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.

Knowing God

Our Stone of Help

 

Hymns of hope

As I listen to hymns, I often wonder what the writer was thinking as they pinned words of encouragement and resolve, which is often the nature of hymns.  One of my favorites in time of challenge is “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing” by Robert Robinson.  The challenge can be one externally generated or an internal struggle that I am facing.  Verse two is especially reassuring.

“Here I raise my Ebenezer, Here there by Thy help I come

And I hope by Thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home

Jesus sought me when a stranger, Wandering from the fold of God

He to rescue me from danger, Interposed His precious blood.”

In our study from the Old Testament today we will examine the importance of remembering those times in our life, when the Lord has shown Himself strong on our behalf (2 Chronicles 16:9).  A time when God was our “Ebenezer”, our stone of help.

A Prophet for tough times

1st Samuel covers a period of ninety-four years in the history of Israel.  It describes the transition of leadership in Israel from judges to kings.  During that time, Samuel ministered as a judge and a prophet.

Israel was under constant threat from the Philistines, a formidable enemy who frequently sought to dominate them. The Israelites had suffered a devastating defeat at the hands of the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:1-11).  The battle resulted in the capture of the Ark of the Covenant and the murder of two of its priests.  This defeat was a moment of profound despair for Israel, symbolizing both a loss of military power and spiritual security.

However, in 1 Samuel 7, we see a turning point. Under Samuel’s leadership, Israel repents and returns to the Lord. They gather at the city of Mizpah (Hebrew meaning watchtower or lookout) for a time of fasting and confession of sins.

As they do, the Philistines prepare to attack again. In response, Samuel offers a burnt offering to the Lord and cries out for divine assistance.  The Lord answers dramatically. He thunders with a mighty sound that throws the Philistines into confusion, allowing the Israelites to defeat them decisively.

A Stone of Help

In the aftermath of this victory, Samuel sets up a stone and names it, Ebenezer.  Ebenezer is derived from the Hebrew words “Eben” meaning “stone” and “Ezer” meanings “help” or “helper.”  When combined, Ebenezer translates to “stone of help” or “stone of salvation.”

The raising of the Ebenezer stone is not only a commemoration of a single victory, but also, a testament to the transformation of the people’s hearts. They moved from a place of despair and defeat to one of hope and divine assurance. The Ebenezer stone stands as a historical marker of God’s intervention and the power of collective repentance and prayer. This act signified a new chapter of divine favor and renewed faithfulness among the Israelites.

Samuel knew that the LORD would be Israel’s source of protection and defense, regardless of the enemy. The expression, “Thus far the LORD has helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12, NKJ) highlights the fact that the Lord was the one responsible for getting Israel to this point.

Is this also not true for our lives?  Has it not been God who has safely brought us to this place today?   Will God not continue to do so as we repent and cry out for His deliverance?

Raising our Stone of Help

Raising our “stone of help” is critical as we face the challenges of the 21st century.  In times of trouble, we tend to focus on the enormity of the problem rather than the greatness of God. We often forget our true identity in Christ and transfer our trust to the fleeting security of a world that is fading away (1 John 2:17).

We, like Samuel, must remember not only the things which God has delivered us from, but also, celebrate the place God has transported us to.  That place represents “God’s grace” for our life in that moment of need:  peace, love, joy, provision and protection.

Raising our “stone of help” will result in renewed confidence even in the worst of circumstances. Our trust lies not within ourselves but in God who is dedicated to our well-being. Why?  Because we are His beloved children (1 John 3:1) and are of great value to Him (Luke 12:6).    Let us continually lift praises to God, our Stone of help, for His unfailing love and protection.  Thank you, Father God, for it is “Here by Thy help I come.”

Spiritual Maturity

In God We Trust: 2025

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In God We Trust: 2025

“Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.”

In God we trust.  It’s printed on our coins, and we claim its truth as a nation.  But the question we must ask ourselves is this.  Do we REALLY trust in God?  Let’s do a quick “fact check” by looking at two areas we face daily.

