"I have only made this letter longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter." ~Blaise Pascal, 1657
I love this Pascal quote because, as you know, I write 1-minute devotions.
Pascal was a 17th-century genius who loved Jesus, and he encouraged other intellectuals to seek Jesus with their hearts, not their minds.
He wrote and taught some important truths about God, emphasizing faith by grace, not human merit. Unfortunately, he's most well-known for "Pascal's Wager" which isn't biblically sound. His wager: If the gospel is true and you accept Christ, you have everything to win. If it's not true, you've lost nothing.
If this wager encourages people to sincerely seek God, they will find him (Jeremiah 29:13; Matthew 7:7). But faith must be genuine.
However, Pascal's wager does not cancel out his many good theological writings and his incredible work in science and mathematics. His inventions include the calculator, syringe, hydraulic lift, and wristwatch.
Even though he died at age 39 and experienced enormous health, financial, and spiritual challenges during his lifetime, his life and faith impacted the world. I encourage you to read Great Creation Scientist.
God had purposes for Pascal's life, and Pascal made the most of the skills and opportunities God gave him (Ephesians 2:10). God has purposes for our lives as well. We may not be famous theologians or scientists, but let's make the most of the skills and opportunities God has given us (Ephesians 5:15-16)!
Well, I could write more, but I've taken time to make this short. 😊
However, Pascal's wager does not cancel out his many good theological writings and his incredible work in science and mathematics. His inventions include the calculator, syringe, hydraulic lift, and wristwatch.
Even though he died at age 39 and experienced enormous health, financial, and spiritual challenges during his lifetime, his life and faith impacted the world. I encourage you to read Great Creation Scientist.
God had purposes for Pascal's life, and Pascal made the most of the skills and opportunities God gave him (Ephesians 2:10). God has purposes for our lives as well. We may not be famous theologians or scientists, but let's make the most of the skills and opportunities God has given us (Ephesians 5:15-16)!
Well, I could write more, but I've taken time to make this short. 😊
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For more encouragement about God's purposes for your life, see Andrew-A Behind-the-Scenes Christian and Slip on Your Own Shoes.
Image: Public Domain
Bible Love Notes
I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.
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Bible Love Notes
I really enjoyed reading this post Gail. I have loved reading many of his quotes (especially some you just shared here) and therefore this history lesson was much appreciated! Have a lovely weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post. So many times intellectuals get sidetracked from following the Lord. After college our daughter started to sway in different popular new age ways, but the Good Lord brought her back. If nothing is going right in your life and you get desperate, who do you turn to? That's right . . . the one and only true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My husband and I are very happy to say that your daughter is back in the right lane and raising her daughters to know the Lord. I think that her short time in the wilderness was one of the best lessons in life and that she will remember it as a place she doesn't want to be and a place where she certainly doesn't want her daughters to go. He is so wise and He knows exactly what we need. The best part is that He uses all the bad times and turns them to good, to those that love Him :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I need to go back and read your post again . . .because I didn't keep it short :)
Have a lovely weekend.
Connie :)
Is been two years since your comment but here today, it brings hope and comfort to my heart. Perfect timing..
DeleteThank you. Love reading your posts.
ReplyDeleteI heard this comment by the man who baptized me years ago. I didn't realize that this comment was that old!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this I am saving this because it really is touching and it's something I want to remember about this man who was very very smart and loved Jesus.
ReplyDelete