Getting to Know Him
#12 September 20, 2005
Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me." Jeremiah 9:24
I can remember the days when I first met my husband. I can't say that it was love at first sight but there was certainly something about him that was drawing me, intriguing me, and beckoning me to get to know him. I wanted to spend more time with him. I wanted to find out who he was and what he was really like. As we grew closer it became important to me to find out his thoughts, his dreams, what he liked and what he didn't like. Whether we are meeting a future spouse or a future friend, we go through the process of getting to know them in the same way.
I have heard it said that we can never really know God. I don't believe that is true because God says in His word that He wants us to know Him. And His word is the truth! I believe we should go about knowing God in the same way that we get to know people in the natural world.
When we are getting to know someone we spend time with them and so it should be with God. The knowledge of God doesn't just come to us by osmosis the day we are saved. We have to make time with the Lord our number one priority. He should receive the "first fruits" of our day. We shouldn't squeeze Him in between our schedule or come to Him at the end of the day when we are spent and tired. Awake and alert we enter His presence with praise and thanksgiving and He meets us then, for "God inhabits the praises of His people." (Psalm 22:3) He will meet you in the midst of your praise. And through the reading of His word He will reveal Himself to you. Everything that you want to know about Him is there for you...in His word.
He will tell you who He is....the great I Am, El Shaddai (God Almighty), Jehovah Jireh (God is our provider), Jehovah Rophe (God is our healer), Jehovah Raah (our shepherd), Jehovah Nissi (our banner in battle). He will tell you that He is your creator, your father, your friend that sticketh closer than a brother. God will show you that He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. He will reveal Himself as the Prince of Peace, Mighty Counselor, Holy One, Lamb of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He is Love. He is Savior and Messiah. He will show you that He is your soon coming King. And that is just a glimpse of who He is! Do you really want to know God? Then spend time in His word.
We ask people questions when we are getting to know them. What do they like - what do they dislike? What makes them happy or sad? We need to ask those same questions of God. Lord, what do you love - what do you hate? What breaks your heart so that it will break mine too? He wants to tell us, among other things, that He loves the righteous (Psalm 146:8), He loves justice (Psalm 99:4), He loves a broken spirit and a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17). God even gives us a list of six things that he hates in Proverbs 6: 16-19. It's all there - again - in His word! You don't have to look far to find out who God is. He did not leave us to wonder or grope around in the dark. He left us His written word to search for who He is and He says, "Seek and you will find" (Matthew 7:7). He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Ask Him the questions - He will answer.
Besides finding out who He is, you will also find out what He is like. He will tell you that He is faithful, He is kind and compassionate. He longs to be gracious to you. He is merciful and forgiving. He is patient and full of loving kindness toward you. He protects, He shields you from harm, he answers your prayers, He has a great and glorious plan for your life. Through seeking Him and letting Him show you Himself, you can draw upon truth in the storms of life because you know God! The voice of the enemy of your soul will grow fainter and God's truth will guard your heart, your mind and your emotions. You will not fear - you know God!
A very important part of getting to know someone is listening to them. Besides reading your Bible, there should also be some time to just be quiet and listen. Be truly quiet because the Lord doesn't often come in the whirlwind and the earthquake. He most often comes in a gentle whisper (Read 1 Kings 19: 11-12). This is a time when we don't speak - He does. Through an inner voice, through leading you to a passage of Scripture, through a tender touch of peace that only He can give. Through a clear directive or a strong conviction of your sin.
Last we get to know someone by observing them. Be alert and in tune to God's hand in your life. Don't mistake anything for coincidence or happenstance. See His faithfulness to you when you have needed a miracle. See His healing in sickness. See His peace in the middle of a raging storm. Feel His strength when you were about to give up and He held you up. Don't ever give credit to yourself or other people - know that it was God, walking into your life saying, "I will show you who I am and what I am like and because of what I've shown you, you will be stronger next time because you know me!"
