If you have ever read the book of Job, I wonder what stuck with you. Maybe it’s the manner in which Job deals with immense, sudden grief, or how his friends attempt to offer reason and wisdom – or maybe, how all of it seems to be happening on the backdrop of a curious scene that takes place in heaven between Satan (the accuser) and God.
I’ve often wondered what I am supposed to get out of this book from the Old Testament. Especially the finally appearance of God and his challenging Job has always left me puzzled: Is God reprimanding Job? Is this simply putting Job in his place? And what does that mean for me? You may gather that for years the end of the book of Job left me with a slightly daunting picture a God whose response felt less like comfort and more like intimidation. As it is, I found myself once again reading through Job’s lament and his friends’ frustrations and seemingly incomplete wisdom. This time, however, I decided to see wether some background knowledge might help me gain a better understanding of the story.
The Bible Project has this short videos on the different books of the Bible, and they have often helped me place the things I was reading into a broader context – historical, cultural, and even in terms of traditions of translations. They also offer videos on specific themes, characters, words, and concepts found throughout Scripture. Regarding the book of Job, they have two main video clips: one that explores the book itself – its central ideas and structure – and another that places the book of job in conversation with the other two other books of „wisdom“, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. I will share the former with you, as it opened my eyes to the question I had been missing: Is God just?
Suddenly, my own efforts to discern God’s justice and His ways become liberatingly foolish. The final scene, in which God takes the stage and confronts Job with the intricacy of His creation, evoked a very different emotion than it had before. Like Job, all I could find within myself was a sense of deep humility and awe. There is no way I can even begin to fathom all that God perceives, knows and orchestrates every moment of every day. And while knowledge has always seemed to offer me comfort or sense of security, the sudden revelation of my profound lack of understanding came with a deep peace. A liberation from the need to reason and figure out why and how things come about – what may be and what may not. A joyful lifting of hands in surrender, deeply content in the realization that I indeed lack the means to pass any judgment on the happenings around me, and instead reflecting on how awesome and almighty my God is.
My God how marvelous are your ways. We are in awe with your works, your intricate design Knowing that we only have a glimps of the vastness of all you made. May we rest in your wisdom, rest in your almighty power And contend ourselves in looking to you. Where our reason ends, freedom begins. I may never know, never understand but this I trust, You know, you are involved and you are sovereign forever. You love me and consider me. So, let me lie down and remember in all of life’s trials – you are God. Thank you.
Trusting God to take this writing and do his work, I will allow myself to jot down some thoughts in obedience and leave them in their imperfect form in my blog. Inspired by the very concept I’d like to share with you today.
I got a fresh perspective on my Christian walk a couple weeks ago through a Bible study I had been working through. As a part of the homework, I was asked to reflect on the idea of our calling to be image bearers of God – imago dei.1 I will give you some passages and thoughts from the study later but let me first explain: This certainly was not the first time I had read the words “image bearer” in scripture, nor was it the first time I had heard in a sermon that we are called to represent God in this world. Yet something about the message hit me different this time around. You know those passages in scripture that you’ve read more than once and still there is a unique moment in which one of those passages suddenly becomes alive like it never did before? A precious and intimate “aha” moment with God.
“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:26-27
God chose to create us to bear his image, be his ambassadors, his children. Contrast that to pagan religions where people crafted images of their gods out of wood, clay, or precious metals. They believed that their gods would then reside in these idols. Not our God. He himself fashioned images of himself by creating us. Living, breathing image bearers that carry in them the Spirit of God.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” – 1. Corinthians 6:19
Let that sit.
So, what does it mean to bear God’s image in this world? Well firstly, an image will let you get a glimpse of the original. Now here’s were the challenge comes in: Do people experience and see the almighty, loving God through you? This question humbles me and reminds me of my many shortcomings and dependance on Jesus to shine through me.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” – 2. Corinthians 4:7
Having this hope that we may still bear his image amidst our failings, we cease to desire attention ourselves. Instead, we delight to see people turn their gaze to our heavenly Father in response to our obedience and conduct. Perfectly loved, redeemed, and desired I may be, but this life is not about me. A daily battle against my selfish inclination.
