Weeks 09 & 10 (09) - Blessings of Divine Guidance

On Monday 09.03.09, Andrew Marr, a renowned Political Commentator wrote and presented the first episode of the 3-parts series "Darwin's Dangerous Idea" on BBC 2, exploring how Darwin's theory of evolution by natural selection has taken on a life of its own far beyond the world of science.

Over the 150 years, Darwin's idea challenged the need of a creator, undermining religious authority, and provided new ways of looking at the origins of human morality. Darwin's personal encounter of an "uncivilised" native tribe in Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost tip of South America during his travel raised questions in his mind about the origins of the human race. The development of Darwin's ideas has found a range of influences: from the existential philosphy of Friedrich Nietzsche to the battlefields of the First World War, from the Freudian psychoanalyst's couch to the Vatican; and from the genetic logic of kindness to an Islamic creationists's claim that Darwin is to blame for modern terrorism.

The BBC programme strategically coincides with the 200th widespread anniversary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his book ‘On the Origin of Species’. The public awareness has been heightened as the media have picked up on the various events surrounding it. Richard Dawkins, a staunch athiest who wrote "The God Delusion" has recently launched a poster promoting atheism with the slogan, “There's probably no God. So stop worrying and enjoy your life” on the side of 800 British doubledecker buses. Darwin's idea of 150 years is making a strong comeback. It is dangerous because of the simple fact that it attacks the Christian faith at its core, which is centred on a God of Creation.

In response, the Westminister Chapel is conducting a 2-evening conference on 12th and 13th, inviting Ken Ham, President of the leading creationist organisation 'Answers in Genesis' to speak on a theme "Doubts About Darwin". The conference should be helpful for Christians to better understand this very important subject.

As we are getting closer and closer to the "End", the time of great deception is upon us. This is time to be strong in our faith. This is no time to allow the enemy to plant seeds of doubt in our minds. Be confident to know that "The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from God his Savior. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God....Lift up your heads, O you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty-- he is the King of glory." [Ps 24:1-10 NIV]

I am continually amazed at David's faith and his attitude of trusting God in his daily decision making. He inquired of the Lord often. "In the course of time, David inquired of the LORD. "Shall I go up to one of the towns of Judah?" he asked. The LORD said, "Go up." David asked, "Where shall I go?" "To Hebron," the LORD answered. So David went up there with his two wives, Ahinoam of Jezreel and Abigail, the widow of Nabal of Carmel. David also took the men who were with him, each with his family, and they settled in Hebron and its towns. Then the men of Judah came to Hebron and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah." [2 Sam 2:1-7 NIV] This is a very good way of walking with God, even for us 21st century earth dwellers, that we consult God on our decision making. Yes, our God is the same "yesterday, today and forever." :o)

Just in case you are not sure, God does guide us through different media. God broke the news of Jesus' birth to the shepherds through an angel. "And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." [Luke 2:8-20 NIV] Yes, God can guide us through His Word, our prayers, prompting of the Holy Spirit, visions and dreams, your spouse, trustworthy friends etc.....and angels if He chooses. :o)

In my own experience, God guides me principally through His Word, prayers and prompting of the Holy Spirit. Indeed "Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." And, this is a good prayer at a time of economic challenges: "Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God. [Prov 30:5-9 NIV]

Amen!