Category Archives: Knowing God

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about Eternity

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It is important that we have a clear understanding about eternity.  Living in the 21st century requires that we equip ourselves with correct information.  Therefore, we will close this series on myths, lies, and misunderstandings discussing the deadliest of them all—MLMs pertaining to eternity.

The Danger of Eternity MLMs

MLMs hinder our ability to accept the reality of life and death.   Since our belief systems influence our behaviors and the choices we make, a misstep or an error in belief can have “forever” ramifications.  We get one chance to make the right choice. (Acts 4:12 )

Myths

Myths are often connected to spirituality or other religious beliefs versus Christian doctrine.  They can result in a false sense of spiritual security. Many myths are often tied to what heaven or hell will be like.

Heaven will be a dreamy, floating existence in the clouds.

Heaven is the place where we will continue to serve the Lord (Revelation7:14-15 ). Just as Adam was given charge of the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:15 ), we will fulfill the God-glorifying, personally fulfilling work that was part of God’s original plan for our life.

Hell is a place where there’s always a good time and party. 

Hell was initially designed to house Satan and those fallen angels that participated in open rebellion against God in heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15 ). People who joke about wanting to go to hell is so much foolishness.  There will be no partying in hell only darkness, weeping, and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12 ; 13:42 ) .

Lies

Lies are the most dangerous MLMs.  Why?  Because our belief in them can result in our being in a place we don’t want to be for eternity.  There will be no “do-overs.  Following are the most frequently cited and the deadliest.   

There is no heaven nor hell. 

Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for us (John 14:2 ).  We know that when “our tabernacle is dissolved we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in heaven.”  (2 Corinthians 5:1 )

Hell is real (Matthew 25:41 , 46 ).  It is a place of eternal punishment. There are those who propose that because God is good and loving, He would never condemn anyone to a place of eternal torment.  God doesn’t send people to hell.  People send themselves.  

All roads lead to heaven.  

While this may be a very popular view, the Bible teaches that the only way a person can go to heaven is on “God’s terms”.  He has made His terms very clear in His Word and by Jesus Himself.    “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me”. (John 14:6 ).  Other reference scripture includes John 3:3, 16 , Acts 4:12 , and Galatians 1:6-9.

Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings are often the results of incomplete or incorrect information.  While they are the most benign of the MLMs, it is still important to seek reliable and accurate information about eternity.

God is responsible for death.  

Well-intentioned people console loved ones at the death of a family member with statements such as, “God wanted them with Him.” “They’re in a better place.” “God knows what He’s doing.”

The truth is death is the result of man’s sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2).  It is a sure fact that we all will die.  The best way to be with family in eternity is to receive Jesus as Savior.

We will worship God in a tabernacle in heaven.  

The tabernacle of the Old Testament and the church structure today provide a physical place to worship God.

However, there is need for neither in heaven because we will live in God’s presence.   The object of our worship, God, will be with us throughout eternity.  We will freely worship God continuously (Revelation 21:3 ,22 ).

The True Beauty of Eternity

Our understanding of eternity influences all that we do today.  It becomes the filter by which we evaluate how we spend our time; what we focus on: where we place our priorities.

Eternity, most importantly, is where we will spend forever with Jesus.  Our relationship will never be interrupted by our busy schedule, our unconfessed sin, or the enemies’ fiery darts aimed at our faith.

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Bible, Part 2

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Our Search for Truth

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs) are dangerous to the spiritual welfare of both believers and nonbelievers.  This is especially true with regard to MLMs about the Bible.  Why?  Because it results in people’s hesitancy to see the Bible as the authoritative source for their lives, their beliefs and their behaviors.

Last week I focused on the biggest MYTHS concerning the Bible in the 21st century.  Today we will complete this study by reviewing the most frequent LIES and MISUNDERSTANDINGS.

What is a Lie?

A lie is a statement that is false and is created with the intent to deceive. And Satan has done an excellent job in intentionally deceiving people to believe that the Bible is not the primary source of truth.

In this postmodern era, relativism offers the view that there is not absolute truth.  Truth is viewed as “relative” based on individual perceptions and considerations.  This kind of thinking often finds its place in the context of moral or ethical questions and decisions.   Satan has used this thinking to continue his campaign to “blind the eyes” of mankind to the source of truth and relevancy (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)

Lie #1 The Bible is no different than any other book.

