Understanding God: His Character, Attributes & Love

God is: Like The Air We Breathe

The air we breathe is essential for our minute-by-minute survival.  It surrounds us, though it is invisible.  We take from it every few seconds, yet it costs us nothing.  It is one of the most important components to sustain our life, yet we usually don’t give it a second thought (unless it is suddenly taken away).

God is like the air we breathe – He surrounds us constantly, though He is invisible.  Whether we acknowledge Him or not, we need God to sustain and uphold all universal laws to keep us alive every moment of every day.  (Job 36:22-33)
We take from God continuously and yet it costs us nothing.  And sadly, we don’t give Him a second thought - unless we are in desperate need.
Each lungful of oxygen demonstrates God’s ‘amazing grace’ that sustains us.  What is more, is the greater grace of salvation in which all humanity is in desperate need.  God humbled himself and became a man (Jesus Christ) to wipe clean the debt of the sins of the world. (Phil 2:5-11). Without God’s daily grace and gift of salvation, we would all be in very deep water.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life – John 3:16.

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God is: The Whisper-Still Voice

There are so many sounds around us every single day: birds chattering at sunrise, the hum of traffic, the rustle of leaves in the breeze. At first we notice them, but before long they become part of the background, fading into the familiar soundtrack of life. The same thing can happen spiritually.

Many people say, ‘If God exists, why doesn’t He reveal Himself with a big, booming voice from Heaven?’
God may be speaking, nudging, whispering, but when His voice becomes familiar – or when life gets too noisy – we can stop paying attention without even realising it.
God purposely created us with free will. He’s a Gentleman – never pushy, never forcing Himself upon anyone. While His voice can shake mountains (1 Kings 19:11–13), a thunderous declaration from the sky would frighten us into blind submission rather than genuine love.
God doesn’t want us to follow Him out of fear, but out of a willing heart. That’s not to say He’s silent. Far from it. He often speaks in a gentle, whisper-soft voice – a voice that respects our freedom to choose. Many of us call that still, small voice our conscience. It’s His way of guiding, prompting, correcting, and comforting. Yet all too often we tell Him to hush… or we’ve tuned Him out without noticing.
God speaks to us in countless ways: through the beauty and order of Creation, through the quiet tug of our conscience, through the godly words and actions of others, and through the pages of the Bible. None of these are invasive. Each one invites us – never compels us – to lean in and listen.
And here’s the good news: it’s never too late to tune back in. If we take time to pause and listen, we may find that God’s gentle whisper has been there all along, waiting to bring comfort, direction, and hope.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10

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God is: Our Invisible Friend

We live in a ‘physical’ age.  If something cannot be physically examined it is quickly dismissed as nonsense.  Many believe humans don’t have souls.  To them, those invisible spiritual traits of personality, self-awareness and even love are simply a precise balance of chemicals, ions and memory association cells – nothing more.
Though science acknowledges a complex design behind everything in creation, many dismiss a Creator as nonsense because the God of the universe doesn’t fit conveniently on their examination table.  They think if something can’t stand up to their scrutiny – it probably doesn’t exist.

As Christians, we proclaim to the world that we have an Invisible Friend.  To a world that has become deaf to God’s call and blind to His presence, it is easy to understand that many may think Christians are crazy.  All they see is a bunch of nutty people talking (praying) to their Invisible Friend.
No one wants to be thought of as a nut – this is where many of us Christians may be tested to deny God.  Bit by bit, we ignore our ‘Invisible Friend’ because we desperately want to fit in with the world. God may implore us with His whisper-quiet voice and prod our souls through circumstances, but we continue to ignore Him until He doesn’t exist for us anymore.  Like the unbelieving world, we will live day to day giving no thought to the miracle of our existence or our invisible soul.  Our life will revolve around the physical.  Ironically, as we strive for independence from our Creator, we depend on the very oxygen He supplies and abundance from His creation.
We may deny God, but if the Bible is correct there is a day coming when we will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ (Heb. 9:27).  It will be a surprise for many to acknowledge they do have a soul that has continued after physical death; furthermore, that ‘Invisible Friend’ is now visible to all, (Rev 1:7). 
How will we respond if God asks: ‘What sort of a friend were you to Me?  I have always faithfully stood by you.  I even sent my Son to die for you on the cross.’
Won’t we feel small when all we can reply is: ‘Sorry Lord – I was embarrassed.  I didn’t want people thinking me nuts for believing in You!’
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 1:20
“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. Matthew 28:20b

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God is: Like the Wind

Wind is defined as air set in motion by natural causes.  Since wind is an invisible current, how can we be sure it exists?  We deduce wind’s existence and presence by how it influences surrounding objects.  We see trees swaying, flags fluttering, clouds moving and so on. We can also personally feel its force on our skin and hear it when it blows through certain instruments.

