Posterous theme by Cory Watilo

Five Stones


http://www.fivestonefight.com

Filed under: God


0

One Simple Step to Know God

Nyc

Although it's probably been more than 20 years ago, I still remember my first visit to New York City. I remember riding in a taxi, surrounded by buildings as far up as the eye could see. There was no "green" in sight. (Never saw Central Park!)

I was reminded of that visit when I saw this issue of National Geographic while waiting in a doctor's office. I was fascinated at the before and after of New York City -- before mankind came in and created an "artificial" environment.

Don't get me wrong -- I appreciate enclosed buildings with air conditioning, as it has been more than 100 degrees where I live this week! But, the more we surround ourselves with our own creations, the less we see God.

I like what it says in Romans 1 in that we are really without excuse when we say we don't know God. God is evident in his creation and you'll feel it when you get out in nature, surrounded not by brick and mortar but trees, grass, and water. God didn't create the buildings you eat, work and play in. He did create the trees, brooks, streams and grass.

I love to fly fish because when I'm standing in a creek or river, I'm completely surrounded by God's direct creation. It's quite awe inspiring. Try it and see!

 


1

Hey God ... Where Are You?

  

Elijah

A burning bush. Chariots of fire. Tongues like fire. Walking on water. When I think of how God revealed himself in The Bible, it seems like he made things so much more clear. He thundered from the mountain in Exodus. Angels appeared literally to so many people. 

Why don't we hear more of this type of revelation today? I'm sure miracles do happen but they are miracles - not "ordinaries"! I have no doubt that angels can and probably do appear on Earth on occasion. We certainly couldn't rule out any of these things. But I don't think they are the norm.

I don't think those were the norm in Biblical times either. When we read The Bible, we are not reading every second of recorded history during mankind. We are only reading the high points. 

"Jesus did many other things as well," writes John in the last paragraph of the Gospel of John. "If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.

But I think God works a bit differently now that he has his church established. Here's how I think God reveals himself today:

1. Through the life and work of Jesus. In Hebrews, it says: "In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son ...." We don't need Jesus to come back and do it all over again. What he did and said in The Bible is available so we can hear from God directly.

2. Through the Christian Church. After reinstating Peter, Jesus says: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it." The church is how God moves and speaks to people. Paul in Corinthians likens the church to a body. We are Jesus' hands and feet, so to speak.

3. Through Godly People. The Apostles were "unschooled, ordinary men." We don't necessary have to have revelation from scholars, kings, or famous preachers. Sometimes, the Godly man or women in your Sunday school class might have a word from God to you. (Of course, you can have false preachers and teachers. Test what anyone says with Scripture.)

You might be surprised to learn that sometimes God comes not in thunder, fire or power but in a gentle whisper, as Elijah learned. But you may never get that revelation if you don't seek God.

And you must pursue God. I often walk in a wood park area near my house and love to catch sight of deer or other wildlife. We sometimes walk 20 times or more before I see a deer. It's the same way with God -- seek and you shall find!