The way that I have it figured, the only way to know God is to spend time with Him and in His word. He loves spending time with you. I believe He gets excited when He sees you coming. He drops everything for you. He is honored when you let Him know that nothing is more important. Paul said in Philippians 3:8, "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of KNOWING (emphasis mine) Christ Jesus my Lord." He considered everything else "rubbish".
The Bible says that God knows you. He knows everything about you. He knew your name and your days while you were still in your mother's womb (Read Psalm 139). He knows the number of hairs that are on your head (Matthew 10:30). Now He calls you to know Him. He longs to reveal Himself to you. He is waiting for you whether you have just accepted Christ or whether you have been a Christian for many years. There is always something new to learn, more to know about Him, more secrets to be revealed. No relationship is more important. No task is more pressing. Like Paul, consider everything else rubbish and a loss compared to knowing Christ Jesus, your Lord.
Until next week,
Donna Schultz
Savemom@aol.com
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Monday, September 12, 2005
#10 Lessons from My Own Backyard
#10 September 6, 2005
Lessons From My Own Back Yard
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse". (Romans 1:20)
I love our backyard. Over the last 15 years we have let nature take it's course and it is now surrounded by trees and green ground cover with a smattering of color here and there around the yard.
Early this morning before most folks were up and moving, creation was alive and revealed the glory and power of God. The birds were singing, a rabbit and a squirrel were scampering around. I heard the sound of the breeze blowing through the trees. Off in the distance a ships' horn could be heard on the lake.
When the world and our own personal lives seem to be reeling out of control, God makes sure that He leaves us evidence that He still is. In fact, all through time God has always made Himself visible through His creation.
Psalm 19:1-4 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
Since the creation of the world God can be seen through what He has made. The Message says, "the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse". (Romans 1:20) In creation the everlasting power of God is seen. By observing His work, men are confronted with the living God.
In a broad sense, this past week has been hard on all of us. We are bombarded with images of catastrophic loss of life and property in the South. On a more personal level, you may be enduring a loss or catastrophe of your own, bombarding your thoughts with images that are just as frightening for you. But my Bible tells me that if I just take my eyes off of myself for a little while, maybe, just maybe He will show Himself to me. He's not hard to find, we don't have to look far.
He is in the sunrise of the morning and the moon at night. He is in the constancy of their rising and setting each and every day. When you doubt that He remembers you, look up at a starry sky and hear Him tell you that He knows each and every one by name. (Psalm 147:4). If He knows each star - He remembers you. He has engraved you on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Learn a lesson from the birds - Jesus says that you don't need to weary yourself - He provides for the birds and you are much more valuable (Matthew 6:26). Two sparrows are sold for a penny, yet Jesus watches over them. You are worth more than many sparrows. Even the hairs of your head are numbered (Matthew 10: 29-31). Observe the expanse of the waters - their gentle beauty and their awesome power.
Take note of His faithfulness in the seasons. Year after year, the seasons change. And we know by natures' example that God is faithful and that spring will come to erase the winters of our souls.
When the warm summer breeze brushes across my face I like to think that it's the hand of God reminding me that He is there and that He loves me.
God's attention to detail is evident in His work. The minute fibers inside of a flower, each leaf, each blossom. He is just as concerned with even the smallest concerns of your life.
When we truly look at God as He reveals Himself in His creation, we are given peace. We are inspired to worship Him because He is splendid and beautiful...just like His creation.
See Him when He releases the rain from it's storehouse and praise Him because you know that it makes things grow, in nature and in your life. He is in the rainbow after the storm.
And the clouds remind us that one day He will come on those very clouds and we will see Him as He really is.
But for now, until that great and glorious Day - He has left us this amazing world - His majestic creation. His love letter to you. Sometimes it's not very dramatic but it is always there, constant, faithful - just like it's marvelous Creator.
The next time that you are overwhelmed, burdened with care, unsure of exactly where God is - touch a part of His creation. See what He has made and read the message that He has left to you. Focus on the One who created the whole universe and feel His peace. Remember, you don't have to look far. I know. He was there this morning - while I was learning lessons, right in my own backyard.