To us, God is an unpredictable, invisible force like the wind. We cannot see Him, but just because He is not seen doesn’t mean He is not there.    Most of the time, God is like the still air that unnoticeably surrounds and sustains us.  At other times, He is a gentle breeze that relieves us on a hot day.  Yet, on occasion, He can be a hurricane ripping the roofs off those who shelter in their ignorance and refuse to acknowledge His existence.
God is everywhere (omnipresent) and, like the invisible wind, we can deduce His presence by the way He affects things around us.   We can witness God’s wonderful design in Creation.  We can see the changes in those people’s lives who have trusted in Him.  We can hear God’s whisper-quiet voice as it blows through our conscience.  Furthermore, just as wind makes a distinct sound when blown through an instrument, God works through the lives of many Christians so His message is clearly heard around the world. 
The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes.  So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.  John 3:8

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God is: The Perfect Sculptor

Sculpture is defined as the art of cutting, carving or otherwise rendering solid material into an ornamental or aesthetically pleasing form. A gifted sculptor can see a work of art within a solid object and has the ability to reveal it. 

God is a Perfect Sculptor and, no matter how hard the world has made us, He can see a spiritual artwork within each of us waiting to be revealed.  Like any good sculptor, God doesn’t go to work with a sledgehammer; He knows that too much pressure applied too quickly will only cause us to break.  Instead, God patiently chips away at the edges to slowly reveal the spiritual artwork within.  
Attainment of spiritual maturity usually comes through numerous small steps of rehabilitation.  We shouldn’t be discouraged when our spiritual growth seems slow.  God is patient – and we should also be patient.  He intends us all to be masterpieces of grace and this takes time. 
Many circumstances that happen in our life may seem to have no reason, but it is through these circumstances that God shapes us. If we allow God to have His way, bit by bit, the person He wants us to be will be revealed.  Our jealousy, our bitterness, our hatred, our arrogance will slowly be chipped away to reveal a sculpture of Grace - a living artwork of humanity that many people will come to appreciate.
The best way to interest people in the Gospel and our Lord Jesus Christ is to be sculptured in His image. 
Romans 12:2 states: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.

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God is: The Missing Key

A man who had lost his car keys sat in his house feeling miserable.
Hours later, his wife arrived home and asked, ‘What’s wrong?’
‘I’ve lost my keys and can’t go anywhere!’ he complained.
‘OK,’ she said. ‘Where have you looked?’
The man paused before sheepishly replying, ‘Well… I haven’t actually looked anywhere.’

It sounds absurd, but many people approach God in exactly the same way.
Most of us recognise that something is missing in life. There is an emptiness inside us that success, possessions, relationships or entertainment can never quite satisfy. We long for lasting peace, purpose and hope, yet often search everywhere except the One who created us.
Some people assume God is distant or difficult to find. Others conclude He simply doesn’t exist because they have never experienced Him. Yet how can we expect to find someone we’ve never seriously sought? Until we genuinely begin seeking Him, we shouldn’t expect to discover the ‘missing key’.
The wonderful news is that God isn’t hiding. He created us for a relationship with Himself and longs for us to know Him. Because He gave us free will, He will never force Himself upon us, but neither will He be hidden from anyone who sincerely seeks Him. Throughout history He has revealed Himself through creation, through His Word, and most clearly through His Son, Jesus Christ.
Like the man with the missing keys, the answer may be much closer than we realise. The first step isn’t to search harder in the wrong directions – it is to start looking in the right place. When we seek God with a sincere heart, we discover He has been patiently waiting for us all along.
If you’ve never truly searched for Him, today is the perfect day to begin. You may be surprised to find that the One you’ve been looking for has been calling out to you all the time.
 “But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29.

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God is: A Responsible Giver

It would be extremely irresponsible to hand car-keys to a small child to go for a joy-ride, as it would be foolish to let an infant play with a circular saw or a nail gun.  These items were not designed for children who do not have the ability, strength, or understanding to handle these things safely.  Sadly, it would only be a matter of time before they injured themselves or those around them. 

