Testimony... One with God: April 2015

When I read God's Word, I hear Him speak

Since 1998, I have been reading God's Word nearly daily. Through my time with Him, I hear God speak to me. It's not audible. God just makes His Word evident to me. Those lessons are many times reinforced by messages delivered by teaching pastors and sharing with others who study God's Word. I used to write the messages in the margins of my Bible. Needless to say, my Bible is filling up with messages. In 2006, I started to be more intentional about writing God's lessons to me in a journal. Because God is just sharing so much with me, I feel the burning need to share with others. (Jeremiah 20:9) I am hoping that through this blog, folks will join me as we read, hear God and discuss what we've learned. This isn't so we can simply increase our knowledge about God or to spout off Scripture to impress people. This is so we can really come to know God, and get a greater meaning of His truths so we can go out and live them. God said that if we love Him, then we will obey His commands. (John 4:23-24) And James said don't just listen to (or read) the Word and think that's good enough; you're just deceiving yourself. Live the Word. (Rose's paraphrase of James 1:22) It's similar to this great quote people are passing around now... Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. So, join me as we learn from God and what He wants us to do. Then let's encourage one another to live it as a testimony to God so that people know He is who He says He is.

Saturday, April 18, 2015

Hey Jonah... What's the quality of your love?

Reflection on Matthew 4:17 through 7

Even in my rebellion to God, He wants the best for me. He wants His best for me. He continues to fulfill what He has planned for me; what He wants for me.

When I pray for my enemies, do I want the best for them? Do I petition God for Him to give His best to my enemies? Do I ask for His best to be given to my enemies or do I just throw up a quick prayer and check it off my list as acceptably praying for my enemies?

This is the quality of God's unconditional love towards me and others. This is the quality of love I am called to exhibit and live. This is what I should reflect on and see God challenging me in my heart and mind to live out. This is where my pride and selfishness need to give way to God's ability to leverage myself to assist others; to petition for them on their behalf. Even if I dislike them. Even if I'm hurt by them or disappointed in them.

I, Jonah, am called to this life; this quality of unconditional love... for my heart to be aligned with God; to truly be His daughter.