Until next week,
Donna Schultz
Savemom@aol.com
If you would prefer to not receive these e-mails, please let me know at savemom@aol.com. Feel free to forward them as the Lord leads you and if others would like to receive it, e-mail savemom@aol.com to be added to the list.
Lessons From My Own Back Yard
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature-have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse". (Romans 1:20)
I love our backyard. Over the last 15 years we have let nature take it's course and it is now surrounded by trees and green ground cover with a smattering of color here and there around the yard.
Early this morning before most folks were up and moving, creation was alive and revealed the glory and power of God. The birds were singing, a rabbit and a squirrel were scampering around. I heard the sound of the breeze blowing through the trees. Off in the distance a ships' horn could be heard on the lake.
When the world and our own personal lives seem to be reeling out of control, God makes sure that He leaves us evidence that He still is. In fact, all through time God has always made Himself visible through His creation.
Psalm 19:1-4 says, "The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
Since the creation of the world God can be seen through what He has made. The Message says, "the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can't see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse". (Romans 1:20) In creation the everlasting power of God is seen. By observing His work, men are confronted with the living God.
In a broad sense, this past week has been hard on all of us. We are bombarded with images of catastrophic loss of life and property in the South. On a more personal level, you may be enduring a loss or catastrophe of your own, bombarding your thoughts with images that are just as frightening for you. But my Bible tells me that if I just take my eyes off of myself for a little while, maybe, just maybe He will show Himself to me. He's not hard to find, we don't have to look far.
He is in the sunrise of the morning and the moon at night. He is in the constancy of their rising and setting each and every day. When you doubt that He remembers you, look up at a starry sky and hear Him tell you that He knows each and every one by name. (Psalm 147:4). If He knows each star - He remembers you. He has engraved you on the palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16). Learn a lesson from the birds - Jesus says that you don't need to weary yourself - He provides for the birds and you are much more valuable (Matthew 6:26). Two sparrows are sold for a penny, yet Jesus watches over them. You are worth more than many sparrows. Even the hairs of your head are numbered (Matthew 10: 29-31). Observe the expanse of the waters - their gentle beauty and their awesome power.
Take note of His faithfulness in the seasons. Year after year, the seasons change. And we know by natures' example that God is faithful and that spring will come to erase the winters of our souls.
When the warm summer breeze brushes across my face I like to think that it's the hand of God reminding me that He is there and that He loves me.
God's attention to detail is evident in His work. The minute fibers inside of a flower, each leaf, each blossom. He is just as concerned with even the smallest concerns of your life.
When we truly look at God as He reveals Himself in His creation, we are given peace. We are inspired to worship Him because He is splendid and beautiful...just like His creation.
See Him when He releases the rain from it's storehouse and praise Him because you know that it makes things grow, in nature and in your life. He is in the rainbow after the storm.
And the clouds remind us that one day He will come on those very clouds and we will see Him as He really is.
But for now, until that great and glorious Day - He has left us this amazing world - His majestic creation. His love letter to you. Sometimes it's not very dramatic but it is always there, constant, faithful - just like it's marvelous Creator.
The next time that you are overwhelmed, burdened with care, unsure of exactly where God is - touch a part of His creation. See what He has made and read the message that He has left to you. Focus on the One who created the whole universe and feel His peace. Remember, you don't have to look far. I know. He was there this morning - while I was learning lessons, right in my own backyard.
Until next week,
Donna Schultz
Savemom@aol.com
If you would prefer to not receive these e-mails, please let me know at savemom@aol.com. Feel free to forward them as the Lord leads you and if others would like to receive it, e-mail savemom@aol.com to be added to the list.
SPECIAL: After the Hurricane
September 2, 2005
2 Chronicles 7:22 and 2 Chronicles 7:14
At times like this, times when tragedy strikes in a way that leaves us weak in the knees and barely able to breathe, we long to hear an encouraging and uplifting word. We long to hear how much God loves us and that all things will work for the good. We need to hear that God is still in control and that the world has not spun off of it's axis while we were asleep. All of that is absolute truth, but.....
