Rising in the east before dawn this morning, fast Jupiter was racing to catch bright Venus. Both are racing to catch the Moon. If you used the angle-measuring tool I gave you yesterday, a finger on your outstretched arm, you saw that the planets were separated by about 2 degrees. Two fingers.
Tomorrow, Thursday, the separation will be about half that, about one finger-width. On Friday, the closest approach, they will be around one-half of a degree apart. By Monday, Jupiter will have passed Venus by about 3 degrees and the two planets will have caught the Moon to form a cluster, all within a few degrees of one another. There is plenty of time to see these things before sunrise washes them out, so I encourage you to go outside and have a look!
For the Star of Bethlehem event, Jupiter and Venus came about 30 times closer than this Friday. And they did it in the early evening, when folks were awake. What we are seeing today is unusual, but in 2 BC the planets merged -- this occurs on the time scale of centuries.
If you have time, join me in prayer:
"Father, if we stood on Venus or any of your planets with a dense cloudy atmosphere, we could see none of this. But you left the top off Earth. You wanted us to see your Universe and marvel. We do, Lord. We are made small and full of wonder by your creation. Thank you! We come in the name of Jesus, amen!"
Rick
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Celestial Convertible
This event will be impressive from today until about Monday, February 4, with the closest approach of the planets occurring on Friday, February 1. Enjoy!
They say "close only counts in horseshoes and kisses". But here's a pretty cool near miss!
For the next few days you can go out in your own yard and see an event similar to the Star of Bethlehem. Depending upon weather (and sleep habits), you may be able to see a close approach of Jupiter and Venus. Great viewing for the next few days.
To see this spectacle, you'll need to look to the eastern sky just before dawn. Depending upon the terrain where you stand, you may first see the paired stars rising in the east around 5.40a. They'll appear later if there are trees or other obstructions on your horizon. The show will continue until the Sun rises and washes everything out around 7.30a. So there's a good viewing window for many of you, even if you're not normally early risers. Do take a look! You'll probably be out of bed by 7 anyway, so go outside!
Now, how does this compare to the Star of Bethlehem? Here are some helpful units, starting with what you already know, but moving to things you probably DON'T know:
A full circle = 360 degrees
Visible sky = around 180 degrees
Width of a finger held at armslength = about 2 degrees
One degree = 60 arcminutes
Resolving power of unaided human eye = about 3 arcminutes
One arcminute = 60 arcseconds
With that background. You'll see this clearly! On February 1, the planets will be separated by around 35 acrminutes. The resolving power of the unaided human eye is about 3 arcminutes, so they will appear very close, but still separable. The 2 BC Star of Bethlehem occurred when the two planets came within about 35 arcSECONDS of one another. About 60 times closer! The two became inseparable by even the best human eyes.
If you have time, join me in prayer:
"Father, on Sunday we sing about your majesty displayed in your creation. But we get pretty accustomed to it. It's easy for us to overlook because it's always there. But one thing you did for our little planet is so unusual and so amazing! You left the top off. You gave us an atmosphere to protect and nourish us, but you made air TRANSPARENT. Like an open window. We little ones can simply turn our eyes up and see objects millions of miles away. We can see from the soles of our feet in our driveways straight out into infinity. It scarcely seems possible, Father. It is wonderful beyond belief. Thank you for leaving the top off! Thank you for letting us see deep wonders hanging in infinity. Thank you for arranging jewels in the sky to announce our Messiah! We come before you full of praise and wonder, and in the name of Jesus, amen!"
Rick
They say "close only counts in horseshoes and kisses". But here's a pretty cool near miss!
For the next few days you can go out in your own yard and see an event similar to the Star of Bethlehem. Depending upon weather (and sleep habits), you may be able to see a close approach of Jupiter and Venus. Great viewing for the next few days.
To see this spectacle, you'll need to look to the eastern sky just before dawn. Depending upon the terrain where you stand, you may first see the paired stars rising in the east around 5.40a. They'll appear later if there are trees or other obstructions on your horizon. The show will continue until the Sun rises and washes everything out around 7.30a. So there's a good viewing window for many of you, even if you're not normally early risers. Do take a look! You'll probably be out of bed by 7 anyway, so go outside!