Without a doubt, it is different! All Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  The Bible was written by God using the unique talents and personalities of its authors.  They wrote “God’s Word” not as robots with pens.

The Holy Spirit superintended the human author without taking anything from their personalities.  He made sure that what they chose to write was exactly what He wanted to communicate to people through them.    The writers were different, but the message remained the same and was consistent, from Genesis to Revelations.

Lie #2 The Bible is full of errors and mistakes.  (Written by men who make mistakes)

First, I must share that In the Word Ministries believes in the authority of Scripture which is another way of saying that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and inerrant (without error) Word of God.  It is the ultimate source of knowledge about God, as well as the definitive guide for our daily lives.  It is the infallible rule of faith and practice.

Secondly, you will find that the Bible has been proven, by secular sources, to be historically correct and accurate in its rending of events recorded within it–this includes the people, places and events, including the events surrounding the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  A great resource on the historicity and inerrancy of Scripture is Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute, www.equip.org.

Is it just a Misunderstanding?

A misunderstanding is a mistake of meaning or intent.

Misunderstanding #1 The Bible is boring and difficult to read.    

The first question to ask concerning the Bible being boring is, “what is our intent in reading it?” The Bible was not written to entertain! It was written to reveal the plan of salvation God has for His people and to disclose who He is.  It is about INTENT and PURPOSE.

I am reminded of a story I heard in a business class.  A lady called to complain that the taste of Clorox should be changed.  She was using it as a mouth rinse.  The customer did not use the product for its intended purpose.

Although the Bible contains history and poetry, narratives and even love stories AND has been on the most read, best seller list for centuries, its purpose is not for entertainment.   It is the ultimate source of knowledge about God as well as the definitive guide for daily living.

 Don’t be Fooled!

Truth is being challenged on every hand.  It is important that we do everything in our power to ensure we make our decisions based on the best sources.  Beware of those things that mask the truth, especially concerning life now and eternity.  We must be on the alert for myths, lies, and misunderstandings that misguide and misdirect you from the purpose God has for our life.

 

Knowing God

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Bible, Part 1

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Why don’t people read the Bible?

If I had the definitive answer to that question, ministers would be flocking to my door.  I have, however, had opportunity to talk to many individuals who give reasons why they choose not to participate in Bible classes.

Their answers agreed with that which was discovered in the Barna Institute’s research study on the Bible.

With over 5 billion copies sold, the Bible remains earth’s most-read book. But the world in which we read and engage with the Bible is rapidly changing. The steady rise of skepticism is creating a cultural atmosphere that is becoming unfriendly to claims of faith; the adoption of self-fulfillment as our culture’s ultimate measure of good is re-orienting moral authority; and the explosive growth of digital tools such as Bible apps, daily reading plans, study resources and online communities offer unprecedented access to the Scriptures.[1]

 As stated earlier, the best strategy to guard against spiritual error is God’s truth.  That truth is available through the Holy Spirit and the Bible.  Therefore, as is the case with the Holy Spirit, the Bible is also the target of many myths, lies, and misunderstandings.  To that end, I would like to put forth the thought that many people don’t read the Bible because of myths, lies, and misunderstandings they have about the Bible.

Because MLMs about the Bible are widespread and spiritually detrimental, we will focus this week’s WordBytes on Bible myths.  Myths are widely held but false beliefs or ideas.  Myths are upheld to misrepresent the truth and to maintain certain views or ideas, i.e., the worldview, Satan’s lies.

The Bible is outdated.

This myth supposes that God is like man, constrained by time and space.   He is not.  God is infinite and never changes (Malachi 3:6).  His Word is therefore timeless.  In addition, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8) and His judgments unsearchable (Romans 11:33,34).   Who is in position to question His intentions and instructions?

The Bible is “contemporary”.  Its knowledge and wisdom come from God who whose existence is independent of any created being.  The Bible speaks truth regardless of the reader’s position in time.

It reveals God’s expectations of us and how we are to relate to one another—family, socially, and the church and to Him.  It contains both moral and social principles of living which are never outdated.