God is love. He is also a just and jealous God. He is long-suffering but the Bible affirms over and over again that He is not forever-suffering, just long-suffering. I believe that God reaches His limit and says, "That's enough!"
So many are asking right now, "Why has God done such a thing to this land? How could a loving God allow this to happen?" In 2 Chronicles, Chapter 7, Verse 21, it says that people would ask that question in times of disaster. Could it be that God has given us His answer, right there in His Word? "Because they have forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshipping and serving them - that is why He brought all this disaster on them."
This great United States of America was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's laws and foundation were grounded on Judeo-Christian principles. Our founding fathers believed that government without God was unheard of. But look at where we are today. God has been thrown out of our schools. The display of His Ten Commandments are being outlawed. Homosexuality is changing the face of marriage and the family as we know it and of how our Master created it to be. Millions of babies are being slaughtered everyday in the abortion houses. Our respect for life has been reduced to determining it's usefulness to society. Judicial tyranny runs rampant. Judges who are appointed for life are rewriting our Constitution to make laws that fit their own personal agendas or cow-tow to the homosexual agenda (only 3% of our population) and Planned Parenthood. We have allowed the Jews, God's chosen people to be evicted from their homeland. God says that He will "vigorously defend their cause." (Jeremiah 50:34) God has a proven history of avenging Himself on nations that are against His people, Israel. This country has turned it's back and shaken it's fist at Christ.
I have asked many times - How long, Lord until you say "That's enough?" Well maybe...just maybe...
We can't blame it all on the devil. The responsibility rests on the shoulders of the church and it's individual members as well. Notice the 14th verse in 2 Chronicles, Chapter 7. A verse we are all very familiar with. God says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Notice that God said, "my people." That's you, that's me, that's the Church. It's not the unbeliever, the unsaved, the activist for evil or the devil -- it's you and me! God has expectations of us. We should know better. Unless we live in a cave, we know what kinds of evil are permeating our society. And many choose to do nothing. We get so wrapped up in our lives, our problems, our needs that as long as things don't seem to directly affect us, we do nothing. We say, I've never committed murder. I've never had an abortion. I'm not gay. I'm okay. No, really you're not. Proverbs 24:11-12 says "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" Proverbs 31:8 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." We are commanded to act...to do something. Our inaction and complacency are sin. Proverbs 1:32b says.."the complacency of fools will destroy them." Jeremiah 49:31 says, "arise and attack a nation at ease, which lives in confidence, declares the Lord."
There are some wonderful pastors throughout this country who are not afraid to address these issues. However, the church in general thinks that God doesn't want them to be outspoken about them. It is time for the churches of this nation to stand up and as Pastor Rod Parsley says, "Be Silent No More."
Our allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Not to our fear of the government taking away our 501c3 status. Not to our fear of offending someone. My goodness..the preaching of the Cross is offensive - should we stop that as well? Our allegiance is not to our desire to be seeker-friendly and non-threatening. I believe that those words make Jesus sick.
As individual believers, God spells out what we are to do, right here-right now. "If my people" - that's you. "Humble themselves" -- See the might and power of the living God and come under His direction and mighty hand. Acknowledge your nothingness. "And pray". Oh, pray like you've never prayed before. Go boldly to the throne of grace and intercede for this nation and it's people. Pray for our President. Don't blame him for not doing enough. If you can do a better job right now...go for it! Pray for our Congress, Representatives, local officials. Pray that God will bring constructionist judges who are Christ followers to the bench to enforce the Constitution, not rewrite it. Pray for Roe v. Wade to be overturned. Pray for people to see that Allah is not the same God that we serve and that we will not become a Muslim nation. Pray for the church, that they would be bold and stand up for truth, unafraid, in the example of the church of the Book of Acts - filled with the Holy Spirit and putting Jesus Christ and truth first.
"Seek my face". Stop seeking His hand. Seek His face! Cry out for Him to manifest Himself in our lives and in our assembling together. Hunger and thirst for more of His presence. Surrender it all to Him, make everything all about Him. Chase Him, run after Him, He will show Himself to you.