From spiritual to practical. There is also an aspect of responsibility that clearly transpires from the passage in Genesis. God created us to be co-laborers with him. Oh, how many times have I fallen into believing that I need to somehow work for God – leaving me frustrated and drained. Instead, Jesus clearly showed us what it means to join the Father’s work:
“So Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.’” – John 5:19
Are you grasping how dependent we are on God? Which brings me to another aspect – Jesus. God himself through His Son not only showed us what it truly means to be an image bearer but has made a way for us to actually step into that calling. And what happens when we set our minds on bearing His image? In our dependance, we find Him: the one who knows us, created us, and in whose presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).
“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3
The Westminster catechism puts it like this:
“What is man’s chief end? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.”
We strive to give Him glory in all we do, whether writing a blog or meeting with friends. Setting our minds on Christ, we rejoice in the love He has shown us and the fellowship we can experience with Him.
I pray that His word may lead us into more knowledge of Him and His desire for us. That we may step into the life for which He died for us to have, and enjoy Him here on earth and then forever more.
Has a fleeting thought of losing something ever put your mind into panic mode? It’s not like anything has happened yet. It’s just a thought. But the storm it unleashes inside alarms you to the reality that you have attached a significance to this something. So much so, that it triggers anxiety and fear should that something ever be taken from you. Maybe up to this point you have not consciously observed your emotional attachment to it, but at the latest now you sense the tightening of your grip on this something.
For a while, I have been running a one-woman show when it comes to my church’s senior-youth program. And while it seems daunting at times, somehow God has faithfully provided me with the grace to run with it and even more so, enjoy it. Over the last couple of weeks, however, the pressures at work have challenged me to the point where it has dawned not only on me but outside observers that I could use some help with this ministry – a team, so to speak. Now, you’d think that the idea to get a team around me would be a relieving and exciting idea. It should be. However, if you may recall my introduction to this post, you can get a vague idea of the panic this suggestion triggered in me.
Why?
Well, after some checking-in with my heart and allowing the Holy Spirit in on the process, I found an interesting truth. One that doesn’t merely apply to my youth-ministry dilemma; One that made me much more aware of my need for God’s word; One I decided was worth writing a blog post about. So here it goes…
Who are you?
If you were to ask me that question I would tell you about my job, my relationships (friends, family, etc.), my talents and interests, my ministry at church, my faith, some quirky attributes of mine, and some adjectives I identify with. All of those aspects hold a special value in my life. They are key elements I have learned to identify myself with – I am a teacher, a daughter, a friend, a writer, a youth leader, sporty, creative, and so on. Over the years I have seen in them my purpose and my worth.
Where does your worth lie?
Did I consciously make my worth dependent on these things? No, but take one of those items in the list away from me and my feeling of identity and significance will begin to crumble. Show me that I am replaceable and watch the agony rise within me (Youth-Ministry dilemma right there).
The bold truth though is that we believe ourselves to hold much more significance to this world than we truly do. And when reality hits – we lose our job, are overlooked by people, or simply are replaced – we are shaken to our core and wonder what our purpose in this world may be. Am I suggesting that you are of little to no worth – not at all! But I am suggesting that we have placed our value largely in the fleeting things of this world and its echo. And to this world, you are for the most part replaceable. If we insist on proving our value through our works, our position in society, the praises of people, or base it on how we feel about ourselves, we will stumble… a lot.