The Bible is irrelevant in the 21st century.

We often hear this myth about the Bible because it doesn’t conform to the world’s view—which is usually contrary to the way and wishes of God.  This belief is common and is based on a “self-directed” life, where individuals are encouraged to pursue their own path in life.

However, Jesus warned in his Sermon of the Mount (Matthew 7:13-14).

You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose the easy way.   But the gateway to life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it.

The truth of the matter is the Word causes great discomfort to those who operate as “sons of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2).  The Word’s power causes individuals to feel convicted of their wrongdoing and therefore, they reject its application to their life (Hebrews 4:12-13).

For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Next week, we will discuss, “Lies and Misunderstandings” about the Bible.

[1] The Bible in America:  6-Year Trend, Barna Research Group.

Knowing God

Guarding Against Error: Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings

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Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings

Living in the 21st century requires that we be diligent and equip ourselves with correct information (Proverbs 4:7).  This guards us against error, especially, with regard to our spiritual beliefs.

Error often presents itself in the form of myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs).  This includes what we know about the  God and and His purpose for our lives.  Today we will examine MLMs and how they can negatively impact our ability to have a correct view of God.

MLMs—the what and the why?

Myths, lies, and misunderstandings can be credited to many different things.

  • Myths are widely held but false beliefs or ideas. Myths are upheld to misrepresent the truth and to maintain certain beliefs.
  • Lies are statements that one knows are false, with the intent to deceive.
  • Misunderstandings stem from a failure to understand something correctly. A misunderstanding can be caused by an incorrect conception or a misinterpretation. It can also be mistakes of meaning or intent.

Myths and misunderstandings can be attributed to a general lack of knowledge.  Even within our churches, discussions on the Holy Trinity are limited.  Congregations need to be better informed on our relationship with each member of the God Head and how each of them impacts our lives.

Lies, of course, can be assigned to the father of lies, Satan.  Satan has done an excellent job in intentionally deceiving people about who God is.  We tend to make God smaller than He really is, to fit our human view.  We compare our limited abilities with God’s infinite power.  We do this to justify our decisions and behaviors (Jeremiah 17:9).

God is the true source for victorious living.  It is in Him that we live and breathe and have our meaning (Acts 17:28).  Our personal relationship with God provides us with courage and hope amid our struggles.    It strengthens our faith and points us to the One who will sustain us in the most difficult of times.  Therefore, we are able to persevere and do not “faint” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

How to deal with MLMs?

What is the best approach to deal with myths, lies, and misunderstandings?  Seek out and know the truth through spiritual discernment.  The primary source of that truth is the Bible.  The Holy Spirit leads us in all truth (John 16:13).

In this postmodern era, relativism offers the view that there is no absolute truth; truth is relative based on individual perceptions and considerations. Satan uses this thinking to continue his campaign to “blind our eyes” about God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 4:4).

We must seek truth in all we do and boldly denounce MLMs that keep others in darkness (Ephesians 5:11).  Myths, lies, and misunderstandings intent is always the same:  to deceive, mislead, and misrepresent.

For the next few weeks we will explore  other MLMs that  lead us to spiritual error and away from God’s truth.

Knowing God

God’s Story is Our Story

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God's Story is Our Story

God’s appointed time

Last week, we introduced two frameworks for interpreting history: biblical and humanist.   In humanism, history is the story of what humanity can achieve on its own.  The biblical view, in contrast, teaches us that God acts within human history where God reveals Himself through human events.   It is God’s story.

In God’s appointed time (kairos) the activities of mankind were fitted into God’s plan.  A few examples include the return of Israel from foreign exile (Isaiah 45:1), Jesus Christ’s birth and crucifixion (Genesis 3:15; Daniel 9:26).  Humanity established the societal and political means by which God’s will would be realized.  Governments were established and practices created that would allow God’s plan to unfold.

Are we continuing to live in God’s kairos time?  Looking back, where have we seen God’s imprint on history?  Today, is God revealing Himself in the plans of mankind?   Looking to the future, is God moving us to another appointed time?  The answer to these questions is a resounding, “yes”.