"Turn from your wicked ways." Examine yourself and confess your individual sin. Confess the corporate sin of the Church. Repent and do His will. Be ashamed if the tragedy in the Gulf Coast doesn't break your heart; it should.
He promises that He will "hear from heaven and will forgive our sin and will heal our land."
I am like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 20:9. "But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak anymore in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot."
So, I implore you to do something. Pray. Be concerned. Give your money to a good organization who will use it to help those who are so devastated along the Gulf Coast. Go and help if you can. Start paying attention to the issues of our day and our country's responses to them. Write or call your Senators. Stop supporting companies and causes that do not adhere to Christian values. Be bold, speak out, do not be afraid. It is time for the church of Jesus Christ to stand up and be counted. Jesus took a beating for us and died a horrible death. We are not being asked to suffer to the point of shedding our blood (Hebrews 12:4). It's the least we can do for Him.
Speaking the truth in love,
Donna Schultz
Savemom@aol.com
If you would prefer to not receive these e-mails, please let me know at savemom@aol.com. Feel free to forward them as the Lord leads you and if others would like to receive it, e-mail savemom@aol.com to be added to the list.
2 Chronicles 7:22 and 2 Chronicles 7:14
At times like this, times when tragedy strikes in a way that leaves us weak in the knees and barely able to breathe, we long to hear an encouraging and uplifting word. We long to hear how much God loves us and that all things will work for the good. We need to hear that God is still in control and that the world has not spun off of it's axis while we were asleep. All of that is absolute truth, but.....
God is love. He is also a just and jealous God. He is long-suffering but the Bible affirms over and over again that He is not forever-suffering, just long-suffering. I believe that God reaches His limit and says, "That's enough!"
So many are asking right now, "Why has God done such a thing to this land? How could a loving God allow this to happen?" In 2 Chronicles, Chapter 7, Verse 21, it says that people would ask that question in times of disaster. Could it be that God has given us His answer, right there in His Word? "Because they have forsaken the Lord, the God of their fathers, who brought them out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshipping and serving them - that is why He brought all this disaster on them."
This great United States of America was founded on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It's laws and foundation were grounded on Judeo-Christian principles. Our founding fathers believed that government without God was unheard of. But look at where we are today. God has been thrown out of our schools. The display of His Ten Commandments are being outlawed. Homosexuality is changing the face of marriage and the family as we know it and of how our Master created it to be. Millions of babies are being slaughtered everyday in the abortion houses. Our respect for life has been reduced to determining it's usefulness to society. Judicial tyranny runs rampant. Judges who are appointed for life are rewriting our Constitution to make laws that fit their own personal agendas or cow-tow to the homosexual agenda (only 3% of our population) and Planned Parenthood. We have allowed the Jews, God's chosen people to be evicted from their homeland. God says that He will "vigorously defend their cause." (Jeremiah 50:34) God has a proven history of avenging Himself on nations that are against His people, Israel. This country has turned it's back and shaken it's fist at Christ.
I have asked many times - How long, Lord until you say "That's enough?" Well maybe...just maybe...
We can't blame it all on the devil. The responsibility rests on the shoulders of the church and it's individual members as well. Notice the 14th verse in 2 Chronicles, Chapter 7. A verse we are all very familiar with. God says, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
Notice that God said, "my people." That's you, that's me, that's the Church. It's not the unbeliever, the unsaved, the activist for evil or the devil -- it's you and me! God has expectations of us. We should know better. Unless we live in a cave, we know what kinds of evil are permeating our society. And many choose to do nothing. We get so wrapped up in our lives, our problems, our needs that as long as things don't seem to directly affect us, we do nothing. We say, I've never committed murder. I've never had an abortion. I'm not gay. I'm okay. No, really you're not. Proverbs 24:11-12 says "Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?" Proverbs 31:8 says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." We are commanded to act...to do something. Our inaction and complacency are sin. Proverbs 1:32b says.."the complacency of fools will destroy them." Jeremiah 49:31 says, "arise and attack a nation at ease, which lives in confidence, declares the Lord."