Our Heavenly Father is not an irresponsible giver.  He withholds many blessings until we (His children) have the capacity to handle them without causing injury to ourselves and those around us. 
Sometimes the things we greatly desire elude us because God is patiently waiting for us to grow up.  How often do we witness the tragic downfall of celebrities who have quickly attained success and wealth?  
God desires to bless His children greatly, but He also knows if we were given certain blessings without the capacity or maturity to handle them, it would only be a matter of time before the thing we greatly desired would be a source of misery for ourselves and those around us.  Remember: happiness is something that is built within, not something attained from without.
To build our capacity to handle great blessings we must first seek the kingdom of God, (Read Matthew 6:25-34).  Then, like the Apostle Paul, we will be able to say: Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am (prosperity or adversity) to be content… I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13.

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God is: Not a Crime-lord

Crime-lords, godfathers and kingpins who shake-down local businesses for a percentage of their takings have sadly been a recurrent theme throughout history.  The victims usually pay through fear of attracting the local crime-lord’s personal attention – knowing that if they don’t voluntarily ‘cough-up’ the money, bad things will invariably happen to them and their business.

Sadly, too many Christians unconsciously view God as a Godfather, our Lord as a Crime-lord and the King of Kings as a Kingpin.  They fear God will cause misfortune and maladies to happen in their lives if they don’t voluntarily ‘cough-up’ a percentage of their earnings.  Ironically, if people believe God is trying to shake-them-down, they actually believe God is a criminal.  No wonder many are trying to pay Him off to leave them alone; who wants a personal relationship with a thug! 
But God is not a gangster, He is our loving Father and paying Him off is one of the greatest insults we can unintentionally do.  God doesn’t need our meager money; He has the riches of the universe at His disposal - He cannot be bought, bullied or blackmailed.  What He desires is for us to freely begin a personal relationship with Him so He can bless, protect and guide us. 
Stop and think; if we treat God like a thug by coughing-up money and enduring church once a week so as to be left alone, God must respect our free-will and leave us to fend for ourselves in the Devil’s Kingdom.
The Lord is my light and salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 18:32.  

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God is: Staying on Track

A train is a powerful locomotive, yet it cannot move freely about in all directions.  A train can only move where the tracks are laid.  And when a moving train derails, the result is always catastrophic.

God is the engine powering all of Existence.  He has been described as the Unmovable-Mover.  God is absolute perfection - He is all-powerful, all-knowing and is simultaneously in the present, past and future.  Even so, like a train God is very restricted in which direction He can go.  He must always remain perfect.  This means He can never make a mistake, can never lie or be wrong - God must always maintain His perfect standard of righteousness, justice, fairness and love. 
God can never compromise His perfect character (no matter how we pray He would concede to our own personal circumstances).  God must always stay perfectly on track - if He ever derailed even once (compromised, erred, sinned or failed), He would cease to be perfect - and that would cause the biggest disaster in the universe.
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He. Deuteronomy 32:4.

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God is: The Perfect Potter

A potter can be simply defined as a maker of earthenware vessels.

As Christians, we are lumps of clay ready for moulding, but the question is: By whom?  We have a choice: we either let the world shape us or trust ourselves to God.   If the world shapes us, we usually end up as broken vessels without true purpose and meaning.  We live life to gratify ourselves and everything we gain and achieve will be taken from us and quickly forgotten. 
So what does God offer if we place ourselves in His hands?  There will be times of blessing but also suffering; of happiness but also heartbreak; of gain and also loss.  God’s way is not an easy way; however, the primary difference is that everything we experience has eternal purpose.  God desires to shape us into Christ-like vessels of grace with inner peace and a relaxed mental attitude that overcomes all circumstances in life.
God is a Perfect Potter. He starts His miraculous work the moment we choose to put ourselves in His capable hands.  God usually gives new Christians a grace period where He gently moulds them – a time where they can learn His Word and test His promises.  God uses our personal circumstances to slowly mould us into a unique Christ-like vessel.
When we are in the shape He intends, it’s only a matter of time before we are placed into a ‘Kiln of Testing’.  To a newly formed lump of clay, this is a most frightening time.  If the vessel is not properly prepared, the hot furnace will break it. But we need not fear; we are in the hands of a Perfect Potter.  He knows the exact time to place us in the kiln and He moulded us perfectly to withstand the heat (God has promised never to test us beyond what we are able to bear – 1 Corinthians 10:13). 
The heat in the kiln can be extreme but its purpose is to strengthen our form. Adversity is essential if we are to be a Christ-like, earthenware vessel into which God can pour many blessings and His divine purpose.  When we are filled with grace and inner peace, we soon learn that one of the greatest blessings in being God’s vessel is we can pour His numerous blessings onto others. 
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

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God is: The Infinite Imagination

Imagination is defined as the act or power of forming mental images not actually present.