Now here is the part where I give you some passages from God’s word. Because A, any reasoning of mine will always come second to God’s word and the power it has to transform and speak to the very depths of your soul. And B, because the only source that will withstand any changes, shaking, and turbulence of this life and your emotions is God’s word (1. Peter 1:25). And as I believe He has intimately created you, I would suggest that He is the only reliable source to determine your value.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”(Psalm 139:13-14)
When we let go of the value the world has given us and begin to meditate on God’s truth, allowing it to redefine us, embracing how God sees us regardless of what our circumstances witness about us – there’s freedom. And my friend, the value God has bestowed on mankind – on you and me –has puzzled even the Psalmist:
“When I consider Your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.”(Psalm 8:3-6)
“Because you are precious in my eyes and honored, and I love you […]”(Isaiah 43.4)
“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son so that whoever would believe in him would have eternal life.”(John 3:16)
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”(Ephesians 1:5)
Wonderful isn’t it?!
Chosen, loved, precious, honored, and glorious!
Now, if you fear that these words would put anyone in danger of becoming proud, you are mistaken. The contrary is true. For if you read on in Hebrews 2:6-10, which quotes Psalm 8:3-6, you are reminded of Christ Jesus. All of your worth is based on Him. Everything you are – your creation and being, your significance, your right standing with God – it’s all in Him, through Him, and for Him (Colossians 1:16). No boasting left for you. And when you are humbled in this truth, seeing that God’s adorning love for you, and His purpose for you is all founded on what Christ did and who He is – well, no one and nothing in this world can take away or change that (Romans 8:38-39). There it is, your rock-solid secure worth, Jesus Christ.
Putting this all back together in context with my Youth-Ministry. I had believed that my position as youth leader in my church had added to my worth, given me a reputation with people and a purpose that I could identify myself with. And I was afraid of losing this meaning and position if anyone else would step into that space. It took God to humble me and remind me that I didn’t have to prove myself, didn’t have to care if people noticed me or not – for He, my God, sees me. I don’t have to cling to purpose or position. I am free to serve, love, and be all He desires for me to be in Christ; Free to pursue what is best for the Youth-Ministry. It’s all because of Him and it is all that will ever matter.
May you take courage from God’s word today and allow God to redefine you according to His loving purposes. I pray that the Holy Spirit may reveal to you the places you have trusted in for your worth and significance and free your grip from them. That you may clothe yourselves in joy and contentment as Paul “I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” (Philippians 3:8) and throw off all discouragement and fear. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)
Exploring a captivating garden within – reading in Song of Songs chapter 4
Imagine a beautiful garden: A garden filled with life and colour; A little stream, chirping birds, big beautiful trees in bloom and bridges that cross the rushing waters; a fresh breeze and the dancing of the rays of sunlight between the leaves. Or a beautiful open space with fresh green grass and flowers in every splendour and colour, mighty oak trees and bees humming in the spring sun. Can you see it?
Whatever garden you can imagine, how much more glorious must that first garden “Eden” have been. A garden planted by the chief gardener, God himself. A garden filled with life and wonder – a place of communion, fellowship and refreshment.
“Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters.” – Genesis 2:8-10
As I browse through scripture, I notice the reoccurring theme of trees and gardens as God speaks of our spiritual growth and his rest (Jeremiah 17:8; Ezekiel 47:12). Songs of pastures he promises to lead us to and refresh us (Psalms 23:2). The garden, a place Jesus retreats to pray and spend time with his heavenly father (John 18:1).
Gardens are sacred and captivating places of beauty and life. In them we can be refreshed, uplifted, and find rest for our soul and mind.
Now, what if there was a garden within? What if, there was a spring of life and rest within? It was when I read Song of Songs (Solomon’s famous poetry on love) that I was captivated by this imagery of a garden within:
“You are a garden locked up, my sister, my bride; you are a spring enclosed, a sealed fountain. Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates […] You area garden fountain, a well of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon. Awake, north wind, and come, south wind! Blow on my garden, that its fragrance may spread everywhere. Let my beloved come into his garden and taste its choice fruits.” – Song of Songs 4:12-16
Read it again. In these verses Solomon describes this garden within his love (an unknown woman he pursues), that seems to be everything we ascribe to such a wonderous place. What’s more, its mere fragrance is alluring and spreads forth from within. So, what if gardens are not just bound to geographical locations, but a beautiful expression and metaphor for the places within us? What if the gardens we read about, such as “Eden” reveal not only God’s glorious display of beauty but a desire for a beauty and “Eden” within? A place of fellowship with our creator, a place that bears witness to his works in our life and his spring of life.