Now, how does this compare to the Star of Bethlehem? Here are some helpful units, starting with what you already know, but moving to things you probably DON'T know:
A full circle = 360 degrees
Visible sky = around 180 degrees
Width of a finger held at armslength = about 2 degrees
One degree = 60 arcminutes
Resolving power of unaided human eye = about 3 arcminutes
One arcminute = 60 arcseconds
With that background. You'll see this clearly! On February 1, the planets will be separated by around 35 acrminutes. The resolving power of the unaided human eye is about 3 arcminutes, so they will appear very close, but still separable. The 2 BC Star of Bethlehem occurred when the two planets came within about 35 arcSECONDS of one another. About 60 times closer! The two became inseparable by even the best human eyes.
If you have time, join me in prayer:
"Father, on Sunday we sing about your majesty displayed in your creation. But we get pretty accustomed to it. It's easy for us to overlook because it's always there. But one thing you did for our little planet is so unusual and so amazing! You left the top off. You gave us an atmosphere to protect and nourish us, but you made air TRANSPARENT. Like an open window. We little ones can simply turn our eyes up and see objects millions of miles away. We can see from the soles of our feet in our driveways straight out into infinity. It scarcely seems possible, Father. It is wonderful beyond belief. Thank you for leaving the top off! Thank you for letting us see deep wonders hanging in infinity. Thank you for arranging jewels in the sky to announce our Messiah! We come before you full of praise and wonder, and in the name of Jesus, amen!"
Rick
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Thanks, Lord! We'll take it from here...
We can hope that no one in Christendom actually utters those awful words. But it isn't hard to find Christians acting them out. Because we want to be in control. We want to do what we know how to do to "ensure" success. We've read a study or made a plan, and we think we know best. But those words are a disaster waiting to happen.
Serving God is a balancing act. We must bring all of our God-given talents and gifts to bear on our God-given tasks. But we must always know that nothing of lasting value happens without His hand and help. I find myself praying for specific things, because scripture tells us to do that. But I often end my prayers by saying "But Lord. I don't want to drive. YOU drive. I don't know enough about where we're going!" It's how Jesus prayed. Specific requests ("Take this cup from me."). Followed by complete release ("But not my will, Lord. Your will be done.")
So, I know many of you prayed about the FOX News interview last night. And now our task is to release the results to Him. Geraldo wasn't there. A stand-in host was letting Geraldo get a head start on his Christmas vacation. After I sat in the studio, mic'd up and ready for an hour or so, the moment for me to speak of the Star finally crackled through my hidden earphone. The host introduced me by misstating essentially everything I teach about the Star. I needed to launch from that starting block, knowing I might have but seconds of air.
I decided in milliseconds that there was no way to correct all the rubbish without making the host look bad and wasting the only air I would get. So, I ignored all of the misinformation and tried to say whatever would testify to God's glory in the moments I might have.
Disappointing? Humanly, yes. But afterward I immediately practiced what I preach by letting the results go to our Master who sees it all. The result was a kind of elation. Bad interview? Probably. Worthless? Absolutely NOT! God will use it. Perhaps it is the next step up. Perhaps it will land me in a fight over the inane ideas credited to me. It really doesn't matter what the results seem to me, because I know the Lord will get what He wants from this tiny bit of national air time!
If you have time, join me in prayer:
"Father, this balancing act is delicate! We want to work and plan and work some more. But you call us to a kind of work-release program. One where we do our work, always, always, always releasing to you, watching and listening for your next steps, which are often *unexpected* steps. Thank you for the goofy interview on FOX. We ask that you'll exactly accomplish your purpose in it. We ask that it not be cut out of the show. We ask that many will see it and be set wondering about you and your plan for humankind. But we also release it all to you with joy! We trust the one who sees the future with hindsight! What a joy to serve you, Lord! We pray and sing in the name of our Savior, Amen!"
Merry Christmas, all!
Rick
Serving God is a balancing act. We must bring all of our God-given talents and gifts to bear on our God-given tasks. But we must always know that nothing of lasting value happens without His hand and help. I find myself praying for specific things, because scripture tells us to do that. But I often end my prayers by saying "But Lord. I don't want to drive. YOU drive. I don't know enough about where we're going!" It's how Jesus prayed. Specific requests ("Take this cup from me."). Followed by complete release ("But not my will, Lord. Your will be done.")
So, I know many of you prayed about the FOX News interview last night. And now our task is to release the results to Him. Geraldo wasn't there. A stand-in host was letting Geraldo get a head start on his Christmas vacation. After I sat in the studio, mic'd up and ready for an hour or so, the moment for me to speak of the Star finally crackled through my hidden earphone. The host introduced me by misstating essentially everything I teach about the Star. I needed to launch from that starting block, knowing I might have but seconds of air.