God’s story is the story of the World

The idea that the story of God is the story of the world supports the biblical view that history is not a series of random events, but purposeful.  History is viewed as “His-story” with a beginning (Creation) and final conclusion (New Creation).  Unlike cyclical views of history where events just repeat, God’s story is headed to a specific goal—restoration of the world and our relationship with God.

The Bible captures God’s story and involvement in the world as He restores what was broken by human rebellion.  Below captures the most prevalent explanations.

    • Creation: God creates the world and humanity for relationship and for flourishing.
    • Fall: Humanity’s rebellion introduced sin, suffering, and brokenness into the entire world.
    • Redemption: God initiated a plan to reclaim the world through Jesus Christ.
    • Restoration (or New Creation): God restores the world to its original harmony and dwells with His people.

Our role is God’s story

We are the key characters in God’s story.  God’s beloved creatures and recipients of His love and grace.   Hopefully, understanding God’s story, we will reframe how we view our lives.  We begin to understand that life only makes sense when founded on God’s redemptive story.

Instead of focusing on our own independent stories, we will embrace the fact that we are part of a larger story, authored by God the Father.  We join God in his mission of restoration and stewardship.

In review of God’s story, we can begin to answer fundamental questions about our personal identity.

  • Who am I? We are children of God and created in the image of God.  (1 John 3:12)
  • Why am I here? To participate in the building of God’s Kingdom. (1 Corinthians 3:9)
  • Where am I going? To a better hope and glory with God. (Romans 15:13)

Knowing God’s story can answer persistent questions concerning not only our life but the lives of those around us, including our nation.  It also is the entry point for God to provide His power, His provision, and His presence.  Understanding God’s story will reduce the fear and anxiety created by living in 21st century reality.

Knowing God

What is God’s Story?

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Our View of the World

What is our view of the world today?  Where are we headed as a people?  How do we respond to the events happening real time in our individual lives, in our communities, and in our world?   More importantly, where is God in the mix of all these happenings?   With everything that is occurring, we might wonder if God really cares about us.  Never doubt, God cares! (Psalm 139:17)

There are those who have a cartoonish view of God and His relationship with His creation.  Some see God as “a man viewing an ant in a fishbowl”.  He is seen as distant, detached, and disconnected.  That may be how we feel as we view the world around us today.  But as I stated at the beginning of this teaching, God has a plan.

God’s Plan Unfolding

The Triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) orchestrated their plan before the creation of the world.  That redemptive plan (Roman 5:2) has been unfolding through the history of mankind and continues even today in the 21st century.     It is by His divine power and grace that we live, and move, and have our meaning (Acts 17:28)

Redemption’s plan is set in the historical context of the world. As chronicled from Genesis to Revelation, God has an eternal plan that restores man’s fellowship with God by the creation of an escape from death’s curse (Romans 5:2) and the rediscovery of the spiritual life.  It is God’s plan to bring mankind to Himself (Ephesians 1:7-11) and ultimately to a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1).

Knowing God is sovereign is enough to give us a good hope (2 Thessalonians 2:16).  It assures us of our future well-being (Jeremiah 29:11).  Why is this important?  How is it relevant to us today?  As we face the many challenges of life, many times our faith is shaken to the foundation.  Understanding God’s plan, we can exchange our fear for bold confidence. (Psalm 20:7)

 God’s Plan and History

There are basically three frameworks for interpreting history:  biblical (God-centered), humanist (human-centered), and providential (divine-human partnership).  For purpose of this teaching, we will focus on biblical and humanist.

In humanism, history is the story of what humanity can achieve on its own. Humanism teaches that history is primarily shaped by human thought, power, and progress.  Humanity becomes the center of history.

In contrast, the biblical view, Scripture teaches that God acts within human history.  History is not random or purely human driven; it is God revealing Himself through human events.   God is active in the movement of human events and history (Acts 17:26-27)

The key differences are listed in the chart below.

         HUMANIST VIEW                BIBLICAL VIEW
Humanity writes history God authors history
Progress comes through human effort Redemption comes through divine purpose
Religion interprets human experience God reveals Himself in history
The future depends on human advancement The future unfolds through God’s kingdom

The biblical or God-centered framework helps to undergird our faith walk and trust in God’s sovereignty.  Who better can determine the direction and ultimate outcome of mankind than the Creator and Sustainer of heaven and earth. (Revelation 4:10)

Which STORY will we accept?