Concerned about financial security?  We could direct our attention and efforts toward making sound business decisions which include debt reduction, savings, and sound business investments.  We depend on personal discipline and outside counsel to help us make the best decisions for ourselves and our family.

Nervous about the state of our nation and the world?  We might put our energy into supporting political parties and other platforms that support our views and belief systems.  We place our trust in people and agendas that can move forward viewpoints we support.

Where have we put our trust in the areas noted above? Do we trust our personal knowledge, tangibles we can count, people we vote for, or do we trust God?  In Psalm 56, King David shares his story to encourage us to look to a higher power, Eternal God, to help us realign our trust in 2025.

A Psalm of Trust

Psalm 56 is identified as a song for the distressed.  David was in distress.  Some would describe it as being “between a rock and a hard place.”   Like David, we sometimes find ourselves wedged between many rocks and brutally hard places.  Sometimes this happens because of others, like Saul, and other times it is the result of our own disobedience and waywardness.  In those times of distress and fear, we are to call out like David: “In God, I have put my trust.” (Psalm 56:4)

The background for today’s Psalm can be found in 1 Samuel 21:8-15, where we are told of David’s escape to Gath, the stronghold of the Philistines, arch enemies of Israel.   The Philistines were well acquainted with David who killed their champion, Goliath, when he was only a young shepherd boy (1 Samuel 17).   Now because of King Saul’s jealousy, this young man runs for fear of his life to a place of even greater peril and sure death.  He now stands captured by his worst enemy, the king of the Philistines.

Trust (batach) in Hebrew means “bold and confident”.  The description means to literally “throw oneself down, extended on the ground, upon his face.”  Can you imagine that picture?  David, literally throwing himself on the mercy of God, fully confident and bold; defiantly proclaiming, “What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:4)   Did he recall the many times God intervened on his behalf as King Saul sought to capture and kill him?  His eye was not on the source of his fear but on the Deliverer of his soul. David’s spirit was humbled, cast down in full confidence and trusting in Almighty God for his life—not the Philistine king.

Trust in 2025

Perhaps we were sincere when we first inscribed on our coins, “In God we trust”.  However, our trust in “other things and people” has caused us to take our eye off God.   Question, have they increased our trust?

As we face the many challenges of life that shake the foundation of our faith, we must:

    • Put our trust in the One who can deliver us from all harm. (Psalm 46:1)
    • Remember those times that God stepped in to deliver us and brought us to a point of safety. (Psalm 91:1,2)
    • Exchange our fear for bold confidence in God. (Psalm 20:7)

What are the things that cause distress in our lives? Perhaps our stress is generated by things we have no control over; the state of the economy, unending political wrangling or social injustices that are currently in news headlines.  Maybe it’s our health or the changing needs of our immediate family.  Regardless of the “earthly” source of our fear, we can go to The “Eternal” Source, God.  Now is the time to write upon our hearts the Psalmist’s words, “I have put my trust in God.”

A Prayer of Trust

God of creation and God of salvation, I put my trust in You.  Though the earth may tremble, and the mountain be carried into the sea, I put my trust in You.  Though life may be hard and the challenges daunting, I put my trust in You.  I trust in You and You alone because You are MY GOD and MY FATHER. I am Your child.  These things I ask in the powerful name of Jesus Christ.

Spiritual Maturity

Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

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Jesus: The One for the 21st Century

Is Jesus the One for the 21st century?

Yes, He is! I say that not based on my feelings or opinion but on what God has said about Who He is and how He operates in this fallen world.  I continue to use the phrase, “fallen world” to direct our attention to the condition that has led us to the pain and suffering we are experiencing in the world.  And that condition is sin.

It is easy to wonder why God isn’t more active in resolving the difficulties we face in our world.  Know this!  God cares and engages in every aspect of our lives (Matt. 10:29-31).  However, man’s “free will” allows him to choose those things that, many times, are outside God’s will and not in the best interest of others (which includes the world).

We often look to God to “zap the bad” and make it disappear.  Unfortunately, that isn’t how it works in a fallen world.  That’s why it is valuable to draw near to God (James 4:8) so that we can better understand His ways and His works.   When we do that, we can begin to understand why Jesus is the One for today.

