Devotionals for the Heart: Why we need to know God on a personal level

Knowing God
A devotional by Colleen C. Howard

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

—Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

The phrase “God is with us” is a familiar promise that is mentioned numerous times in God’s Word (The Holy Bible).

In Matthew 28:20 (ESV), God tells us, “I am with you always, to the end of the age.” He is unchanging and faithful, His love is never-ending, and His promises are true. This indicates that we’re in a state of togetherness with the Lord. "Withness" is a gift from God to those who follow Him. He goes before us, walks with us, and prepares a place for us at His table.

But how do we participate in the withness? God asks us to be doers of the word by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ also known as “The Good News” according to the Bible. God instructs us to write His words on our hearts, pray with Him, and be witnesses for Jesus Christ who is our Lord and Savior. In 2 Peter 3:18 (ESV), God’s Word says, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” The good news is that our God doesn’t ask anything of us without first equipping us for the job He calls us to do. God gave us hearts to encourage each other, share our victories and defeats, and comfort others in need. God has given us the Holy Spirit, who guides our steps along the path He prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10). He designed us to be with Him and to know Him.

But what does it mean to know God? Many say they “know” God, but in truth, they only know “about” Him. There is a difference between knowing “about” God and “knowing” God. In order to “know” God you need to experience His goodness (Psalm 34:8), the comfort of His words (Psalm 34:18), and the overwhelming peace you feel in His presence (Romans 15:13).

Let’s break it down—most of us know about honey, but here’s a difference between knowing honey and knowing about honey. Those who know about it can list the facts. It’s a sweet liquid produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It’s often used in cooking as a spread or sweetener. Almost anyone can recite these well-known facts about honey.

However, to know honey, you must experience it. Have you drizzled honey over a warm slice of freshly baked bread and licked the sticky, sweet substance from your fingers? Have you tasted the goodness of honey cake or the tangy delight of soy-honey-ginger sauce lightly covering your perfectly grilled salmon?

Many people claim to know God, but some only know about Him. When you “know” God, you share your struggles, doubts, and hopes with Him. You trust Him. His presence, power, and promises are the foundation of your life. Knowing the heart of God changes everything because He is “with” you.

Experiencing God presence is life-changing. Perhaps you’ve seen His fingerprints on your life when walking through a wilderness season. He is with us always, and His presence sustains us. Psalm 63:3 (NLT) tells us, His “unfailing love is better than life itself.”

God knocks at the door of your heart. But He’s not just knocking at your door, He’s knocking down your fears, secrets, loneliness, anger, bitterness, trauma, and sorrows. God holds the planets in orbit. He knows the name of every star. And He offers you a love like no other. It’s an invitation to the most incredible adventure you’ll ever encounter—withness.

If you haven’t experienced God, invite Him into every corner of your heart. The more you see Him, the more you seek Him. The more you seek Him, the more you know Him. And the more you know Him, the more you love Him!

Let's Pray: Dear God, we want to know You and not just know about you. Help us to be aware of your presence and experience your goodness. Let us stand in awe of your greatness and recall your faithfulness to us. Praise be to God! In the Name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Open the Eyes of My Heart” by Michael W. Smith. Listen to it here. 

Song of Reflection #2: “Knowing You, Jesus” by Graham Kendrick. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Just to Know You” by Mark Schultz. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “The More I Seek You” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

Colleen C. Howard is a Jesus follower, wife, mom, mimi, educator and author. 

She lives with her husband in the beautiful Arizona desert where the sunsets are spectacular, the summers are hot, and the winters are a little slice of heaven. Her two adult children and their families live nearby. She considers it a joy to spend time with her family members!

She is a lifelong educator and co-founder of an educational professional development business. After spending her professional life in education, Colleen retired as the STEM Specialist for a large public school district. As she approached the end of that season, God placed a strong desire in Colleen’s heart to shine a light on God’s presence throughout ordinary days and encourage women in their faith-walk with Jesus Christ.