What are the foundational beliefs that support our acceptance of God’s plan?  We can:

  • Embrace the sovereignty of God. God is sovereign and the supreme authority over everything in heaven and on earth (Daniel 4:35; Isaiah 46:10)
  • Accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  Through Jesus’ sacrifice we now have access to God’s presence, promises, provision, and protection.  (Romans 5:1-5)
  • Understand historical events and personal struggles as part of “God’s Story”. They are for God’s glory and for the establishment of His kingdom on earth—the New Creation.  (2 Peter 3:10-14)

We are not ants in a fishbowl.  God loves us unconditionally and His love is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3).  As we embrace, accept, and understand God’s story, our faith will be strengthened.  Then we will possess the resilience needed to navigate difficult times.  We will prevail during the darkest of days because we know there is purpose in what we are experiencing.  Better yet, we can prevail because “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble”.  (Psalms 46:1-3)

Next week, well share how we fit in God’s Story.

Knowing God

Am I Compassionate?

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Am I compassionate?

Ask me a question…I’ll tell you no lie.

This series on compassion was inspired by a question someone asked me.  “Do you think I’m compassionate?”  My first thought was, “why are you asking me this question?” Had I bored them with sharing the rigors of my last six-months including the death of my only sister?  Had they been overwhelmed with the traumatic events rehearsed continually on the evening news and social media?

I didn’t have an answer.   However, I thought it admirable that they cared enough to ask the question.

Do you think I’m compassionate?

That’s a good question to ask especially in this age when we’re often told to “suck-it-up and keep it moving’.  We daily are traumatized and stressed by events of our world.  We are awakened each morning with updates of the war in at least 2-3 countries, at least two “natural disasters” (one international and one nationally), and let’s not forget the threats “seen and unseen” (Psalm 91:5-6).  Perhaps these fears are the reason we emotionally “tune out” what’s happening to us in order to protect ourselves.  Why do we “shut down”?

Recently published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology is this insight about why people resist experiencing compassion for others, despite it being a generally positive feeling.

More people are finding it increasingly difficult to engage with each other, and as people are overwhelmed with the amount of suffering right now due to the pandemic, it may make compassion particularly difficult. 

The cost of caring

Without a doubt, showing compassion costs.  The cost is expressed in both emotional commitment and physical engagement.  The characters in the Parable of the Good Samaritan considered the cost.  This would include their understanding of the situation which would determine their engagement.  They would then consider the effort it would take to resolve the problem.  A little or a great deal?

The priest “saw the traveler and moved to the other side.” The priest evaluated the situation.  He probably thought the man was dead.  What would he do with a dead man on the road? Bury him?  Take him with him?  He didn’t even know him.  Too much work!   He also knew that involvement with a dead person would make him ceremonially “unclean” (Numbers 9:7).  The uncleanness would last for at least seven days, until he could be purified again. He wouldn’t be able to conduct his duties at the temple.  He had to protect his job.  Based on the effort and his understanding of the situation, he left the man on the road. Do his responses sound like ours when we see someone in need?

The Levite “came and looked”.  He saw that the traveler wasn’t dead, so why didn’t he help?  The text doesn’t say, and we choose not to speculate.  Regardless, the result was the same as with the priest, the Levite “passed by the other side.”

What would we have done in this situation?  Hindsight is 20/20.  We know the back drop for the parable and how the story ends.  But in 2025, when we are faced with pain and suffering, do we also “pass to the other side”?  Do we need to understand all the details and effort required before we engage in others pain?

Compassion—a mental or spiritual challenge

Why was the response by the Samaritan different than the priest and the Levite?  What was the principle Jesus was attempting to share with the lawyer (Luke 10:25-29) and also to us living in 2025?  We are to show mercy and compassion, like the Samaritan.

The word compassion in the Luke 10 passage is used almost exclusively to describe Jesus’ response in the Gospel accounts.  It is a verb (action word) showing the deepest level of compassion (Luke 7:13).  It means to have the bowels yearn. When Jesus’ compassionate response was described in this way, the occasion was often the turning point in someone’s life (Mark 1:40-42; Matthew 9:33-38)

Called to be compassionate

While there are mental processes that we use to engage in compassion, we must focus our responses on that which God expects.  God expects us to show compassion to those He places in our path and sphere of influence.  Jesus expects us to act like the Samaritan and “show mercy” (Luke 10:37).