What are our options?

So what have been our “options” to address the challenges of 21st century living?  We’ve tried to legislate, to mandate, and to regulate, just to name a few.  New beliefs, creeds, and convictions, offer no long-term solution to the various world crises we face.  No person, political platform, nor social movement has moved us closer to “the good life”, harmony or peace.  These are not the right solutions for our sin problem.

Why not choose Jesus?  Choose Him not for solving all the problems we experience during difficult time.  Nor for miracles Jesus can perform to address our human needs.  But choose Jesus because He is the One.  He is the One God has ordained to address the issue of sin and to give us life—life now and life in eternity.

Jesus knew.

Jesus knew He was the One.  As He arrived in Nazareth, He entered the synagogue on the sabbath day and stood up to read (Luke 4:16-21).  He read from the Old Testament book of Isaiah that prophesied of the abundant life that would be available to those who would believe and follow the promised Messiah (Isa. 61:1-2).

The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to  preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and  recovery of sight to the blind,  To set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus concluded His reading with a statement meant to remove any doubt as to who He was (Luke 4:21). “Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  Jesus was the promised Messiah. Jesus was the One.

Recognizing The One

Are we poor in spirit?  Disappointed, distraught, and discouraged? Are we brokenhearted, blinded, and held captive by the world’s promise of a better life?

In our humanity, we are continually looking for someone or something to manage the challenges we face.  In God’s economy, believers understand that Jesus is The One.

  • Who better to guide us and to help us through the challenges that lie ahead than The One who is omniscient! The all-knowing One who can see today, tomorrow and into eternity.
  • Who better to protect us than the one who is omnipotent? All powerful. Not like the impotent idols we think will secure our life: wealth, status, or relationships.  All these and more, we foolishly depend on to make us feel safe and secure.
  • Who better to provide for both our spiritual and physical needs than the One who is omnipresent—”everywhere present”. Where can we go that Jesus is not with us? (Ps. 139:7-10)

Jesus is the great I Am.  Bread of life (John 6:35).  Light (John 8:12).  The Door (John 10:9).  The Good Shepherd (John 10:11, 14).  Resurrection and Life (John 11:25).  The Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6). The Vine (John 15:1, 5).

Jesus is the One!  He is the One we need right now for the challenges we are facing.  Jesus is the Only One.

Our Faith Walk

Throwback Wednesday: How Are You Holding Up?

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How are you holding up?

How are you holding up?

In recounting the major events of this century, I better understand the severe damage they have had on us, and on our view of life.  Pandemics, wars, terrorism (domestic and foreign), social strife, natural disasters and so much more.  Our personal lives have also been affected as we navigate changes in responsibilities, relationships, and work life.

It has been exhausting!   These shifts, and dips of life, have required more than “pushing through”.  It has necessitated more than “hanging on”.  It requires that we cling even more closely to God.  God’s presence and power is the only true source of resiliency.

In John 16:33, Jesus shares this truth with His Disciples.  We can place our trust in this truth as we move into 2025 and beyond.

 In this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer.  I HAVE OVERCOME THE WORLD. 

 The Amplified Version of Jesus’ words encourage us even more.

In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Because of “these times” in which we live, it is imperative that we holdfast our faith.  Our trust and belief in Sovereign God is essential not only for our physical and mental well-being, but also for our spiritual perseverance and endurance (Psalm 18:1-2).

To help us on our faith journey, I’d like to share for this Throwback Wednesday, a message that is important to remember when facing 21st century challenges and tribulation:  “Don’t Let Go Your Faith!”

 

Victorious Living

Remember to Press In!

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Remember to Press In

Feeling fatigued?

I’m sure many of you, like myself, are fatigued.

We  must deal with the continual bombardment of bad news.  Airplane crashes, natural disasters, domestic  terrorism.   And what are we to do with our “personal life challenges”?  Family drama, health issues, and “creative” economics,  just to name a few.

But regardless of the circumstances and events of the day, I invite you to “press in”.  Press into God and feel His presence which will help us continue with hope and renewed energy.

