Thursday, October 8, 2020

Omnipotent, Omnificent , Omnipresent, Omniscient - The Four Omnis of God -

Omnipotent - Almighty or Infinite in power, as God, Powerful, Mighty, Supreme

Omnificent - unlimited in creative power.

Omnipresent - present everywhere at the same time

Omniscient - having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding, perceiving all things

As a community the LDS people don't use these words very often - if at all. We tend to define God by the characteristics that are more attainable. For example, D&C section 121 reminds us to use persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness, love unfeigned, kindness, etc. These are all characteristics of God that He demonstrates over and over in scripture stories that inspire us and help us draw close to him. More importantly, these are qualities that we have the power to emulate as we try to become like Him.

The four Omni's on the other hand remind us how unlike God we are.

Omnipotent - he is the "Almighty"as President Hinckley used to call him.

"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the king of creation."  This beautiful hymn reminds us of the greatness of God and why we kneel before him "in glad adoration."

In a world where power is more often abused than not, we are blessed to know there is One who has infinite power and uses it to bless His children.

"Being all power God is greater than our circumstances and needs and is able to help us as we look to Him in submission and faith."  (The Four Omni's of God)


Omnificent 

All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us
Alleluia. Alleluia.

Oh Lord my God, when I in awesome Wonder
Consider all the world's thy hands have made...
HOW GREAT THOU ART!

God as Creator is an amazing thought. Our world is just an incredible place from the tiny dew drop that feeds a plant to the glorious mountain vistas and sunsets that feed our souls with their beauty.
We recognize our own limited creative powers yet learned that we each are creators in miniature and will find joy in those things we do create it. For some it will be the arts, some are engineers and scientists.  Some create happy homes. To create anything that is good and beautiful is to share in creation with the Creator of all

Omnipresent

Which of us has not explained in desperation at some time in our life "I can't be in two places at the same time!"  More than any generation ever, modern man juggles schedules and calendars and time constantly. Priorities must be identified because there are so many that demand a piece of us.

Yet God is there for us whenever we need Him. He is present in our lives no matter what befalls us. He hears every prayer. He gives strength to the weary. He gives hope when hope is lost. This one gospel truth brings help and comfort to believers everywhere. It is a magnificent truth!

Praise to the Lord who doth prosper thy way and defend thee.
Surely his goodness and mercy shall ever attend thee.
Ponder anew what the almighty can do,
Who with His love doth befriend thee.

I will not doubt. I will not fear.
God's love and strength are always near.
His promised gift helps me to find
An inner strength and peace of mind.

Omniscient

Life is filled with a search for answers. "Oh, how I wish I knew." Choices abound. There is seldom just one right way to do something but we learned early there are consequences to all decisions and we want to create desirable outcomes.

Paul says it well: "We see through a glass, darkly." We do our best and often just muddle through. We pray for guidance but realize the whole purpose of life would be defeated if God gave us a daily checklist of things we should do. Instead he "teaches correct principles" and asks us to use those to govern our lives. We walk by faith, not knowing.

But God knows us - each one of us - and He knows our potential. Of all the things He knows - what could be more wonderful than that! He knows me. He loves me! Everything He does is to help me reach my greatest potential.

Children of our Heavenly Father
Safely in His bosom gather.
Nestling bird nor star in heaven
Such a refuge e'er was given'

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever.
Unto them His grace He showeth
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He take
God His children ne'er forsaketh.
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

For 75 years I've read and studied and been immersed in this laboratory of experience called Earth. And yet I know little.

I am grateful to know God knows all and He is there for me. There is One who is and always will be the "Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." He is Omnipotent, Omnificent,  Omnipresent, and Omniscient and He loves me!

God planned the day, He planned the night
He gave the darkness, then the light.
The sky of blue, the sun so bright
Because He loves me.

God gave me a family
A cheerful heart and eyes to see.
That I might live here happily
Because He loves me.






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