I have been captivated by this imagery, as it seemed to resound with my heart and stir a joy deep within. And so, I began to seek the garden within, asking myself:
What does my garden look like? Is it in full bloom and full of life?
Is it a source of refreshment and peace? What fragrance spreads forth from this garden?
Who is in the garden?
Allow me to share some thoughts…
What does my garden look like? Is it in full bloom and full of life? Is it a source of refreshment and peace? What fragrance spread forth from this garden?
When it comes to the condition of our hearts or spirit, Jesus often referred to the fruits on a tree. With this he would emphasize that the inward condition of a person could be seen by the fruits (actions, attitudes, etc.) the person displayed on the outside.
“No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. People do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” – Luke 6:43-45
So, when we look at our actions, the words we speak – what trees can we find? Do we find the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) or are there patches of messy wilderness?
King Solomon emphasizes the urgency to check our heart’s condition when writing: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23). And as we read in scripture, we can see this truth emphasised in Gods care for what is within rather than what appears on the outside: “The Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” (1. Samuel 16:7)
And what fragrance spreads forth from within you? Fragrance can attract and captivate. A fragrance can be pleasing. So, what fragrance does God desire us to spread forth? “For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing” (2. Corinthians 2:15) Are people drawn to Christ through us or is there a different fragrance we share with those around us?
A garden left unchecked and unattended can grow into a messy wilderness – at times even impassable for anyone. Its true beauty is revealed when a master gardener is at work…
Who is this in this garden?
As I meditated on this garden within, I got a deep sense of God’s work in my life. Every fruit and tree that bears witness to Him and all the patches yet to be redeemed by his work. But not only can I see his tender care but His deep longing to share in fellowship with me in this garden.
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” – Revelation 21:3-4
From the first book (Genesis) with “Eden” to the last book of the Bible (Revelation), scripture captures a God who desires to dwell among his people. A Jesus who was in the garden with his disciples and spent intimate moments with them. He is not only the gardener and source of life and any good fruit; He is the one who desires to dwell within this garden.
In this entry I focused on a garden within in relation to the creator himself. However, it’s interesting to also consider the garden in a romantic context between two lovers. Within this the question concerning the sacredness arises: Is the garden sealed, only open to the one love?
May these thoughts inspire you to dig deeper into God’s word; inspire a desire to invite God into your heart and reflect on what is within. That you may grow in knowledge of the truth and insight through His Holy Spirit.
Reading: Daniel 1-6, 1 Samuel 16-31 and 2 Samuel 1
While reading in the book of Daniel, one thing that stood out to me was his loyalty toward all the rulers that were on the throne during his lifetime serving in Babylonia. The Israelites had been taken captive by the Babylonian empire and the story of Daniel starts with him being taken into the service of King Nebuchadnezzar. That’s where we begin to find a pattern of Daniel’s obedience to God within the kings demands, his exceptional work-ethic and God’s favour which flowed from it.
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.” – Daniel 1:8
Orders had been given by the king to recruit young able men for his service. Daniel was one of those recruited and placed into a 3 year training program, in preparation for a life of service to the king. This entailed the men eating and drinking food and wine from the King’s table. However, Daniel, not wanting to defile himself, by eating food which contradicted Jewish law, was shown favour by his guard. He granted the request to test for 10 days, whether there would be any decrease in physical appearance / health, from Daniel and his friends being given a diet of just vegetables and water. God came through and after ten days Daniel and his friends appeared healthier and better nourished, than the young men who were given the king’s food. From here on, they received God’s favour and the king took them into his service.
Not only was it Daniel’s obedience towards God that opened the door to favour with the king, but throughout the book, his actions and loyalty toward the Babylonian kings and God changed the hearts of those he served in a profound way.