God calls each of us to have compassion for others. That call is more than an appeal for us to “feel pity for the needy”.  It is a call to care enough to become involved.  Like Jesus’ compassion, we are expected to take action that will set others’ lives on a fresh, new course.

Knowing God

Passionately Seeking God: A Turtle’s Story

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I am a turtle!

One of the things you may not know about me is that I love turtles.  Turtles! Terrapins! Whatever the correct nomenclature…I love them.  As a child, I had miniature turtles as pets.

Later I began to collect turtles in all forms: jewelry, hats, clocks, foot stools.  And yes, I even have a turtle hand puppet. In my younger years, I showed my commitment to turtles by joining the International Association of Turtles. Are you a turtle?

Funny thing happened when my husband and I moved into our new home.  People started giving us live turtles.  The Hamilton turtles live in our fenced backyard and spend every spring-summer season with us.  All of them are different in size, age, color, and yes, personality.  They are so funny to watch.

But guess what I discovered? They watch us, too!  From my kitchen window, I can see them in the yard, staring up toward the house waiting for the light to come on.  When I go to the lower lanai, I see Big Mama (the oldest) positioned, so I can see her when I turn on the fountain.  They love the sound of the water, another indication that the Hamilton’s are awake and moving.

WIFM (What’s in it for me?)

So why do my turtles watch us so intently?  They know that when I see them, I will quickly respond with lettuce, tomatoes, and even strawberries (which they love).  If we’re inside, they will even come to the screen door, as if to say, “Hey, it’s feeding time.” I love our nutty little turtles and want to reward them for their diligence, and their perseverance in watching me.

 

Why am I sharing my turtle story with you?  In my quiet time, I meditated on this question, “Do I seek God with the same diligence as my turtles seek me?  Am I watchful, early in the morning and throughout the day, to see if I’m best positioned to be seen by Jesus?  Do I create opportunities in my busy day to rest in Him?”  This includes moments of silence and solitude.

In all fairness, turtles don’t operate with the distractions of the world like we do.  They are always “present in the moment”—that moment that will result in a special treat for the day.  You see, the turtles are not dependent on me for food.  They eat what is available to them in their natural environment.  However, they have found in my banquet of lettuce and strawberries something “worth seeking”.

So, it is with our time with Jesus.  It is something so special that it would be a tragedy to miss it.  While it is important to include spiritual disciplines in our daily routine, there is nothing to compare with experiencing personal time with Him.  He offers Himself to feast upon.

We Seek the Lord

God’s presence and provision is fully realized in Jesus, “in whom we live, breathe, and have our meaning.”  (Acts 17:28)

We may attempt to meet our desires through pursuit of unhealthy BEEPS.[1]  However, lasting satisfaction cannot (and will not) be attained by pursuing them.  Only our continual relationship with the Lord can satisfy (Philippians 3:7-8).

Our self-directed pursuits may offer us temporary quenching of our needs, but God has placed “eternity in our hearts” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Nothing else will satisfy.   It is God alone, whom we must seek, relentlessly. Diligently watching for His appearance.  Eagerly anticipating His presence.

The writer of Psalm 42:1 describes his longing for the Lord this way.  As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, So my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. (Amplified)[2]

St. Augustine, renowned theologian, prolific writer and preacher, had this to say about seeking God.  “Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.”  This quote summarizes his core belief that humanity’s inherent desire for happiness and fulfillment can only be truly satisfied by God.

“We’ll be back!”

In late September, the Hamilton turtles will begin to prepare for their winter hibernation. They will burrow into the ground and bid us a “fair thee well”.  No need for lettuce, tomatoes, or strawberries, until next year.

However, as followers of Christ, we have the unique pleasure of practicing the presence of Jesus every moment of each day.  With the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, we can engage in conversations throughout the day and during our daily rhythm (John 14:23).

