a height of 311 feet, live over 3,000 years, weigh up to 2.7 million pounds and have a diameter at the base of up to 40 feet. The "General Sherman Tree" is estimated to be 2,200 years old. Just think, it was living 200 years before Christ was on earth. The trees usually do not die from old age, but from falling over. These trees are resistant to fire and insect damage. I suppose a young tree could be burnt up, but the thick bark and size of the larger trees makes them fire resistant.

I suppose many wonder how it could be that these trees get so big and just keep on living. I do not know, but maybe some scientist could offer up a "scientific answer," but the answer is actually quite simple. That is, it is by God's design that these trees grow as they do.

For all those who say, "There is no evidence for God," I would like to propose to you the evidence is right before your eyes. Take a look at all the design in creation, you see evidence for God. When you look at a new born child or gaze at the stars, you see His handiwork. Examine of all the species and kinds of life on earth, each unique is its own way, the proof for God is before your eyes. When you look at a building you know someone designed and created it. Same way, when you look at creation you know their is a Creator. If there was no God, how did we get here? Either the matter which makes up the universe existed forever and then it began to evolve all on it's own. Or else it created it self from absolutely nothing. Either that, or everything is just an illusion. Try that allusion thing if you ever break a leg and say, "it's just an illusion."

I believe it takes more faith to believe there is no God than to believe in God. The problem is, if there is a God, then it is only logical to conclude that one would have to answer to Him. Because of our pride, we want to make the rules and answer to no one. I know before I became a Christian, I willfully believed a lie because I wanted to live as I pleased, without any consequences. One must remember, all the things God instructs us in is for our own good, just like a parent does with their child.


Just one last point. While my wife and I were enjoying the beauty of these amazing Sequoia's, we met a Christian woman who made a comment I would like to share with you. "Just look at how amazing and beautiful this is. Can you imagine what heaven will be like?" 


18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 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,  (Romans 1:18-20 NKJV)



The heavens declare the glory of God;
And the firmament shows His handiwork.
(Psalms 19:1 NKJV)

15 comments:

  1. Hi Ken,

    As I was reading through your post, that scripture kept playing through my mind...no surprise that you had posted it at the end!
    When we see paintings of heaven, the artists almost always make heaven appear kinda small...so small that that tree could not even fit...imagine how HUGE heaven
    (the new heaven and the new earth) will be!
    It's all about perspective my brother.
    ~God Bless you & your dear wife~ Lisa

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  2. Wow...thank you for sharing Ken. What an incredible trip. I especially like the comment you shared from the Christian woman. Oh my goodness...heaven will be beyond our comprehension

    I too was like you and believed the lie for far too many years. Praise God He continued to pursue me.

    Blessings to you and your beautiful bride.

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  3. I love this Ken; great picture of you standing by the tree! Nature reveals to us a God of intricate detail and beauty, and no one has an excuse for not believing in Him if they stop and see what He has revealed through His creation. What a joyful blessing for you and your wife; glad you finally visited the place of your dreams! :)

    Sweet blessings my friend,
    Denise

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  4. Hi Ken,
    NICE!
    My family and I took a drive south and saw these amazing trees this past spring. I just stood in awe of God and felt very small.

    Thanks for sharing this information about these trees. I had no idea they couldn't burn. That would explain one of the reasons why they have lived so long.

    I agree with you that it takes more faith to believe there is no God than to believe this is a God. Creation itself shouts out there is a Creator. My daughter is studying Biology in university and she says over and over again that the deeper she goes into biology the more this science proves over and over again there is a Creator. She is baffled how anyone who learns this science can deny the existence of God.

    Glad you and your wife had a nice vacation. Such a beautiful place to visit.

    Blessings,
    <><

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  5. Ken thank you for sharing. Wow those trees are very powerful. Amazing. Blessings.

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  6. wOw..amazing tree...I like your answer to why they grow so big...because it is by Gods design. I often think the same as the christian lady you over heard...just think what heaven will be like. No eye has seen or ears have heard....can't wait.\0/

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  7. Lisa--The new heaven and new earth will be something way beyond our wildest imagination. Thank you and God bless

    Susan--Praise God that he pursued and saved you! For all of us believers heaven will be a wonderful experience which will never end. Thank you and God bless

    Denise--The detail in God's creation is something to behold. It was a wonderful time with my wife enjoying the beauty of God's creation and our time together. Thank you and God bless

    Child of God--Thank you for sharing about your daughter and her faith deepening while studying biology. I hear many who put their faith in science and not God. But when someone denies God, their science is off also. Your daughter is right, the deeper you dive into science, the more proof is right before your eyes. Thank you and God bless

    JBR--Yes they are amazing. Thank you and God bless

    Dee--I also think often what heaven will be like. I sure am looking forward to it. Thank you and God bless

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  8. A great post. I, too, believe thatGod's handiwork is shown in all of creation. If those trees make us feel small, imagine how small the bigness of God should make us feel.

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  9. Peggy,
    Great point for God is way bigger than these trees. Thank you for your comment and God bless,
    Ken

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  10. Hiya Ken, Those scripture were so applicable. Reading Revelation 21-22 tell us what Heaven looks like and it will be awesome. If we are correct in our faith, then we will live forever in Glory. Those who don't believe, will be in hell, I wouldn't like to make a mistake like that!!! A bad place to be.
    I have been and seen those amazing trees, you do stand in awe at their size. I didn't realise they never die, but end up falling over..perhaps they get too tired of standing up for so long.Glad you finally got to see them, and with lovely company also.
    AND....for the unbelievers...EXPLAIN..The Dead Sea Scrolls... LOL
    Blessing sent to you Ken.

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  11. Hi there I am so delighted I found your blog, I really found you by error, while I was researching on Digg for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thank you for a marvelous post and a all round enjoyable blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the excellent work.

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  12. Great blog and message Ken. My dad lives in the Sierra Nevada mountains, near Yosemite National Park, which also is the home the of those great Sequoia trees. Actually, just up an old logging road behind his place at Bass Lake, California, there is the Nelder Grove of Sequoias that is breath-taking. How can you look at the handi-work of God's creation and not see the finger-prints of the Creator? Thanks for thought-provoking post and for dropping by my Blog & your comments. Blessings.

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  13. How beautiful Heaven must be!! I am happy you two had this wonderful trip!

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  14. This article provide many tips. Very useful to me. Thanks a lot ?

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  15. Crystal Mary--I think a lot about what heaven will be like, but my heart also breaks for those who do not believe because they will be in hell. Great point about the dead sea scrolls. Thank you for your comment and God bless.

    Anonymous--I am glad you found my blog and enjoyed your visit. I hope you come back. Thank you for your comment and God bless.

    Brian--I agree, how can anyone look at the wonders of creation and deny their is a God? Thank you for visiting my blog also and your comment. God bless.

    Karen--Yes, heaven will be the most beautiful place. Look at the beauty that is in this fallen, sinful world then imagine how much more so will it be in a world not polluted with sin. Thank you and God bless.

    Anonymous--I am pleased you found this post to have useful and thought provoking. Thank you and God bless.

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