Friendships are based on first-hand experience. I can extensively study the life of a famous person, but that does not assure me of a friendship with them. Some things can only be known through first-hand encounter.
Knowing our Creator and Father is more than a textbook study. Granted, textbook study of the Bible prepares the way, but it is not an end in itself. So, this information prepares the way for a personal and dynamic encounter:
"The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet .. Mountains quake because of Him And the hills dissolve; Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it ... The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him." (Nahum 1.3,5,7)
Interesting, isn't it, that those who know little about our Creator zero in on His wrath and anger. And, this truth cannot be denied. But, should this cause us to flee and cower in fear? Would He have us live as an abused child, fearing retribution at any given moment? "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4.18)
Our God is an exacting God, to be sure, but He is ultimately loving. Only those who know Him personally can agree with Nahum: "The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him."
I've recently savored the walk I've had with my Father, and His Son - my Lord Jesus. They have been my protector, comforter, provider, shield, defense, joy, and hope. We converse often. Daily living is a series of conversations that guide, clarify, and encourage.
I may never personally know the United States President, the Queen or King of England, or any other prominent world leader. But, I do know their Creator and Superior. And, He eagerly desires intimate friendship with all who will seek Him. He wants nothing more than for us to know His heart and desires for His creation. He wants to draw us in to His great plan and purposes, and work these out through those who most intimately know Him.
Wouldn't this be a great day to cultivate the most fulfilling relationship you'll ever know?
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
Knowing our Creator and Father is more than a textbook study. Granted, textbook study of the Bible prepares the way, but it is not an end in itself. So, this information prepares the way for a personal and dynamic encounter:
"The LORD is slow to anger and great in power, And the LORD will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. In whirlwind and storm is His way, And clouds are the dust beneath His feet .. Mountains quake because of Him And the hills dissolve; Indeed the earth is upheaved by His presence, The world and all the inhabitants in it ... The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him." (Nahum 1.3,5,7)
Interesting, isn't it, that those who know little about our Creator zero in on His wrath and anger. And, this truth cannot be denied. But, should this cause us to flee and cower in fear? Would He have us live as an abused child, fearing retribution at any given moment? "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." (1 John 4.18)
Our God is an exacting God, to be sure, but He is ultimately loving. Only those who know Him personally can agree with Nahum: "The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him."
I've recently savored the walk I've had with my Father, and His Son - my Lord Jesus. They have been my protector, comforter, provider, shield, defense, joy, and hope. We converse often. Daily living is a series of conversations that guide, clarify, and encourage.
I may never personally know the United States President, the Queen or King of England, or any other prominent world leader. But, I do know their Creator and Superior. And, He eagerly desires intimate friendship with all who will seek Him. He wants nothing more than for us to know His heart and desires for His creation. He wants to draw us in to His great plan and purposes, and work these out through those who most intimately know Him.
Wouldn't this be a great day to cultivate the most fulfilling relationship you'll ever know?
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2012
posted by steve @ 9:17 AM
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