There are some wonderful pastors throughout this country who are not afraid to address these issues. However, the church in general thinks that God doesn't want them to be outspoken about them. It is time for the churches of this nation to stand up and as Pastor Rod Parsley says, "Be Silent No More."
Our allegiance is to Jesus Christ. Not to our fear of the government taking away our 501c3 status. Not to our fear of offending someone. My goodness..the preaching of the Cross is offensive - should we stop that as well? Our allegiance is not to our desire to be seeker-friendly and non-threatening. I believe that those words make Jesus sick.
As individual believers, God spells out what we are to do, right here-right now. "If my people" - that's you. "Humble themselves" -- See the might and power of the living God and come under His direction and mighty hand. Acknowledge your nothingness. "And pray". Oh, pray like you've never prayed before. Go boldly to the throne of grace and intercede for this nation and it's people. Pray for our President. Don't blame him for not doing enough. If you can do a better job right now...go for it! Pray for our Congress, Representatives, local officials. Pray that God will bring constructionist judges who are Christ followers to the bench to enforce the Constitution, not rewrite it. Pray for Roe v. Wade to be overturned. Pray for people to see that Allah is not the same God that we serve and that we will not become a Muslim nation. Pray for the church, that they would be bold and stand up for truth, unafraid, in the example of the church of the Book of Acts - filled with the Holy Spirit and putting Jesus Christ and truth first.
"Seek my face". Stop seeking His hand. Seek His face! Cry out for Him to manifest Himself in our lives and in our assembling together. Hunger and thirst for more of His presence. Surrender it all to Him, make everything all about Him. Chase Him, run after Him, He will show Himself to you.
"Turn from your wicked ways." Examine yourself and confess your individual sin. Confess the corporate sin of the Church. Repent and do His will. Be ashamed if the tragedy in the Gulf Coast doesn't break your heart; it should.
He promises that He will "hear from heaven and will forgive our sin and will heal our land."
I am like Jeremiah in Jeremiah 20:9. "But if I say, "I will not mention him or speak anymore in his name," his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed I cannot."
So, I implore you to do something. Pray. Be concerned. Give your money to a good organization who will use it to help those who are so devastated along the Gulf Coast. Go and help if you can. Start paying attention to the issues of our day and our country's responses to them. Write or call your Senators. Stop supporting companies and causes that do not adhere to Christian values. Be bold, speak out, do not be afraid. It is time for the church of Jesus Christ to stand up and be counted. Jesus took a beating for us and died a horrible death. We are not being asked to suffer to the point of shedding our blood (Hebrews 12:4). It's the least we can do for Him.
Speaking the truth in love,
Donna Schultz
Savemom@aol.com
If you would prefer to not receive these e-mails, please let me know at savemom@aol.com. Feel free to forward them as the Lord leads you and if others would like to receive it, e-mail savemom@aol.com to be added to the list.
#9 Inquire of the Lord
#9 August 30, 2005
"We did not inquire of him (the Lord our God) about how to do it in the prescribed way." 1 Chronicles 15:13b
Have you ever noticed when you are reading your Bible that God spoke so specifically to people when they prayed? He answered them audibly, clearly and told them exactly what He wanted them to do. The other day I was reading 1 Chronicles about King David who asked God if he should attack the Philistines. He did this twice and God answered specifically each time, letting him know what action to take. I stopped and said, "Lord - do you still speak like that to people today?" And as clear as a bell, I heard him say to my heart, "Donna, I've given you my Word."
Then I read today's verse. God broke out in anger against the Levites because they did not inquire of Him in the past regarding bringing up the ark of the Lord. He wanted them to ask Him how to do it in the prescribed way - His way!
What importance do you place on God's Word - on your Bible? Is it a coffee table or book shelf decoration? Have you believed Satan's lie that it is outdated and not relevant in today's modern world? Do you only pull it out on Sunday mornings to carry to church? We don't even have to do that anymore do we? After all - it's up on the big screen, isn't it?
