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.”
April 30, 2025
And then he said with a twinkle in his eye that had seen nine decades plus, “I believe this may be the best season of my life!”
April 24, 2025
This is only possible with God’s aid. He tells us to draw near to Him, and He will draw near to us. But that approach begins with a plea for His help in this foundational task. It is our most important step of every day and throughout the day. We must be aware of God.