I decided in milliseconds that there was no way to correct all the rubbish without making the host look bad and wasting the only air I would get. So, I ignored all of the misinformation and tried to say whatever would testify to God's glory in the moments I might have.
Disappointing? Humanly, yes. But afterward I immediately practiced what I preach by letting the results go to our Master who sees it all. The result was a kind of elation. Bad interview? Probably. Worthless? Absolutely NOT! God will use it. Perhaps it is the next step up. Perhaps it will land me in a fight over the inane ideas credited to me. It really doesn't matter what the results seem to me, because I know the Lord will get what He wants from this tiny bit of national air time!
If you have time, join me in prayer:
"Father, this balancing act is delicate! We want to work and plan and work some more. But you call us to a kind of work-release program. One where we do our work, always, always, always releasing to you, watching and listening for your next steps, which are often *unexpected* steps. Thank you for the goofy interview on FOX. We ask that you'll exactly accomplish your purpose in it. We ask that it not be cut out of the show. We ask that many will see it and be set wondering about you and your plan for humankind. But we also release it all to you with joy! We trust the one who sees the future with hindsight! What a joy to serve you, Lord! We pray and sing in the name of our Savior, Amen!"
Merry Christmas, all!
Rick
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Targeted Media Prayer, Please
FOX News will send a car today at 5p Central to ferry me two hours to Austin for a Satellite interview on Geraldo at Large. The show will be taped at 8p Central this evening for air on Geraldo's Sunday show. Check local listings if you'd like to watch. Probably 7p Central.
This is the close out of a busy Starry Christmas season! I want you folks calling on our Master to make me a good vessel on national TV. I hope you'll join me in prayer below. Joining me on Geraldo, with an "alternate view" on the Star, will be Bruce Feiler.
The entire Star DVD was broadcast last night on TBN, so I've been getting email from around the world. If you'd like to see some of the other television media already out there, here are some links:
CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network)
PBS television "Religion and Ethics"
CBS
If you have time, please join me in prayer:
"Father, we thank you for the opportunities you give us to serve you. We thank you that we get to pull the oars, and do the sometimes difficult work, knowing that you take care of results. We ask that tonight's media work on Geraldo will draw people to you from across the United States and the World. We pray as we always do, that YOU will make your name great! Be master of the airwaves tonight! We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen!"
Rick
This is the close out of a busy Starry Christmas season! I want you folks calling on our Master to make me a good vessel on national TV. I hope you'll join me in prayer below. Joining me on Geraldo, with an "alternate view" on the Star, will be Bruce Feiler.
The entire Star DVD was broadcast last night on TBN, so I've been getting email from around the world. If you'd like to see some of the other television media already out there, here are some links:
CBN (Christian Broadcasting Network)
PBS television "Religion and Ethics"
CBS
If you have time, please join me in prayer:
"Father, we thank you for the opportunities you give us to serve you. We thank you that we get to pull the oars, and do the sometimes difficult work, knowing that you take care of results. We ask that tonight's media work on Geraldo will draw people to you from across the United States and the World. We pray as we always do, that YOU will make your name great! Be master of the airwaves tonight! We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen!"
Rick
Friday, December 14, 2007
December TV Schedule
Many of you have asked when the Star Project will be on television. Here are some dates and times we know. More are in the works.
December 15, Saturday, 7p (Central) "Geraldo at Large", Fox News Channel
December 20, Thursday, 5p (Central) Evening News, ABC Houston
December 21, Friday, PBS, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, various time slots nationwide
December 21 and following, CBN 700 Club, Newswatch & additional spots (may stream from YouTube, GodTube, CBN earlier)
December 21?, CBS, Tyler Texas, no further programming info at present
If you have time, please join me in prayer:
"Father, media teams nationwide are editing stories on your Star at this moment. Guide their decisions so your beauty emerges. Preserve the poetry of your Star. Make wonder shoot as an arrow from television screens through hearts. We ask that reporters and producers include links to the web, so that viewers can take the next step. Cause those watching in living rooms to be stung, to hunger for more, to yearn for the fuller message of Messiah. In events and interviews yet to occur, be Master of what is asked and answered, cut and included. We ask these things, *always* for YOUR glory! In the blessed name of our Messiah, Jesus. Amen."
