Image Credit
Explanation: Eight years ago, an evening sky held this lovely pairing of a young crescent Moon and brilliant Venus. Seen near the western horizon, the close conjunction and its wintry reflection were captured from Bolu, Turkey, planet Earth on February 19, 2007. In the 8 Earth years since this photograph was taken Venus has orbited the Sun almost exactly 13 times, so the Sun and Venus have now returned to the same the configuration in Earth's sky. And since every 8 years the Moon also nearly repeats its phases for a given time of year, a very similar crescent Moon-Venus conjunction will again appear in planet Earth's evening skies tonight. But the February 20, 2015 version of the conjunction will also include planet Mars. Much fainter Mars will wander even closer to Venus by the evening of February 21.
Today's post from NASA I found quite interesting, as the cyclical nature of Astronomy has reflections within our own lives. And, this calls to mind something from my past.
When I worked for Degussa in Piscataway, N.J., there was a man who worked in the Biocide lab opposite the coatings lab; I have forgotten his name, but I do remember his obvious intelligence and one specific discussion we enjoyed, so many years ago. Timing was the topic and he had thoroughly worked out his belief that timing was everything in this world. To a great extent- he was right!!! However, in retrospect, he downplayed the will of God for our lives. It seems to me that things "don't just happen" for those that try to faithfully follow the Almighty- there is an underlying plan and the source of that plan is heavenly. Much of our lives is the direct result of the choices we make, but I believe God works in this world and especially through Christians. The first chapter of Hebrews seems to fit in this line of thought...
Hebrews, Chapter 1 (WEB)
1 God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. 3 His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;
Imagine a plan involving literally millions of people and thousands of years. God can. Continuing this thought, consider...
Galatians, Chapter 4 (WEB)
4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, 5 that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.
If God can do all this, isn't it reasonable to believe that God can guide us, and in fact is guiding us. How? Well, probably in ways that I will NEVER UNDERSTAND- but, I can understand The Scriptures and they will help me to do God's will!!!
One last thought from Paul...
2 Timothy, Chapter 3 (WEB)
15 From infancy, you have known the holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. 16 Every Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Follow the guidebook (The Bible) and become wise. Today would be a good time to begin. Remember: Timing is everything!!!