Before creation came imagination.  Before God created the universe He had to imagine it.  What an incredible imagination God must have!  He created the world and everything within, (except sin - that was our addition).  He created diverse landscapes: forests, rivers, mountains, seas, as interactive playgrounds for His creatures.  He created a variety of seasons, colours and foods for all tastes.  He created animals with all their strange and unique habits.  And miraculously, He created us with all our complexity and capacity to appreciate His creation.
However, when we read our Bible, we realize this earth and all its wonders are just preludes for what is yet to come.  Eternity is where God continues to pour His infinite imagination. “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
So what does the eternal future hold for us; we certainly won’t be sitting bored on a cloud strumming a harp? 
The Bible indicates that we will have a resurrection body like our Lord’s (Philippians 3:20-21).  With our new bodies, the universe and heavens will be open to explore.  It will be a pure delight to discover the fruits of God’s infinite imagination.  Presently, we do not have the faculties to comprehend the indescribable sights and experiences that God has in store for us.  But, whatever our varied interests, we can surmise that God has catered for it – in abundance. But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9. 
If we spent a billion years touring God’s “Universal Exhibition”, we would be no closer to exhausting His infinite imagination than when we first began.  God will never cease to surprise us with how imaginative He is.  Eternity is a show not to be missed.  The good news is – no one needs to.  God has paid for our tickets, through Christ on the cross, and reserved a seat for any who desire this indescribable, free gift. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Romans 6:23.  Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31

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God is: The Omniscient Chess Player

To Satan, we humans are pieces on a chessboard to be sacrificed without a second thought.  Since humanity began, the devil has been maneuvering so he can yell ‘CHECKMATE’ to God.  At times it seemed he had the game nearly in the bag (the Garden of Eden, the Flood, the Exodus and so on).  So many times Satan has yelled, ‘CHECK’, but at the last minute God has always blocked him.  Throughout human history the devil has tried to secure his win with a ‘CHECKMATE’.  However, much to his annoyance, God is an all-knowing, omniscient chess-player and is always one step ahead to block that anticipated final move. 
At the cross, God turned the game around and said ‘CHECK’ to Satan.  Since then, the devil has tried desperate moves, callously sacrificing his pieces to get out of God’s ‘CHECK’.  Now, it is plainly evident to all that Satan is playing a losing game.  At the end of time, God will say to Satan: ‘CHECKMATE’, and all the devil’s pieces will be removed from the board.

Human history is like the chessboard and we humans are the chess pieces; however, unlike normal chess pieces, we humans have free-will and can decide in which direction we move.  The game is winding up.  Satan is desperate.  He is frantically trying to recruit new pieces to sacrifice.  If he can, the devil will employ God’s pieces to use against Him. 
We must question whose side of the board we are on.  Just because we are Christians doesn’t mean God is moving us.  We mustn’t fool ourselves - if we are not allowing God to work freely in our lives and move us where He will, we are Satan’s pawns - there is no middle ground.  We must continuously resist the devil by giving ourselves, as a living sacrifice, to God to use wisely and graciously.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5: 8.

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God is: The Source of Light

The sun is our primary source of natural light – even at night.  Though the moon illuminates the darkness, it does not produce its own light – it simply reflects it from the sun.

Jesus declared in John 8:12: “I am the light of the world”. Without the light from the Son, we would all be in complete darkness. If Jesus Christ is the light of the world, then our purpose as Christians is to be like the moon and reflect His light in dark places.
Christianity is a process.  As new believers we reflect very little of Christ’s light because the world has cast a great shadow over us – we are like the crescent moon. 
However, if we persevere and grow in grace (through studying and applying God’s Word), we start to reflect Christ’s attributes and illuminate a path for those walking in darkness.  Eventually, we become like the full moon – brightening people’s lives with Christ-like integrity, compassion and His relaxed attitude.
Our commission as Christians is to lead people to Christ.  When we reflect His grace in a world that has little, it illuminates the path to Christianity like no other way. The measure of a mature Christian is not how much Bible verses we know or how religious we are, but how we mirror the Son of God and His immeasurable grace to a world in darkness.
‘But the path of the just is like the shining sun, that shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.’ Proverbs 4:18  

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God is: The Perfect Hairdresser

A hairdresser is a person who cuts and styles hair.  We all want to find a good hairdresser that is professional, reliable, gives sound advice, knows our needs and can provide a great ‘do’ for every occasion.