Rick
December 15, Saturday, 7p (Central) "Geraldo at Large", Fox News Channel
December 20, Thursday, 5p (Central) Evening News, ABC Houston
December 21, Friday, PBS, Religion & Ethics Newsweekly, various time slots nationwide
December 21 and following, CBN 700 Club, Newswatch & additional spots (may stream from YouTube, GodTube, CBN earlier)
December 21?, CBS, Tyler Texas, no further programming info at present
If you have time, please join me in prayer:
"Father, media teams nationwide are editing stories on your Star at this moment. Guide their decisions so your beauty emerges. Preserve the poetry of your Star. Make wonder shoot as an arrow from television screens through hearts. We ask that reporters and producers include links to the web, so that viewers can take the next step. Cause those watching in living rooms to be stung, to hunger for more, to yearn for the fuller message of Messiah. In events and interviews yet to occur, be Master of what is asked and answered, cut and included. We ask these things, *always* for YOUR glory! In the blessed name of our Messiah, Jesus. Amen."
Rick
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
It Doesn't Stop: Geraldo At Large
The PBS interview went well, and I did not get any negative vibes about the Star. They will present a couple of other views on their show, but I felt I received a sympathetic ear. With prayer, I think we'll get a fair presentation, even if they have people on hand to diss the Star Project.
Lots more radio and TV coming. Prayer need: Geraldo's producer is hot for the Star. Unless Rivera vetoes it, we'll be doing a live broadcast via satellite on Geraldo at Large. Dunno if or when yet.
The excitement also causes tension in the home. Another way to say that: the evil one is hitting hard because our team is scoring and he hates it.
If you have time, please pray with me:
"Father, you have called the evil one the Prince of the Powers of the Air. I am sure that you meant the opposing spiritual realms. Did you also mean television and radio? Lord, overmaster his every attempt to scuttle this testimony to your power and beauty. Please influence the producers of the many television stations who are now editing their footage, with more already scheduled to have their wack at your Star. We pray that you will have your way! Words, Lord, words. Please supply the words as we work to serve you. We ask that Geraldo will find the story exciting, and that he will do excellent work from YOUR perspective, bringing great glory to your name. And, we pray for stamina and protection as the evil one pulls out the stops to harm those who serve you. Go, Lord! Run interference and have your way! We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen."
Rick
Lots more radio and TV coming. Prayer need: Geraldo's producer is hot for the Star. Unless Rivera vetoes it, we'll be doing a live broadcast via satellite on Geraldo at Large. Dunno if or when yet.
The excitement also causes tension in the home. Another way to say that: the evil one is hitting hard because our team is scoring and he hates it.
If you have time, please pray with me:
"Father, you have called the evil one the Prince of the Powers of the Air. I am sure that you meant the opposing spiritual realms. Did you also mean television and radio? Lord, overmaster his every attempt to scuttle this testimony to your power and beauty. Please influence the producers of the many television stations who are now editing their footage, with more already scheduled to have their wack at your Star. We pray that you will have your way! Words, Lord, words. Please supply the words as we work to serve you. We ask that Geraldo will find the story exciting, and that he will do excellent work from YOUR perspective, bringing great glory to your name. And, we pray for stamina and protection as the evil one pulls out the stops to harm those who serve you. Go, Lord! Run interference and have your way! We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen."
Rick
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Media Morning 'n' More
PBS arrives this morning in 30m to film for half a day. This afternoon, I'm live with Janet Parshall on her radio show "America". Maybe I should take a nap after PBS leaves?
If you have time, please join me in prayer:
"Father, we all get a bit nervous when we are on point. Yet, you have a wonderful history of enabling us when we need you most in your service. Lord, have your way in our lives today. Empower us to do each thing you want done, say each thing you want said, and help us to let go of all else! We ask that the PBS crew will produce a sympathetic special, which treats your poetry with the respect. We ask that no personal agenda on anyone's heart be permitted to dull the poetic beauty of our Savior's Star. We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen."
Rick
If you have time, please join me in prayer:
"Father, we all get a bit nervous when we are on point. Yet, you have a wonderful history of enabling us when we need you most in your service. Lord, have your way in our lives today. Empower us to do each thing you want done, say each thing you want said, and help us to let go of all else! We ask that the PBS crew will produce a sympathetic special, which treats your poetry with the respect. We ask that no personal agenda on anyone's heart be permitted to dull the poetic beauty of our Savior's Star. We ask these things in Jesus' name, amen."
Rick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
