February 08, 2023
“Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my doorposts. For he who finds me finds life and obtains favor from the Lord. But he who sins against me injures himself; all those who hate me love death.” (Proverb 8:34-36)
Many men will never pay the price. But to those who are willing to pursue God continually, there is an unbelievable reward: LIFE and GOD'S FAVOR!
What could be more valuable? So, how can I gain this coveted prize? Notice the three ingredients ...
LISTEN TO ME
We listen to the world, the news, others, etc. But do we listen to Him? Is our ear continually turned to heaven, expectantly listening to what God says with a heart to obey? Is He our first thought? Is our prayer life vibrant because we are humbly turning to Him at the beginning of each day and throughout the day? And then, as He speaks by His Word and Spirit, are we listening? Are we paying attention and responding to all He says?
WATCH DAILY AT MY GATES
God rewards those whose consistency proves a deep desire to meet Him. It is not the occasional follower who gets the greatest benefit, but the DAILY PURSUER. There is a cumulative nature to holiness. We must seek Him every day. Like Moses, who met with the Lord and his face shone, we must realize that “Close and continued fellowship with God will in due time leave an impression on us which others will notice” (Andrew Murray).
WAIT AT MY DOORPOSTS
This implies the direction. We are pursuing Someone, not something. We are waiting at HIS door, just like young Joshua stood continually at the entrance to the tent of meeting.
It is important to note what we must pursue and what we receive as a result. “Blessed is the man who listens to ME … for He who finds ME finds life.” We are not pursuing Bible knowledge or a program or field of study. We are seeking HIM. “He who has the Son has the life, and he who does not have the Son does not have the life,” John said (1 John 5:12).
“Look for Christ and you will find Him,” wrote C.S. Lewis, “and with Him, everything else thrown in.”
March 11, 2025
God knows what He is about. Always include in your request the greatest prayer—the prayer of surrender. “Lord, Your will be done.” This is the prayer, when humbly prayed, that will always be answered and yield the most valuable result from the God who loves us best ... even if the answer is hard.
March 05, 2025
Every created man or woman must make their choice. What will you do with God? Will you embrace or reject Him? Draw near or run away? Trust and serve Him or doubt God and serve yourself? This foundational choice determines everything.
March 04, 2025
As you evaluate your faith, is it “God and?” God and others. God and the world’s ideas. God and my best thoughts thrown in. God and some money. God and a clear path. Or simply: God. Are you vainly clinging to the idea that you need more than Him?