God is like a perfect hairdresser, but instead of the best cut and style He has the best plan that suits our individual strengths and weaknesses.  He sees us from all angles and knows the circumstances that are compatible with our personality and temperament (Jeremiah 29:11). 
But here’s the problem: we keep snatching the scissors from God thinking we can do a better job styling ourselves.  It’s only when we reflect in the mirror of our past do we realise what a horrible mess we made.
So, instead of being remembered for the ridiculous ‘dos’ we give ourselves such as: self-absorption, arrogance or bitterness, we should book into God’s saloon and let Him renovate us with a graceful new style of humility, contentment and generosity that others will long remember after we are gone.  
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  Proverbs 5: 5-6.

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God is: Hitting the Mark

A marksman is defined as someone who shoots with great skill and accuracy.

We are all marksmen aiming at our own goals and objectives.  Some people are better than others at hitting their mark.
As marksmen, we go through life shooting at our own targets – sometimes hitting and sometimes missing.  However, as Christians, we have another choice – we can hand our arrows to God.
When God starts overshooting our targets, we can’t be blamed to think He has missed the mark; we expected Him to hit a bullseye on our objectives.  But God is a perfect marksman and never misses.  One day we will come to realise He was never aiming at our target but a target far beyond our range of vision.  As we pass it, we will see God hit the target squarely in the centre.
Mankind is often too short-sighted to see the targets of an eternal God.  Sometimes our arrows (purpose in life) will hit the target (bear fruit) long after we are dead.  On handing our arrows to God we should keep in mind that just because we can’t see where God sent our arrow doesn’t mean He didn’t hit the mark.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6.

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God is: The Holy-Ghost Writer

A ghost-writer is someone who writes speeches, books or articles for another individual.  National leaders use them to prepare inspiring speeches.  Famous people use them to write their autobiographies.  
Ghost-writers work quietly behind the scenes and the credit for their work usually goes to another who claims the authorship.

It is up to us whom we choose to write our life story.  As a Christian we have the greatest ghost writer of all time at our disposal – the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Spirit - is our personal Ghost-Writer on call 24 hours a day.  He is the Inspirer of the inspirers.  He gives us words to say when we need them most, (1 Cor 2:4).  He has a way of editing life’s difficult moments so they make sense. 
However, we may choose to ignore the guidance of the divine Ghost-Writer and endeavour to write our autobiography ourselves.  In this post-Christian time, many people are now living independent of God and ironically are trying to find meaning in a meaningless evolutionary existence.  When they review their lives, it is a story of chasing the dollar, seeking comfort and consumerism – a life that has no real purpose with years that makes little sense.  Generally, when we write our story independent of God, our self-serving story is not very inspiring – even if we achieve much.
When we finally get to the point where we hand the pen to God, the Holy Spirit will start editing our life.  Soon, every day will become meaningful.  We will find purpose to existence and who we are.  We will be guided to our personal role.  Our life will be written in grace and will be an inspirational story to encourage others.  In the end, we may get the credit for our well-lived Christian life, but in reality all credit must go to our divine Ghost-Writer who has done all the work behind the scenes. 
“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 14:26

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God is: Sharing the Pain

Loving parents share the pain of their children.  When something bad happens to a child (such as an injury, illness, rejection or failure) the parent also shares it.  Love connects people.  When we love someone, we invest part of ourselves in them – and when the object of our love suffers, so also do we.

God is our Heavenly Father.  He is connected to us in ways we cannot fathom. As Christians, God dwells in us and is with us 24/7.  He has truly invested Himself in us.  Like a loving parent, he shares in our moments of greatest joy and triumph and he shares our pain.
When we suffer through illness, loss or rejection – God suffers with us. He knows our grief and greatly desires to comfort us.  God is not the author of pain and suffering – Eden and paradise was His design for us.  Because of freewill (individually and nationally) we have brought hardships upon ourselves, but we must understand that God has not forsaken us.  We see, through Christ, that God is sharing every pain of mankind’s fall from grace.
Even when we step out of line and God must discipline us, He also loves us and shares our punishment.  As children we find it hard to believe when our parents say, “This is going to hurt me more than it will you”.  When we become parents we realise how true this is.  Through love we are connected to our kids and partake in their ups and downs.
As Christians, when we start loving God (more than ourselves) we also start sharing His grief: the grief of a lost world that has rejected Him.  We start sharing His desire: the desire to save the lost.  And we share His joy and triumphs, and these are unfathomable and eternal. 
Hebrews 13:5 states: For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