Likewise, the behaviour of Daniel’s friends – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – who refused to worship an idol made of gold and were consequently thrown into the blazing furnace. The miracle that followed evoked a change in the king’s heart.
“Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” – Daniel 3:28
This change of heart was later completed when God brought in a transformational experience to the king, bringing him to his knees in reverence of the God of Israel. I love how we can see this pattern of obedience, God’s favour and providence, and the resulting change in hearts throughout not just in the book of Daniel, but also in the life of King David.
David, before he ascended the throne, was anointed by the prophet Samuel while Israel’s king Saul was still reigning. This didn’t go down too well with Saul. Not only that David was anointed and chosen to be the future king, he also grew to become a war hero in Israel (having slain Goliath and fought in Saul’s army). So, in his jealousy Saul began to persecute David and tried to kill him. What stands out here is not Saul’s actions and rage, but rather David’s persistent dedication and service to his king, his obedience towards God and the immense favour which ended up flowing from all of this. David’s persistent reverence for God’s chosen authority came to a climax when David was hiding from Saul in the Desert. Saul, in his pursuit to kill David, unwittingly walked right into the cave where David and his men were hiding. While this seemed like a God-given chance to take matters into his own hands, David stayed obedient to God.
“This day you have seen with your own eyes how the LORD delivered you into my hands in the cave. Some urged me to kill you, but I spared you; I said, ‘I will not lay my hand on my lord, because he is the LORD’s anointed’.” – 1 Samuel 24:10
David’s loyalty towards God’s anointed is also displayed in his reaction upon Saul’s death, for we find no rejoicing at his deliverance from the one who tried to kill him, but rather deep sorrow and weeping for his fallen king. This is not where it ends, there are multiple occasions that follow where David makes an effort to honour the fallen king; for example, by extending favour towards Saul’s family. We see God’s immeasurable favour during David’s reign and miraculous victories as long as David remains in obedience and honour towards God.
What stuck with me from the example of these godly men found in His beautiful word:
God desires us to honour those he puts in places of authority. We may not understand why God placed those people in charge, but He expects us to honour Him by honouring the ones put in place. “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For ALL authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. So, anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished (…)” – Romans 13:1-5
Our work-ethic should be of exceptional excellence. We see this in Daniel’s life when reading: “(…) they could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” – Daniel 6:4.“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Our ultimate authority is God, and obedience to Him can cost us a dear price when it opposes those in power. Our God is faithful when we are faithful in obedience to Him. “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” – Daniel 3:17-18
I find this declaration of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego also illustrates that our obedience towards God’s word should not be dependent on our circumstances or His favour, or absence of such. For if God was going to rescue them or not, their determination was to stay faithful to Him.
How we conduct ourselves at work, or in general, towards those in places of authority not only honours God and open possibilities for his favour and blessing, but it also makes way for God to work in and transform the hearts of those we serve, ultimately blessing those in places of authority.
May these thoughts inspire you to dig deeper into Scripture and read through these stories (and others) for yourself. God’s truth is alive and speaks to us in a unique way when we read it with the help of his Spirit. Be encouraged that God can move powerfully in the place of service you find yourself in, as you walk in obedience to Him.
For a further study on godly work-ethic and God’s faithfulness, study the story of Joseph (Genesis 37-47).
A purpose or vison I have for this blog is to inspire a generation of believers to seek after God’s truth through his word and to experience scripture come alive and transform.
His word is a living source of wisdom, guidance and truth and has the power to speak and pierce our inmost being.