God is always there, waiting for us to look up and “see Him”.   And when we do, the Lord will reward us with everything we need for our journey: joy, peace, hope, love, and even an occasional strawberry. 🙂

[1]   According to therapist Robert Khouri, BEEPS is an acronym that describes what our attachment system in the brain might attach to instead of healthy, joyful relationships, especially in the context of trauma and addiction. BEEPS stands for: Behaviors, Events, Experiences, People, Substances.  BEEPS substitutes for secure attachment that individuals might turn to when they’ve experienced relational trauma or disruption in their early lives.

[2]   The Hebrew word translated “soul” in this psalm and elsewhere in the book of Psalms is nephesh. This word usually refers to a person’s “life” or “self”.

Knowing God

What is God revealing?

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Revealing Hidden Things

As stated last week, secret things belong to God.  Revealed things, however, belong to us and to our children so that we may follow God’s law.  They are truths which God has communicated through the Bible and His Holy Spirit. These also include those things revealed through the whole counsel of God.

This truth, found in Deuteronomy 29:29, falls in the fourth address to the children of Israel by Moses.  It is a summary of the covenant demands and an appeal for covenant obedience (Deut. 29:2-29).

For the Israelites, the secret things of the LORD probably referred to future details that God had not revealed to Moses.  Yet what He had revealed (e.g., future judgment for disobedience, future blessing for obedience, His requirement for holiness, etc.) was enough to encourage the Israelites to follow all the words of the Law.[1]  

Is God’s revealed truth enough to encourage 21st century believers to trust and obey Him?  To answer this question, let’s consider four (4) tenets of faith currently revealed by God in His Word and through His Spirit.

These are not meant to be exhaustive, but have proven to anchor one’s faith during tumultuous times (Heb. 6:19).  As we look at our current world situation, it is easy to become weary.  Hopefully, these revealed truths will encourage us not to “lose heart” (2 Cor. 4:16-17).

What has God revealed?

Our Knowledge of Him (2 Pet. 1:3-5).  Jesus came not only to acquire our salvation but to also manifest (reveal) the Father’s name (nature) to His children (John 17:6; 26).  Armed with that knowledge, we believers have access to divine power and precious promises.  God has also provided us with spiritual wisdom and insight through His Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-10).

Our Identity (Eph. 1:3-4). Identity is defined as the set of characteristics by which a thing is definitively recognized or known.   God chose us to be adopted as sons, heirs and joint heirs with Christ (Rom. 8:17).  Our identity also connects us with other believers in God’s universal Church.  Because of our identity we have access to everything we need to accomplish God’s purpose for our life and His kingdom. (Eph. 2:10)

 Our Salvation (2 Cor. 5:17).  We are new creatures in Christ.  Because of Christ’s substitutional death on the Cross, we have been set free from the penalty and power of sin in our life.  This freedom will be fully experienced once in heaven where we will be delivered from the presence of sin (Rev. 21:4).

Our Hope (Rom. 4:18-21).  Hope is simply defined as the expectation of future good.   “Biblical hope is the anticipation of a favorable outcome under God’s guidance. More specifically, hope is the confidence that what God has done for us in the past guarantees our participation in what God will do in the future. This contrasts to the world’s definition of hope as a feeling that what is wanted will happen.”[2]

What keeps us from trusting what God has revealed?

One reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we fail to recognize it.   In the 2020 Barna study, “Signs of Decline & Hope Among Key Metrics of Faith”, it is noted that there are fewer “faith engagements” occurring among both believers and non-believers.  These include Bible reading, prayer, and church attendance.  These activities are critical to gaining an understanding of what God has revealed in the past and what God is revealing in the present.

The U.S. population is undergoing major religious, social, demographic and digital change. The rise of digital life, including social media, the economic crisis, changing attitudes about social issues and the emergence of younger generations on the scene are some of the factors that are likely to form undercurrents recalibrating Americans’ connection to faith and to Christianity.

Another reason we may not trust what God is revealing is because we choose not to believe.  One’s disbelief may be tied to the feeling that religion and the Bible are no longer relevant to 21st century living.  Such beliefs are not new.  The Apostle Paul warned the young minister Timothy that the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine (2 Tim. 4:3-5).   People are choosing other forms of spirituality that “better accommodate” their chosen life style and worldview.