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God is: The Artist behind the Artworks

A wealthy artist decided to create something special for the city he loved. For years he quietly crafted one masterpiece after another. When the collection was complete, he built a magnificent gallery, filled it with his artwork and opened the doors free to the public. Then he sat back to watch people’s reactions.
Crowds soon poured through the gallery. They marvelled at the paintings, admired the sculptures and praised the beauty and skill on display. Yet the artist was deeply disappointed. Not one person wondered who had created the masterpieces or thanked the one who made them. Instead, they convinced themselves that the gallery had somehow appeared by itself and the artworks had formed through a series of fortunate accidents.

As strange as that sounds, many people approach the natural world in much the same way. Scientists rightly uncover astonishing design, order and finely tuned laws throughout the universe. They marvel at the incredible information encoded within living cells and the breathtaking complexity of life. Yet many stop short of asking the obvious question: Who is the Artist behind the artwork?
Science is wonderfully equipped to explore how the universe works, but it cannot explain why anything exists in the first place, why the laws of nature are so precise, or where the information necessary for life originally came from. Those questions point beyond creation to a Creator.
The universe is not simply a masterpiece to be admired – it is a signpost directing us to the One who made it. Every sunrise, every star and every living creature quietly bears witness to the greatest Artist of all.
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1.

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God is: Our Holy-Spiritual-Trainer

A personal trainer is someone who teaches and motivates others for the purpose of their physical advancement.  A good trainer motivates their clients to exercise daily and develop good eating habits. They understand people have varying levels of fitness and ability so they tailor-make a routine for each individual.
When the client has transformed from FAT to FIT, friends often want to know who their personal trainer is so they too can benefit.

We seldom consider the role of the Holy Spirit (the third Person of the Trinity).  He is our ‘Personal-Spiritual-Trainer’.  He has full knowledge about us and knows exactly what we need to build spiritual muscle. He motivates us when we lack motivation. He persistently whispers in our ear (the still small voice of our conscience) and inspires us to push ourselves.  He encourages us to have a balanced spiritual diet (Biblical Truths) and discourages us from junk food (sin).   At times He allows difficult circumstances and frustrating people to enter our lives so we can build spiritual muscle (but has promised to never test us beyond what we can handle).  He also understands the need for rest and will organise pleasant circumstances and inspiring people to encourage us to new levels of maturity.  He is the Perfect Spiritual-Trainer and is at our call 24/7. 
But here’s the problem: trainers can only help those that come to them with a real desire to improve themselves. We would be wise to employ our Holy-Spiritual-Trainer; not only will we eternally benefit, but furthermore strong-healthy spiritual students always bring glory to their Trainer.
“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 14:26.

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God is: The Ultimate Power

We all enjoy electricity. It lights our homes, powers our devices, and quietly keeps life moving. Yet we’re warned – high voltage isn’t to be taken lightly. Touch a live wire and you’ll be zapped. It doesn’t matter who you are – young or old, good or bad. The power doesn’t change to suit us; we must respect it as it is.

In a far greater way, God is the ultimate power – the unchanging source behind everything. He created and sustains the universe, including the laws of nature we rely on. We benefit from His power every day, often without thinking. Yet in His mercy, God “insulates” us from the fullness of His glory while we live in this world.
However; people often reduce God to human terms and then judge Him by those limits. They ask, “If God is loving, how can He allow judgement or Hell?” But if God is truly infinite and perfectly just, it makes more sense that our understanding is limited – not His character.
The Bible teaches that when we die, we will all come face to face with God. His perfect holiness is not compatible with our sin – or even our best efforts at righteousness. If we are not “fully insulated,” we cannot remain in His presence. This is not because God is cruel, but because His nature is perfectly pure and unchanging.
Some may say, “Then I don’t want to be in God’s presence.” But Hell is, in essence, existence apart from God’s goodness, comfort, and provision. It is the unthinkable outcome of being separated from Him and all He provides.
God does not change. If He could compromise His nature, He would no longer be the perfect foundation of reality. Like electricity, He must be respected for both His benefits and His danger – He is both loving and just. The Bible warns that without being made right before Him, we face judgement.
We might say, “But I’m a relatively good person.” Yet being “relatively good” is like being “partly insulated” when touching a high-voltage wire – it isn’t enough. God’s standard is perfect righteousness.
Here is the hope: God provides what we cannot. Scripture says we are all sinners and have all fallen short (Romans 3:23), but through Jesus Christ we can be made right with Him. On the cross, Jesus paid the full price for our sin (Philippians 2:5–8). Through Him, we are made “compatible” with God’s holiness – born again into new life. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6).
The choice is ours. We either accept or reject what Christ has done. Only by trusting in Him are we “fully insulated” when we come into contact with the Ultimate Power.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