When you hold your Bible in your hands, you are holding everything you need for life and godliness. Everything! 2 Peter 1:3 says that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness." Do we have knowledge of Him? The only source of that knowledge is His word! And it seems to me that we don't get what we need for life and godliness unless it's through our knowledge of Him. His word --- Knowledge of Him --- Everything we need for life and godliness!
If we truly want to live for Christ we must have a knowledge of His word. We need to read it, study it, meditate on it. You can't put it into practice if you don't know it. Good works won't do it. Church attendance won't do it. We have to be in the Word on our own. God told Joshua in Joshua 1:8, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
God wants us to inquire of Him about how to live our lives. He longs to guide us and direct us because He knows that if we follow His way there is life and blessing and safety in our path. He is the Good Shepherd. God is the only one who can control our lives without destroying them.
We have our own thoughts, our own ways of doing things. But we need to check those things out according to what the Word says. We may be deceiving ourselves unless we line up everything with the Word. God says that His thoughts are not our thoughts or His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8). So what are His thoughts, His ways? Read the word and you'll find out. We must begin to line up our thoughts with God's thoughts. Where are those? In His Word!
Our thoughts lead us to our actions which then influence our lives. We think something, then we do it and it sets something in motion in our lives. Good thoughts lead to good fruit. Wrong thoughts produce wrong actions and produce no fruit or bad fruit. Romans Chapter 12, Verse 2 tells us that we must be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Then we will know what God's will is. When we renew our mind, we will replace the world's thoughts with God's thoughts and again -- God's thoughts are all in His Word.
Change your thoughts
Change your actions
Change your life.
Paul told his young friend Timothy that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) For every issue of life, the Bible speaks a word.
How do you have a good marriage? Search the Word!
How should you raise your children? Turn the pages of the Bible - your answers are there.
What kind of an employee should you be - God's word again!
What about your finances? BINGO! In the Word!!
There are over 2000 promises that God makes you in His Word. How can you claim them? A lot of them are given to you after you've obeyed God in a prescribed way - how do you know the way to your promise if you're not in the Word?
How do you fend off Satan, his attacks and his lies? The Bible says the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Jesus used it against the enemy in the desert. How can you defend yourself with it if you don't know it?
I heard someone talk about the Genesis 3 Question. After Adam and Eve ate the fruit in the garden, they hid themselves from God. When He asked them where they were Adam said that he was afraid because he was naked. God said, "Who told you that you were naked?" WHO TOLD YOU? Who is telling you what to believe? God, Satan, your friends, the world system, political parties?
God didn't just leave us with His Word. He also put the Holy Spirit on the inside of us. The Holy Spirit only speaks what the Father and Jesus would say. His indwelling presence and voice will confirm His Word. Again, you must know the word to know whether the voice you hear is the Spirit's, the enemy's or your own.
This may have been basic for some, new to others or a needed reminder. I believe that there is absolutely nothing more important than God's word. Carry it, search through it for truth. For every question or decision you have, ask "what does the Bible say about that?" Memorize it. Feast on it. Most importantly - OBEY IT!
A worn, broken and tattered Bible usually indicates a life that is not!
If you don't have a Bible, call me, I'll buy you one--
Donna Schultz
Savemom@aol.com
If you would prefer to not receive these e-mails, please let me know at savemom@aol.com. Feel free to forward them as the Lord leads you and if others would like to receive it, e-mail savemom@aol.com to be added to the list.
"We did not inquire of him (the Lord our God) about how to do it in the prescribed way." 1 Chronicles 15:13b
Have you ever noticed when you are reading your Bible that God spoke so specifically to people when they prayed? He answered them audibly, clearly and told them exactly what He wanted them to do. The other day I was reading 1 Chronicles about King David who asked God if he should attack the Philistines. He did this twice and God answered specifically each time, letting him know what action to take. I stopped and said, "Lord - do you still speak like that to people today?" And as clear as a bell, I heard him say to my heart, "Donna, I've given you my Word."