Finally, we may not trust what God is revealing because we choose not to obey God.  Have you ever noticed that when a person is auguring over a specific teaching from the Bible, it is often connected to a personal obedience challenge they are facing in their life?  Obedience is more than just following the letter of the law.  It is discerning what God would want and then seeking that outcome.

So where do we go from here?

As we discover things revealed (and the list is infinite), we gain access to the very mind of God (Rom. 11:33-36).  Things revealed may be answers to those persistent questions concerning God’s purpose for our life.  Our receptivity to things revealed may be our entry to God’s power, presence, and provision.

Our life and the current challenges of 21st century living may seem impossible, but with God’s grace and favor, nothing is impossible.    We need only trust in Him and in the things He has revealed.

[1]  The Bible Knowledge Commentary , Old Testament

[2]  Holman Bible Dictionary

Knowing God

Does God have a Secret?

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The secret thing of God

We love secrets.

Who doesn’t love a good secret?  Secrets by definition are unknown or unseen.  They are by design created to be kept from others.  As we move through these tumultuous times, we may question, “what is God doing?”  Is there some secret thing God is doing and not sharing with us?

As the children of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, they, like us, were curious as to what God had planned for their lives.  Moses addressed their curiosity with a clever statement of fact about the revelations of God that still holds true today—“the secret things belong to the LORD but the things revealed belong to us.” (Deut. 29:29 (NIV)

Does God have secret things in 2025 that are known only by Him?  And what are the things God is revealing to us?  Does this verse still hold true as we face the new challenges of 21st century living?  How do the secret things of God affect our life and purpose?

Curiosity and secrets—good or bad?

It is the nature of man to be curious about secret things.  These are things that remain hidden from our immediate view.  This curiosity has led to man’s fascination with astrology, fortune telling and other future gazing activities.  Secret things have contributed to the bizarre growth in social media followings, gossip tabloids and entertainment shows that uncover the latest exposés of the rich and the famous.

Secrets have enormous power.  They add to our nervousness about the future especially when we don’t know what “we don’t know”.

The secret things

The secret things are those things known only by God.  The prophet Isaiah best captures this truth in the difference between human and divine knowledge:  “His (God’s) thoughts are not our thoughts, nor our ways His ways.  As the heavens are higher than earth, so are His ways and thoughts higher than ours” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

While we may feel that we have the right to be aware of all plans pertaining to our future, it is sovereign God who ultimately determines what needs to be known and what must be accepted by faith alone.  “The just shall live by faith” is an iconic expression of trust and hope.  Its intent is to encourage us to confidently proceed without all the answers (Jeremiah 29:11-13).

The things that belong to us

The things that belong to us are those truths which God has communicated through His Holy Spirit and through His Word.  Believers have been gifted with the Holy Spirit to live within us.  His Presence guides us in all truth (John 16:13).

God’s Word continues to reveal His nature and His never ending love for us.  From Genesis to Revelation, God discloses Himself as the Master Creator seeking to restore His relationship with His beloved Creature.

The greatest evidence of God’s persistent love is His plan of salvation.  Jesus Christ has redeemed us from the penalty of death and reconciled us to our Father.  We have been empowered to live victoriously with the promise of eternal life, beginning now (1 John 3:2).

Knowledge of the revealed things

Our challenge as believers  is to obediently walk in the truth that God has revealed to us. Through the things that belong to us, we gain a thorough knowledge of God and what is needed to live godly lives (2 Peter 1:3).

Shifting societal and moral norms will force us to “stand fast” in that which has been clearly revealed by God (Ephesians 6:11-13; 2 Thessalonians 2:15).  Such shifts will lead to continual rejection of Christian beliefs and persecution by this fallen world (2 Timothy 3:12).

Go with what we know

Studies indicate that we are one generation away from losing our belief in God. Therefore, it is critical that we also teach the revealed truth of God to our children and grandchildren (Deuteronomy 11:19).  Our failure to do so could result the loss of our families to the world.

Jesus has more than adequately prepared us for such a time as these:  “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).  As believers we need not concern ourselves with the secret things we don’t know BUT to trust and obey that which we do know.

Next week we will explore the truths God has revealed to us.