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God is: Using the Tide

Two men took their boats out to sea to fish.  After a very good catch, they rowed their boats back toward the shore, but while they were fishing the tide had gone out leaving their cars some distance from the water.
The first man decided to wait for the tide to turn and started cleaning his fish. However, the second man became very frustrated as he had many things to do and didn’t have time to wait for the tide.  So he jumped out of his boat and started dragging it over the long stretch of beach.  It was exhausting work as his boat was very heavy and laden with fish, but being a stubborn man he was not easily deterred.
It soon became evident that he was getting nowhere fast so he decided to lighten his load.  He threw out his oars, lines, nets and catch of fish then kept dragging.  Step by agonizing step he advanced.   Every few metres his boat caught in the sand or wedged on a rock.  In anger, he lifted it free then heaved it out.  Ever so slowly he advanced closer to his car. 
Finally, with the last of his strength, he dragged his boat to the top of the beach.  He laughed in exhilaration and shook his fist defiantly at heaven.  Then, to his complete surprise, he noticed the tide had come in behind him.  He watched, speechless, as the other man rowed his boat effortlessly to his car, placed his oars, nets and cleaned fish into the back, then lifted his boat on top and drove away.  The second man fell down exhausted - he did not have the strength left to lift his boat.

God has told us there is a time for everything (Ecc. 3:1).  When delayed, we should be patient.  We should do the things that are within our reach and relax about the things that aren’t.   If we trust in God, He will turn the tide at exactly the right time.  All our stubborn efforts, worries and fears are just a waste of energy and will leave us frustrated, discouraged and exhausted.
Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart… Psalm 27:14a

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God is: A Victim of Identity Theft

Imagine if someone stole your identity and committed crimes in your name. Suddenly, you were blamed for offences you never committed. Banks refused to deal with you, businesses turned you away and your reputation was ruined. You would desperately want the opportunity to clear your name. But what if, no matter what you said or did, people still believed the lies?

In many ways, God’s identity has been stolen. Throughout history, terrible atrocities have been committed in His name by violent religions, corrupt leaders and misguided cults. Sadly, many people now hold God responsible for the actions of those who have falsely claimed to represent Him.
So how does God answer the false accusations made in His name?
He came to earth as a man.
Through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, we discover first-hand who God really is and what He stands for. Jesus declared, “I and My Father are one.” (John 10:30). If we want to know what God is like, we simply need to look at Jesus.
Jesus was loving, just and full of grace, regardless of a person’s status, gender or past. He welcomed the rich and the poor, the respected and the rejected. He challenged those who exploited or condemned others, yet showed mercy to the broken and forgiveness to the repentant. He never forced anyone to follow Him, but lovingly invited people to trust Him.
Then came the greatest revelation of God’s character. Jesus willingly laid down His life on the cross to pay the debt of our sin, opening the way for anyone who believes in Him to receive forgiveness and eternal life (John 3:16). There could be no greater demonstration of God’s love.
God has given each of us the freedom to choose what we will believe. We can continue judging Him by those who have misrepresented Him, or we can discover His true character by looking at Jesus Christ. God’s invitation remains open to everyone. Don’t judge God by those who have falsely claimed His name – judge Him by Jesus Christ.
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. Colossians 1:15.

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God is: Our Faithful Guide

Most of us remember Jiminy Cricket, the cheerful little character in Pinocchio who famously said, ‘Always let your conscience be your guide.’ He wasn’t big or powerful – just a small, polite voice who followed Pinocchio around, trying to steer him away from trouble and toward what was right.
Jiminy didn’t shout or force Pinocchio’s decisions. He simply reminded him of what he already knew deep down. And when Pinocchio listened, he stayed out of danger. When he ignored that voice, things quickly unravelled.