I have always shared with friends and family, that God has purposed our lives for times such as this.  Our resiliency and our ability to move forward need to be connected with the power, presence, and promise of God.  He will not leave us nor forsake us.  We need only “press in!

“You will find me when you seek Me.”  Jeremiah 29:13

We have explored on many occasions the biblical truth that God is in and among us—continually, without interruption, 7 by 24.  We experience God through our personal fellowship with Him and through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

However, there may be times when we don’t “feel” God.  We feel estranged from Him, alone, and unable to hear His voice.  Be assured, this is a common experience for believers.  The resolution for this spiritual occurrence, however, is not to curb our prayer life or cease in reading His Word.  During those times, it is imperative that we “press in.”

Disturbing Quietness

There are seasons in my life when it is extremely difficult to hear God’s voice.  I’m not talking about unanswered prayer but times of “disturbing quietness” when l must strain to hear Him—if I hear Him at all.

As I shared this experience, I found other believers had been through similar seasons of silence.  Interestingly, we all described it as a period when we “didn’t hear His voice.”  

In Search of an Answer

When I first experienced this quietness, I began to the search my heart for sins I might have committed yet failed to confess.  It was the sin of Adam that separated him from fellowship with God in the Garden of Eden.  Later Adam and Eve would experience the physical death of their body—the final separation from the world God had created for them.  I asked God to forgive me of my sins, yet I still felt disconnected from my First Love (Rev. 2:4).

My next effort was to examine my devotion time with Him.  I would increase my time of reading His Word.  Psalm 119 became my “song book” as I sought to hear His voice.

    • I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word. (v. 16)
    • I recounted my ways and you answered me; teach me your decrees. (v. 26)
    • Yet you are near, O LORD, and all your commands are true. (v. 151)
    • May my cry come before you, O LORD; give me understanding according to your word. (v. 169)

I would rise early to pray—leaving more time to “listen” and less to speak.  I would “draw near” with a sincere heart with expectations that He would do likewise (James 4:8; Heb. 10:22).  I would dedicate my day to praise and worship.  If God inhabits the praises of His people (Ps. 22:3), He will surely respond to me as I emptied myself to Him.  Yet with all the modifications to my devotional time, I couldn’t hear Him.  After many days of silence, I finally experienced a breakthrough.

Learning to Press in

In Secrets of the Secret Place, Bob Sorge shared his insight into my situation.

Many of us feel like we move in and out of God’s throne room. We have times of great connectedness, and then we suffer periods of disconnectedness. We can’t always analyze exactly why a distance has developed in our hearts toward the Lord, but most of us feel like our relationship with Christ is a roller coaster ride of feeling close, then far, then close, then far, then close again. In and out.  And we hate it. We were created for constant intimacy, and anything less drives us crazy on the inside. It is at those times that we need to press into God like you never have in your life! Allow the desperation of your soul to help you pursue God with absolute abandonment. 

God’s periods of quietness were an invitation to draw closer to Him—to “press in.”  More than proximity, He desires to establish an intimate friendship with us that is walked out through the course of our everyday lives. He is not looking for a segment of our day nor a day of the week.  He desires unbroken communion with us.

So on those occasions when it appears that “you can’t hear God”, press in!  Be of good courage for He is ever near (Ps. 73:28).  Press in!  Eagerly and unabashedly pursue Him, the Pearl of Great Price (Matt. 13:46). Press in!

Practicing Pressing in

Read Psalm 63:1-8.  Write in your journal the ways that David “pressed in” to God during his time in the wilderness.  Read the text again using a different translation or paraphrase.  Then ask the Holy Spirit how He wants you to “press in”.     

Victorious Living

On the Road to God’s New Thing

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The Road to New Things

A road by any other name

A road is literally defined as a wide way leading from one place to another. We often think of roads as access to new opportunities of commerce or development, such as the road to success.

A road can also describe a series of events or a course of action that will lead to a particular outcome. In the book, The Road Less Traveled, M. Scott Peck uses “road” figuratively to describe the sometimes hard and often painful process of change. Peck uses the “road less traveled” as a illustration of the journey this requires.

