Though the Darkness Hide Thee: Seeking the Face of the Invisible God

The prestigious Gifford Lectureships were established by Adam Lord Gifford (1820–1887), a senator of the College of Justice in Scotland. The purpose of Lord Gifford’s bequest to the universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow, St. Andrews and Aberdeen was to sponsor lectures to “promote and diffuse the study of Natural Theology in the widest sense of the term—in other words, the knowledge of God”

A very good friend of mine shared with me this series of lectures by Michael Rae. – “Though the Darkness Hide Thee: Seeking the Face of the Invisible God“. To say the least, it is an exhausting series of 6 lectures to listen to (scroll down the page and you will find the lectures).  Click here to listen to Michael Rae’s first lecture.

“Warning” – while they are difficult lectures to sit through, give it a try and listen to some of it. Especially in the recent few decades where the Theists are being criticized as being ignorant, illogical, insane and unreasonable.

Professor Rea plans to take a theologically informed approach to the topic of “divine hiddenness,” the idea that God’s existence is far less evident—and vivid, unambiguous experience of God’s presence is much less frequent—than one might expect from a perfectly loving deity. Philosophers often treat divine hiddenness as evidence that God doesn’t exist, but according to Professor Rea that line of thinking is based on drawing parallels between divine love and human love. In his lectures, he will contend that it is not reasonable to believe that perfect, divine love would resemble human perceptions of ideal parental or romantic love…..

 

Enjoy.

The greatest of all

I had a pressing need to share my progress in this little “Journey” of mine – leading to another little page I added last night titled “Faith – a magic bullet?“. Hope you read it, if not you can reach the article via the normal menu of “My Journey”. Otherwise click here!

And having read Unkle E’s excellent post on “500 years later – a new reformation” (& if you haven’t read it, please do so!

Adding the two articles, I must say:

Three things will last forever–faith, hope, and love–and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Taken May 2017. Friendship & love that lasts.

I am sure this verse is a repeat post. But I think it’s a good reminder & repost!

500 years later – a new reformation — the Way? (Unkle E’s revision of a repost!)

Another of Uncle E’s post that I had to share. Thoughtful, incisive and true. So here’s the repost below:

This post is a revised version of my 2014 post The new Reformation. Martin Luther is examined for heresy. 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the Wittenberg church door, and, it is often said, began the Protestant Reformation. 40 years ago I came to the conclusion that the church in the […]

via 500 years later – a new reformation — the Way?

Time to give thanks.

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given, you children of his servant Abraham, you descendants of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the Lord our God. His justice is seen throughout the land. He always stands by his covenant– the commitment he made to a thousand generations. This is the covenant he made with Abraham and the oath he swore to Isaac. He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, and to the people of Israel as a never-ending covenant: “I will give you the land of Canaan as your special possession.” He said this when they were few in number, a tiny group of strangers in Canaan. They wandered from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another. Yet he did not let anyone oppress them. He warned kings on their behalf: “Do not touch my chosen people, and do not hurt my prophets.” Psalm 105: 1-15

I am indeed so thankful. Be faithful  & be strong.

Angel Hair Pasta

For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,  Romans 4:16 

Physically one of my toughest days today. I don’t think I would have survived if not for:

• Best ‘Lor Mai Gei’ breakfast at home with Daryl
• Realising how proud I am of Jerry
• Best rib eye roast by Chiao Lin
• Dinner with Zhong & Kwok Mun (special angel hair pasta)

I really can’t say much further cos it’s really a tough day for me. But perhaps a few things so that Jerry & Daryl may know:

• Zhong (senior LTC) is still doing more army work that Jerry (haha)
• Yes Kwok Mun used to be more ribbed and buff than Jerry
• You just need your loved ones with you when you face a day like today for me.

So having never imagined a day would come like this – when I am physically so weak compared to what I am usually used to, I can only be thankful for my family and friends. I made it through the day & hopefully many better days to come.

Last but not least, here is a 80’s favourite of Zhong’s on this special day. – Johnny Hates Jazz (Turn Back The Clock). Nice Ah Beng Song.

Only managed one out of focus shot of the Angel Hair Pasta – didn’t bother retaking that shot. Because today was about us and not anything else. Anyhow it tasted simply wonderful.

Did my best in photoshopping it……

 

It was a good tough day. Sorry I didn’t manage to say much cos I was really tired. But really – Thank you all for today.

You Have Been Loved

The most precious day of the year. How fortunate am I, to be able to spend it with Jerry (taken leave), Daryl (taken “Study leave” haha) & Chiao Lin.

Once again, I find it so difficult to express how lovely, memorable and important a ‘simple’ but ‘perfect’ day is. Just remember how much I treasure a day like this & how it will be everlasting in our memories.

I won’t be posting cliche “food” pictures – for the record however, we had “Pho Street” lunch at West Gate with “Miam Miam Dessert by the way (with Kwok Mun. Zhong busy with reservist!) We had a 2nd coffee at “The Sunset Railway Cafe” with Jerry, Keong & Deb with Daryl back to studying for her IBs. Before that, Jerry & Spring inexplicably “chasing” Ivan home. Finally, just eating “ta Bao” Thai Noodle house was almost the perfect way to end the evening. But Ernie paid me a “supplies”visit – so that topped off the day.

Older

“Strange

Don’t you think I’m looking older?

But something good has happened to me

Change is a stranger

You have yet to know”

Milan

Listen without prejudice. MTV unplugged.  George Michael. 

Good company & port

Good port

Not that I drink port much. Tonight was exceptional. Dunno what it is – but was good courtesy of Miah Hiang.  Taste like high quality ‘giam giam’ wine with alcohol.  Nice. 

It went extremely well with Bak Kut Tei we had for dinner. Bak Kut Tei dinner was actually very good with the full Works of ‘Yao Char Guai’ and ‘Giam chye’ etc. 

Was simply great. Port is same vintage as me and Miah Hiang 🙂

Unbelievable

For those who have not heard of this wonderful radio show – Premier Christian Radio, you ought to check out “Unbelievable” hosted by Justin Brierly.

Its has become a very high quality Podcast which does not shy away from controversial topics. Justin is a very well balanced host and he usually invites 2 good speakers to debate tough issues. People like Bart Ehrman, Michael Bird & Richard Dawkins have all been involved. Although a Christian, Justin still likes to sit on the fence especially when the debate gets heated and sometimes even plays the devil’s advocate’.

The things that are seen are temporal

Absolutely nothing to wrong in wanting, working hard and providing for the present. In fact, honest hard work is a value and virtue I would want my children to have. I cannot further emphasize the need for them to work hard for their future (on earth) and to bring honor and respect to our family.

Material wealth in itself is not bad. It is good in many ways and we know that. Most of us work hard for what we have – to have a good comfortable life for ourselves and children.