This morning was busier than normal, and although I went through scriptures, as I always do, it wasn’t long enough, or deep enough for my satisfaction. You see, when it comes to the word, I tend to slow down, read with diligence and scrutiny as to what the Father is telling me in that particular passage. I pray for awareness, and a new understanding with each trip into His illustrious word…and then with reverence, I give thanks for His outstanding book of wisdom, and love that protects and prepares me as I go throughout my day.

The approach in which we go through scriptures varies from one individual to the other.  Some may think of it as a “ritual” or a “duty” that is tedious, or some may think of it as an “obligation.” Some may feel as I do, that it’s an honor and privilege to get to know Him.

David had a heart for our Father, as he so often exclaimed throughout the Bible, especially in the book of Psalms… and he wished to do everything to please the Lord. He delighted in His ways, and respected His laws. “Oh how I love Your law!” (Psalms 119:97) 

David took sheer delight in getting to know our Father, he took it as an opportunity to grow closer to Him, a keen insight into His character, and wanted God to know just how dedicated he was to His laws, and His wishes. David, may have strayed a bit, but he repented and never stopped loving God or His ways and His laws.

Since the beginning of time, there has always been a malcontent amongst the ranks. Someone who’s willing to try and change the face of spirituality with man’s own concepts and beliefs.  These dissidents feel obligated and driven by their sheer force of selfish motives ultimately trying to bring others toward their unconventional way of thinking, or feeling. 

To give an example, today while at the opthalmologist, I was engaged in a light conversation with the doctor and his assistant.  My vision had been a little blurry lately and they were trying to ascertain reasons why that might be happening. The following dialogue took place as follows:

Doc: “Are you in the computer for long periods of time?”

Me: “Yes”

Doc: “What do you do?”

Me: “Well mostly write.”

Doc: “Oh…write about what?”

Me: “Many things.”

Doc: “Such as?”

Me: “I write for Christian magazines, I have a Christian website, I write for a Christian website with several other authors, and I write Christian books.”

After my admission of being a Christian writer, a pin dropped and it was heard!  Okay, well there really wasn’t a pin, but you get my drift. What really happened? Nothing. Yes, that’s right…there was a momentary uncomfortable cease of conversation.  After blinding drops were put in my eyes, the young assistant said, “I go to church and try to read a passage really quickly before going to sleep every night.” End of subject let’s move on…wham! I didn’t ask for a confession, and I certainly didn’t want the young lady to get overly defensive in her Christianity.  But, yet…many people get uncomfortable about Christianity when someone is really INTO Christianity.

I’m not a preachy individual…however, I won’t back down on how I feel about God. There isn’t anything that gives me greater pleasure than speaking with someone about the Bible, or hearing a testimony, or someone’s witness of coming to the Lord. It’s an amazing and overpowering feeling hearing how God touches someone’s life. To hear about His love, past, present and future.

There was an individual who prior to coming to the Lord, did a lot of bad things.  And he harbored evil in his heart for a long time.  After a life changing event, he got on his knees and came to the Lord.  He was a changed person, a new creature in Christ. He was baptized and turned his whole life around, and now does missionary work in Africa. 

What happened to that young man was God’s doing.  His hands changed the landscape of his heart and soul.  He helped him realize his purpose in life. As this young man grew spiritually, he stopped doing evil things, and started hating evil instead.  The fear of the Lord is to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13 NKJV)

Interestingly, this young man began by studying the Bible, and feeling and hearing the words of our Father.  The longer he read, the more he wanted to know. The more he learned, the more he wanted to change, the more he changed, the more he wanted to live out his purpose according to God’s will. It’s a domino effect, if you will.  God’s plans, purpose, and will for the canvas of our soul, He is the artist of which we are created, solely by His hand.

God really doesn’t require us to fully understand His will, just to obey it, even if it seems unreasonable to us.  The flesh cannot absorb the reality or altitudes in which the spiritual realm exists, so therefore we need to trust God, as He always knows what’s best for His children.

So, listening to God really becomes vital to walking with Him, and co-existing with Him 24/7.  He is the wise one, He is the one who reigns, He is the one who is the Master of all things, big and small.  He is the one who warrants our servitude, and love…and our reverence to His holy and great ways.

So, when you pick up your Bible… go through it as if you were taking a long walk with God. Get to know Him, converse with Him, walk in His ways.

Enjoy the time spent with your Father, slow down and listen to Him. Really listen to Him. It’ll be the greatest feeling you will ever know walking in His ways.  For those who dont’s you’ll be missing out on the biggest thing in your life.

God loves you more than anyone ever could.  Isn’t that revelation enough to make you slow down in His book of love?

Who is wise? Let him understand these things. Who is prudent? Let him know them, for the ways of the Lord are right: The righteous walk in them. But transgressors stumble in them… (Hosea 14:9)

Jesus not only saved us from sin, but His grace enables us to walk in His righteous ways…Amen.

Isn’t it time to take a walk?

 

 

 

 

He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Mark 4:9)  God will not force us to hear His words, nor force us to listen to His wise counsel. He may implement a series of events that are less than comfortable in order to get our attention, but whether we adhere to His words or His will, is entirely up to us.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Scott Birge for another gorgeous picture…You have a gift from God my friend and I’m glad you’re allowing me to use it to His advantage.  Thanks be to God for giving you this gift, and for providing us as the vessels to exalt His name.  Amen!