Then I read today's verse. God broke out in anger against the Levites because they did not inquire of Him in the past regarding bringing up the ark of the Lord. He wanted them to ask Him how to do it in the prescribed way - His way!
What importance do you place on God's Word - on your Bible? Is it a coffee table or book shelf decoration? Have you believed Satan's lie that it is outdated and not relevant in today's modern world? Do you only pull it out on Sunday mornings to carry to church? We don't even have to do that anymore do we? After all - it's up on the big screen, isn't it?
When you hold your Bible in your hands, you are holding everything you need for life and godliness. Everything! 2 Peter 1:3 says that "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by His own glory and goodness." Do we have knowledge of Him? The only source of that knowledge is His word! And it seems to me that we don't get what we need for life and godliness unless it's through our knowledge of Him. His word --- Knowledge of Him --- Everything we need for life and godliness!
If we truly want to live for Christ we must have a knowledge of His word. We need to read it, study it, meditate on it. You can't put it into practice if you don't know it. Good works won't do it. Church attendance won't do it. We have to be in the Word on our own. God told Joshua in Joshua 1:8, "Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."
God wants us to inquire of Him about how to live our lives. He longs to guide us and direct us because He knows that if we follow His way there is life and blessing and safety in our path. He is the Good Shepherd. God is the only one who can control our lives without destroying them.
We have our own thoughts, our own ways of doing things. But we need to check those things out according to what the Word says. We may be deceiving ourselves unless we line up everything with the Word. God says that His thoughts are not our thoughts or His ways our ways (Isaiah 55:8). So what are His thoughts, His ways? Read the word and you'll find out. We must begin to line up our thoughts with God's thoughts. Where are those? In His Word!
Our thoughts lead us to our actions which then influence our lives. We think something, then we do it and it sets something in motion in our lives. Good thoughts lead to good fruit. Wrong thoughts produce wrong actions and produce no fruit or bad fruit. Romans Chapter 12, Verse 2 tells us that we must be transformed by the renewing of our mind. Then we will know what God's will is. When we renew our mind, we will replace the world's thoughts with God's thoughts and again -- God's thoughts are all in His Word.
Change your thoughts
Change your actions
Change your life.
Paul told his young friend Timothy that "all Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man (or woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17) For every issue of life, the Bible speaks a word.
How do you have a good marriage? Search the Word!
How should you raise your children? Turn the pages of the Bible - your answers are there.
What kind of an employee should you be - God's word again!
What about your finances? BINGO! In the Word!!
There are over 2000 promises that God makes you in His Word. How can you claim them? A lot of them are given to you after you've obeyed God in a prescribed way - how do you know the way to your promise if you're not in the Word?
How do you fend off Satan, his attacks and his lies? The Bible says the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Jesus used it against the enemy in the desert. How can you defend yourself with it if you don't know it?
I heard someone talk about the Genesis 3 Question. After Adam and Eve ate the fruit in the garden, they hid themselves from God. When He asked them where they were Adam said that he was afraid because he was naked. God said, "Who told you that you were naked?" WHO TOLD YOU? Who is telling you what to believe? God, Satan, your friends, the world system, political parties?
God didn't just leave us with His Word. He also put the Holy Spirit on the inside of us. The Holy Spirit only speaks what the Father and Jesus would say. His indwelling presence and voice will confirm His Word. Again, you must know the word to know whether the voice you hear is the Spirit's, the enemy's or your own.
This may have been basic for some, new to others or a needed reminder. I believe that there is absolutely nothing more important than God's word. Carry it, search through it for truth. For every question or decision you have, ask "what does the Bible say about that?" Memorize it. Feast on it. Most importantly - OBEY IT!
A worn, broken and tattered Bible usually indicates a life that is not!
If you don't have a Bible, call me, I'll buy you one--
Donna Schultz
Savemom@aol.com
If you would prefer to not receive these e-mails, please let me know at savemom@aol.com. Feel free to forward them as the Lord leads you and if others would like to receive it, e-mail savemom@aol.com to be added to the list.
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