And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Scripture makes it clear that it is the one and only source for the truth that is God's reality. It is literally His words. It also makes the formula for coming to the full knowledge of the truth plain and simple: 1) believe He exists, and 2) believe He rewards those who seek Him. And He wants both...
[God] desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:4)
Humans simply won't have "ears to hear" (spiritual information) if they don't believe He exists. He is incredibly patient and knows how much truth we can understand and assimilate.
He will meet us wherever we are in our walk with Him, or even if we don't yet know Him at all. If we create capacity for His thoughts, He will faithfully fill it.
How does one create capacity? Simple, with humility. Be teachable. If you have the attitude of, "Oh, I know that already," we're telling Him to stop talking because we're not listening.
What will He fill this capacity with when we listen? Knowledge of Himself, Christ, and truth, slowly and gently, and eventually His deepest thoughts, which were actually meant for our glory before the ages. Let's earnestly seek what He wants to give us: Himself!
But [among the mature] we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. (1Co 2:7)
How does one seek Him? Diligently. What does that look like? At first, it just looks like showing up to hear His words in Scripture. Then, He has much to say and it takes time, so be consistent in showing up and with the intention to learn. Finally, we sharpen our focus as His thoughts start to become our thoughts as we are transformed.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)
Now that we know where He is, where His wisdom can be found, we can approach Scripture like a treasure hunt, because that's what it is. This is where the fun begins. We can ask Him all sorts of questions if we approach His word with humility (teachable) and faith (trusting He will tell us the answer). In fact, I would strongly suggest if you think you already know the answer to basic questions, think again. The depth and richness of His word may surprise you.
In the next series of devotions, we'll start looking at some of these questions. I hope you join me on this wonderful journey into the relationship of a lifetime, an eternal lifetime...
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3)
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