I used to read scripture as an act of spiritual discipline or daily routine. And while there is nothing wrong with spiritual discipline, I lacked a true passion for scripture. It felt more like studying for an exam than discovering the living word of God. A little while back, my life had gotten very confusing and I needed direction. But even more than direction, I was desperate to hear and experience God. Most of my days were darkened by struggles with sin and a sense of failure. One evening, deeply saddened by a new wave of defeat, I took God’s word and opened it at random. I began reading in Ezekiel and like oil, the words began to calm and sooth my soul. At first there was no particular passage that spoke to me, but the mere presence of God in scripture brought me peace. And then I read the following passage which stirred something in me:
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. 13 I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.”- Ezekiel 34:11-13
I remembered a passage in Isaiah that also spoke of the sheep and quickly searched for it (Isaiah 40:10-11). As I then read through Isaiah, I began seeing the promise of Christ in these scriptures. Suddenly these passages and other scriptures started to connect in my mind, pictures began to form and in me arose an excitement for the treasure I had just discovered. From that moment on, a fire and passion for God’s word had ignited and I decided to begin reading the Bible from start to finish (Genesis to Revelation). While I had read the entire Bible before, it seemed like a whole different word this time. I found my heart jumping for joy at certain passages, while others brought in deep conviction, repentance or healing. I was consumed with pondering scripture I had read in the morning during my day-to-day life, while the Holy Spirit began to reveal things I had previously missed or not understood. A deep passion for His truth started to take over. Since then God has not only lead me into deeper truths in scripture but in the process, He has transformed my mind, heart and soul.
He has given me a new perspective, deepened my understanding of His will, love and grace and is taking me on a journey into knowing Him.
During the last weeks, there has arisen a new urgency in my heart to understand and know scripture. In the context of this fast-changing world, a lot of prophecies, end-time messages and general uncertainty has been spreading within Christian communities and even my non-Christian circle of friends. At first, I felt myself being helplessly exposed by all the messages and new “theories”. Then, God’s word began stirring in my soul, giving me a strong sense of direction, as the Lord reminded me of the following passage:
“Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many. 6 You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed […] At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11 and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12 Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13 but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” – Matthew 24:4-14
I realised that without knowledge of His word, we are much more vulnerable to any and every message that is shot our way. Therefore, I felt a great urge to call out to fellow believers, to not just settle for pre-digested messages of the Gospel (weather in the form of books, blogs, sermons, or teachings), but to return to God’s word and to search His truth. Now, I don’t mean to imply that Christian books, blogs, sermons, or teachings aren’t a valuable source for spiritual growth, wisdom, and inspiration. But how are we to discern truth from lies, if we have no basis of truth to stand on?
It is my hope, that you will read my blog and be inspired to dig into the treasure of scripture; that my thoughts may provoke a deeper search for His truth and a redirection to God’s ways. I encourage you to see the beauty in God’s words and ways, to embark on your very own adventure in discovering the wonders of God’s word come to life and to enter into a deeper relationship with your creator, saviour and Lord. I pray that the transforming power of God’s word that has renewed my mind and brought beauty into my life through knowing Him, may be poured out onto your soul as you open your heart to what God wants to speak to you. For He is eager to be sought after, to reveal his will and heart, and eager to be a never-ending source of life within us.
I want to leave you with this though, especially for the times when scripture may seem confusing or you are tempted to reason or argue with God’s word:
A man was sitting on a porch stroking a cat which was on his lap. Another man passed by and stopped as he saw the cat being stroked from tail to head. He spoke and said: “Sir, I believe you are petting your cat the wrong way around”. The man with the cat looked at him and answered: “No I am not. Let the cat turn around, and his fur will be unruffled when I stroke him.”
I heard this short story in a sermon, and it has been my constant companion and reminder whenever, I struggle to understand scripture. For it reminds me that God is God, and His word is truth. And If I struggle or feel irritated by scripture, it is not for God to change who He is or what He says, but for me to search deeper, submit and search my heart for the source of my irritation. So, when we read God´s word, let us read with open hearts and minds, with the help of his Holy Spirit and with great anticipation that in our reading, we will discover truth and a personal relationship with the author of life.
Sara Groves captures a heart for God’s word in a timeless melody.
“I’ve done every devotional Been every place emotional Trying to hear a new word from God And I think it’s very odd, that while I attempt to help myself My Bible sits upon my shelf With every promise I could ever need”
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