Jeremiah’s  road

In Jeremiah 31, the prophet speaks to the people of God in Babylon to prepare them for a “road”—both literally and figuratively—that would return them to their own land after their 70-year exile.

Jeremiah’s message is clear. They are not to be afraid or lose heart. They are to be focused with a firm resolution to rebuild the nation of Israel.

In Jeremiah 31:22,  Israel is called to refrain from falling back into their old rebellious habits as God creates “a new road”  to their salvation—a “new thing” that had never been done before (or since).

How long wilt thou go about, O thou backsliding daughter? for the LORD hath created a new thing in the earth, A woman shall compass a man.  

Failure on the road

Israel is warned against potential backsliding which is interpreted as “faithless”. In the past both Israel and Judah had consistently failed to “holdfast” to God and depend solely on Him for their every need. (Job 27:6) The results was always disastrous as proven by the conquest of both nations.

Where are we placing our faith? Is it in people—elected officials, family members, or friends?  Are we dependent on things—bank accounts, social status, or professional affiliations? Do we believe only in ourselves—our intellect, looks, or personality? When Jesus returns, will He find  us faithfully following Him on the new road? (Luke 18:8)

With God on the road to new things

Israel is encouraged to trust God, Who would create a “new thing”—interpreted as strange and surprising—in the earth. God would create a woman who would “compass” or protect man.

Many interpreters understand this “new thing” to be the incarnation of Jesus Christ.  A woman, the Virgin Mary, enclosed in her womb the Might One. This was to be their incentive.

They would know that with their return from exile came the promise of not only their physical restoration but also the spiritual blessing of the Mighty God (Is. 9:6). God would not cast off His people but bless them. This was to be their assurance.

What is the road for us today?

How do we  to live in the knowledge of this “new thing”?  Knowing the blessings of being in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14).

• We live attentively in God’s presence. God is creating new opportunities for us.  However, we must listen for His voice and watch where He is working. (2 Chronicles 16:9)

• We live expectantly in God’s provision. God has provided all that we need to live godly lives and to accomplish His purpose in our lives. (2 Peter 1:3-8)

• We live faithfully in God’s purpose. As the elect of God we live by faith. We do not backslide or “draw back unto perdition” but trust that He who began this “good work in us” is able to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)

Our journey to understanding “new things” has hopefully provided incentive and inspiration to walk in the divine purpose God has created for our lives. When we as believers trust God and understand God’s reason for “new things”, we can move forward joyfully in faith and confidence.

Victorious Living

God’s Reason for New Things

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God's Reason for New Things

Why change?

Last week we invited you to new things in 2025.  Maybe your life is going great and you have no need to change.  Great!  But for the rest of us, we realize that as the world changes, we too, must make sure that the way we are operating is within the will of God and His purpose for our lives.

Why resist?

It is human nature to resist doing new things even if new things offer more than the status quo.  The Book of Numbers takes us to where we observe the impact of a nation’s resistance to “new things” with respect to God and His divine purpose for their life.

But if the LORD make a new thing and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the LORD.  Num. 16:30 (KJV) 

What should have been an eleven-day journey resulted in a forty year “funeral procession” (Num. 14:28-29; 32-35).  Regardless of Israel’s opposition, God would show them a reason for His new thing.

Resistant and rebellious until the end!

From the time of their departure, Israel complained and was rebellious against not only the leadership of Moses and Aaron but also against God Himself.  Israel had seen the many miracles of God yet  in their hearts, regardless of what God did for them, “Israel had Egypt in their hearts. ” [1]

Where is your heart?  When God attempts to move you to your divine purpose, do you complain and murmur?  Is your affection set on the things of this world when God’s plan offers much more? (Col. 3:2-4)

New things may come with a price.

Read Numbers 15:1-20:13

Motivated by jealousy and envy, Korah, Dathan, and Abiram attempted to seize the priesthood from Aaron and his sons. In so doing, they also challenged the sovereignty and authority of God.

In the wilderness, God would teach Israel a painful lesson about the reason for “new things”—about sacrifice, authority, and responsibility.

That “new thing” would come with a price—it would cost Korah, Dathan, and Abiram their life, their families’ lives plus the lives of 14,700 people within Israel’s camp.

