Soundbites’ won’t do it

An intellectual knowledge of God may appear to be enough when times are good – but it’s not enough when dark clouds threaten. We need to ‘look for the ancient paths‘ if we are to make sense of the times we are living in – and the time to come.

“Soundbites’ won’t do it. We need the kind of depth and width of wisdom, that could never be contained in a Gospel tract. We need the insight and understanding that the great Bible commentators of past centuries left for us in their writings.

The ultimate purpose

John 17:3 tells us that “this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

God says, “Love me – just love me – not for what I can do for you. Love me for Who I Am. And I will be with you – and my presence shall go with you.”

God reveals Himself

Little did I know, back then – that He wouldn’t simply enable me to know that He exists – but that He would answer that prayer by revealing Himself to me.

And little did I know then that He would bring me to be absolutely enthralled by Him – by all that He is, by all that He does.

A contrite spirit

The prayers that God hears are the prayers of those who are contrite! When the world is dark and frightening we need to be sure that we are in the right place – forgiven, blessed, under the protection of God. True, heartfelt repentance is critical for our eternal safety.

Freedom from self

Freedom from self is true humility – which is the gateway to a transformed life! A life raised up above the experience of the nominal Christian. A mind renewed! Perceptions and emotions transformed!

Delighting in God

In the Dedication, Howe reminded his “dearly esteemed friends” of the many sermons he’d preached on that passage of Scripture during the years he’d been with them. “The matter here treated,” he wrote, “is the very substance of religion; the first and the last; the root and the flower; both the basis and foundation; and the top and perfection of practical godliness, which runs through the whole of it.”

Restless heart

When we come to God – not looking for what He can do for us – but just desiring to be in His presence – just wanting to give love to Him – then we have at last grasped what we were created for. Here lies the ultimate fulfilment – of this life – and for all eternity.

To know God; to delight in God; to find our heart’s rest in God; to satisfy the heart of God, we need to be sure that the God of our heart is the true God – and not some God of our own or other people’s imagination.

Ancient words

Prayer is the key that unlocks the door to truth – prayer for insight, wisdom and understanding. Lifelong, prayerful reading of the Bible is life-enhancing, life-changing and, the means of knowing God.

I stand Amazed – Rosemary Siemens
(with lyrics so you can sing along):-

 

Next

Go quietly on