In many ways, the Holy Spirit works in us like that – not as a cartoon cricket, of course, but as the invisible presence of God who speaks through our conscience. He gently nudges our hearts, warns us of wrong, encourages us to do what’s right, and leads us in love and truth.
He’s not loud or overbearing. But He is faithful. He speaks through peace, conviction, and quiet wisdom. And the more we listen, the clearer His voice becomes.
Unlike Jiminy Cricket, the Holy Spirit is not just a symbol – He is real. He’s God dwelling within us. He doesn’t just guide us; He empowers us to walk in truth, helping us grow to be more like Christ.
So the next time you feel that quiet voice prompting you to choose integrity, kindness, or forgiveness – don’t ignore it. That’s not just your conscience – that’s your Helper, your Comforter, your God, walking with you from the inside out.
“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 14:26

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God is: God-Man or Con-Man?

A con-man is a deceiver – he manipulates others for personal benefit, spinning clever lies to win trust, only to betray it. His tools are charm, persuasion, and illusion. His motive is self-gain. His legacy is broken lives.

So what about Jesus Christ? Was He just another religious trickster, or was He truly the God-Man He claimed to be? Jesus didn’t leave us the option of seeing Him as merely a good bloke or wise teacher. He made astounding claims:
• He said He was the Son of God
(Luke 22:70),
• That He had the authority to forgive
sins (Luke 5:20–21),
• That He alone was “the way, the truth,
and the life” (John 14:6),
• That He would rise from the dead (Mark 8:31),
• And that He was going to prepare a place in Heaven for His followers (John 14:2–3).
These aren’t the claims of a humble teacher – they’re either the truth, or the most elaborate fraud in history. But let’s look at the evidence. Con-men live for personal gain – wealth, power, control. Jesus lived for others. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and welcomed society’s rejects. He never exploited anyone, and when faced with death, He didn’t run – He willingly laid down His life on a Roman cross, not to gain power, but to offer salvation.
He didn’t die as a deluded martyr. He rose again – seen by hundreds of eyewitnesses (1 Cor. 15:3–6) – sparking a movement that transformed the world. Billions have believed, and still believe. His name has been loved, hated, obeyed, outlawed – and still it divides hearts and nations today.
C.S. Lewis famously argued: “A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice.”
Yes, we must decide. Jesus doesn’t allow neutral ground. If He’s not the Lord, He is either a great liar who has pulled off the biggest con in history – or He is dangerously deluded. But if His claims are true, then He is the God-Man, the Saviour who took the penalty for sin and conquered death – so that whoever believes in Him can have eternal life.
So who do you say He is? Your eternity hinges on the answer.
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

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God is: Creating A Great Mosaic

A mosaic is a complex artwork made by fitting together thousands of tiny, often broken, pieces of coloured glass, stone, or tile. Up close, these little pieces can seem random, rough, and disconnected. But when you step back, you see they form a breathtaking picture – each piece perfectly placed by the artist to contribute to the greater design.

In the same way, each of us is a small piece in the great mosaic that God is creating across history. From our limited viewpoint, life can look confusing, painful, and sometimes unfair. We wonder why certain things happen to us, why good people suffer, why tragedies unfold, or why history seems to take such dark turns. But we only see our tiny part of the pattern – God sees the whole masterpiece.
When we question God’s choices, we tread on dangerous ground. When Job was in the depths of his suffering, he began to question God’s justice and wisdom. But God’s response (in Job chapters 38–41) was a humbling reminder that Job had no capacity to comprehend the full scale of divine purposes. God sees the end from the beginning. He is outside of time, holding the entire mosaic of human and angelic history in His hands, simultaneously sustaining the order of both the universe and heaven.
We must be careful not to pass judgement on God based on our limited experience. It’s like standing nose-to-nose with a single tile in a grand mosaic and declaring the whole artwork to be a failure because we don’t like the colour of that one piece. The reality is – we are simply not equipped to see the full picture. Our perspective is too small to grasp the vast, eternal purposes at work. While we are focused on the immediate – health, hardship, life and death – God is ultimately working for the eternal good of eternal souls through the court of free-will and sin. Every life matters deeply to Him; He proved this by stepping into His own mosaic as Jesus Christ, paying the ultimate price on the Cross to redeem us. His involvement isn’t distant – it’s personal, costly, and purposeful.
So let’s not lose heart when life seems confusing or painful. We are all broken pieces and are part of something incomprehensible – far bigger, far more glorious, than we can see right now. One day, when we see the completed mosaic from God’s vantage point, we will be overwhelmed by its beauty and perfection. Until then, we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” Ecclesiastes 3:11.

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