One of the reasons for God’s severity in punishing Israel was to prepare the way for His new thing—a people who would accept the “new beginning” He had readied for them in the Promised Land.  It would be there that Israel would experience new victories, a new priest (Eleazar), a new leader (Joshua), and a new generation.

How does God use “new things” in our life?
    • God might need to reset or reboot our current efforts. Stalled plans, ungodly influences or fleshly lusts can often take us off the path God sovereignly chooses for us.  God’s intervention will guarantee success. (Phil. 1:6)
    • God may desire to take us out of our comfort zone. He may even allow “trials and tribulations” into our life to move us forward.  In trusting and waiting on the Lord, we find courage to persevere as we pursue God’s plan for our life.  (1 Pet. 1:6-7)
    • God could choose to introduce us to an opportunity that may not have been on our radar screen. It is in those moments we can depend wholly on God to bring prospects into our life that will result in our good and His glory.   (Matt. 7:11)
God always has a reason for introducing new things into our life.

They may not be easy but they are always worth it.  We may not understand “why” but we can trust “Who” (God).

In the past when faced with new things, I was like Israel, guilty of complaining and murmuring.  Out of fear and frustration, I would cry, “Lord, why me?” I now choose God’s path for my life and when faced with “new things” I sigh in faith and confidence, “Lord, it’s YOU and me!”

[1]   Wiersbe Bible Commentary

Spiritual Maturity

New Things for 2025: An Invitation

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New Things for 2025: An Invitation

Our 2025 thing.

Last week, I shared life lessons I learned in 2024.  My short list, hopefully, expanded both my spiritual knowledge and individual understanding.  The next step is to take what I’ve learned and develop a solid plan for moving forward in 2025.  Therein lies my opportunity to do new things.

As we create plans for this new year, consider God’s words to His people, Israel.

Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.  (Isaiah 43:19)

In our text today, God is promising to retrieve and restore Israel from their 70-year exile.  Their deliverance out of captivity would be more famous than that from Egypt (Jeremiah 23:6-8).  Israel thought they knew God, but He was about to show them something different:  a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert.  God alone had the power and authority to do what was humanly impossible.  He was able to do “a new thing” (Isaiah 45:7, 12).

God’s “new thing”.

In the Old Testament, “new thing” is cited in only three (3) texts:  Isaiah 43:19, Numbers 16:30, and Jeremiah 31:22.  Here they describe situations where God’s greatness and sovereignty is on display.

In the New Testament this concept of a “new thing” was manifested in the fulfillment of the Messiah who came to save us and to restore man to God’s original purpose. God was unable to fulfill His purpose through families, tribes or kings, through prophets, mediators or priests.  God brought salvation to earth through Jesus Christ.  He was God’s “new thing”.

God’s new thing resulted in:

    •     The Kingdom of God coming to earth. (Matthew 4:17)
    •     Mercy, grace, and truth. (Psalm 85:10)
    •     Man becoming a “new creation”.  (2 Corinthians 5:17)
    •     Freedom from the penalty and power of sin.  (Romans 8:1)

God invites man to join Him in accomplishing His divine purpose. I will not conclude that the challenges we face are part of God’s divine purpose.  However, I do believe that God throughout man’s history continually exercises His sovereignty and His authority.  That includes introducing “change” that will create “new things” into our life and into our world.

But God.

As we move through the challenges we face, know that God is still doing new things.  The world we knew in the 20th century has changed.  21st century living requires our ability to change while maintaining  both our humanity AND our faith.  How can we manage change?

    • Trust God.  Believe in His ability and willingness to guide us to a new thing.
    • Position ourselves to hear God.  Pray without ceasing and read His Word.
    • Look for areas needing change in our life.  Be honest with God and ourselves.
    • Identify and confess sin in our life.  What’s interfering with God doing a new thing in our life?

God’s new things always result in our good and His glory.   As we seek security and stability during these tumultuous times, know that God is more than able to sustain and keep us (Psalm 46:1-3; 7-10).  Let us accept God’s invitation and join with Him in creating “new things” in 2025.