Thanks for Seeking God With Me.

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Don't Forget His Teaching

Proverbs 3:1-2 My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

We all like to hear about God prospering us, but like the prodigal son, we leave our current prosperity to find out that we’re nothing on our own.

God commands us to obey so that we will have what he provides. Since he only gives good gifts, it is the fool who abandons God. Why do we think our own way is better than God’s?

God wants us to know him. He provides for us everything we need, and he teaches us to enjoy it. But I’m simply amazed at how often I’ve ignored what God has said.

I’m not angry and rebellious, maybe just neglectful at times. God understands and extends his hand to me when I’ve obeyed and when I haven’t. He is merciful – without a doubt, but I’ve had to endure consequences of my actions and inactions.

If only I could obey God at ALL times. His commands will prolong my life indeed. And bring prosperity in many areas.

Thank you, God.

God Teaches Us

Jeremiah 16:21 “Therefore I will teach them – this time I will teach them my power and might. Then they will know that my name is the Lord.”

I love knowing God will teach us. In Psalms 32:8, God explains, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”

God wants us to know Him. In our seeking, we can be assured that he wants to be found. I think he sets up some love ambushes to grab our attention. He probably follows us until he sees our willingness to be taught.

And like kindergarteners learn how to read, we have to be taught the basics of how to seek God. He has so much for us, but we must build a foundation of seeking.

When we let him teach us to revere him, we can move on to more of what he wants us to know. Seeking is a process. There are tests to pass at each level.

But God is with us, helping us know him.

Seeking God's Face

Psalm 27:8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.”

When you meet someone for the first time, you generally speak to them while looking them in the eyes. However, many people look at God’s hands to see what he has for them.

My husband used to return home from a business trip to the shouts of “What did you bring us?” from my kids with their eyes trained on his hands. I think we do that to God. We ask in prayer, “What are you going to bring me today, Lord?” When we should be simply showering him with love and affection.

I want to know God on a deeper level. I want to have a better relationship with him tomorrow than I did yesterday. That desire is embedded in my DNA and will probably continue on through generations.

When I get to Heaven, I’ll look into the eyes of God. But for now, I’ll be satisfied just imagining his face as I pray.

Diligence, part two

Prov 17:24
A discerning man keeps wisdom in view, but a fool’s eyes wander to the ends of the earth.

When a man wants something bad enough, it’s always in his mind. For example, if he wants to buy a Corvette, he’ll see one going down the highway beside him and admire it. He talks about it at work and thinks about it at home. He might research them on the internet.

That’s how we are with God’s wisdom. I want it. I read it. I talk with my family about God’s ways and speak God’s word. I have a Bible at my desk and one in my bedroom. I think about God’s wisdom – because I want it.

If you’re focused on something and don’t give up, you usually get what you’re after.

But with God, keeping wisdom in view is easy because it’s what He wants for you too. He sets up tiny reminders because He knows you’re seeking Him.

Diligence, part one

Prov 13:4 The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.

Would you spend tons of time and money getting Super Bowl tickets, and then not go to the game because you don’t want to fight the crowd? I think not. You've chosen to begin your journey, and if you stick with it, you'll get your reward.

If you think seeking God seems like a good idea – and it is! – let me encourage you to stick with it. Be diligent about reading God’s word. Stay consistent with prayers. Don’t quit in the middle of the process just because as you get closer to God, He seems a little scary.

Yes, God is big. And He’s powerful. But getting closer to THE ALMIGHTY is strangely peaceful and comforting.

If you’re afraid of what He might say to you if you ever actually hear His voice, please listen to what is spoken throughout the Bible, “Do not be afraid.” God is drawing you closer so He can teach you to love like He loves.

Stick with your journey. Understand that knowing someone as complex as the Maker of Heaven and Earth takes time, patience, and diligence.

You’ll learn a lot, and find surprises along the way.

You’ll learn that God laughs. His children make Him want to love and bless and give. Praise Him. Laugh with Him.

If you take the time to know Him, your reward is immeasurable.