When asked what makes her faith walk real, Colleen replied, “It isn’t just one thing, but a million little things. Although some days bring trials and others bring joy, it’s never just another day.” She says when you give your heart to Jesus, each new day is another opportunity to walk hand-in-hand with Him and begin to know the heart of God. As you become more aware of His presence, stop, take a breath, and watch what God will do.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Arizona State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

She has been published online via these websites: Inkspirations, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide.

~*~
Connect with Colleen:
Website: https://www.authorcolleenchoward.com/

Devotionals for the Heart: Silence

Trusting God When He is Silent 
A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis

“Be still, and know that I am God!”

—Psalm 46:10 (NLT)

A good test of a deep relationship is the ability to sit in silence together for long periods of time with no one being uncomfortable or trying to fill the gap with words. There is an understanding, a comfortableness, acceptance, and trust within the confines of the moment, or moments.

Some are more naturally inclined towards silence, while others have a daily quota of words to spill and have the need to spill them. Neither is wrong, just different. It is in the learning and understanding and knowing in a relationship where true love is found.

For many years this verse in Psalm 46:10 has quieted my heart. But today it took a turn. I had looked at the first two words, the command “Be still”, and was content and challenged with them. For one who is ready to go and enjoys being busy, this command is a necessary reminder of how important it is to stop and be still. And that it is okay to do so. Even required in our walk with the Lord.

However, the verse continues, so do the commands. And know that I am God. What does it mean to know God? Can one ever truly know Him? Can He be known?

According to the Blue Letter Bible and Strong’s Concordance, to know is "yada" in Hebrew. It means to know, perceive and see, find out and discern. What is interesting is the psalmist, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, does not say, “Be still and listen.”

Why?

I will not be able to answer that fully, or even by halves, but when the obvious is not stated in Scripture, we should pause. The obvious would be: Stop, be still and listen for God has something to say. Or: Settle down and quiet yourself so you can hear God. But we are told to know God.

When you are getting to know someone new, what do you do? You spend time with her/him. You invite that person to coffee, an outing, or over for dinner. Maybe you spend time with other couples or families. You find common ground, likes, interests. Shared memories, laughter and sorrows make for a good friendship. This all takes time, however. Some friendships form quickly and a lifetime bond is formed, while others develop over time, with the intensity deepening.

Would it be any different with our Heavenly Father? No, as He is our Father, our Abba (Daddy). He wants to spend time with us and will invite us on those coffee dates, those adventures which make for great memories. It is in the process we get to know God. There can be small chat, deep conversations, and shared silence. And it is good.

Even if the silence gets a little long, He is still there. He is still enjoying our company and He is still in our lives. Let us not run, panic, or question this silence. Jumping to fear causes doubt to creep in which pushes love and assurance out. Nothing changed in the relationship between you and your Father. A span of time without words is just that—a span of time without words.

Love and acceptance are still present. Mutual desire to be together has not shifted. Shared memories intact. A settled comfort has occurred, nothing more. Let us not read into it more than we should, nor over-analyze the silence. God is here, near and enjoying you.

Are you in a time of silence with God? Are you still before Him? Are you learning to know Him more? Is it getting uncomfortable? Hold on dear one. Allow the silence of God to speak.

Be content in His Presence knowing He is content in yours.

Let’s Pray: Father God, thank You for my relationship with You. You care about our relationship, so much so, that You will deepen it by silence, by opportunities for me to know You more. I do not want to rush them, skip over them or dismiss them in my hurry to move on with life. You are my life. In the stillness, may I know You more. Thank You for teaching me and growing me more in You. In the Name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Can Anybody Hear Me?” by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: "Not for A Moment" by Meredith Andrews. Listen to it here.

~*~
Author Bio:

As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served in the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.

Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 23 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.

Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s.

Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for two years, and a devotional writer for about one year.

Kerry Sue writes about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.

~*~
Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/

Devotionals for the Heart: A Life Lesson on the way God works!

God Works Behind the Scenes
A devotional by Monique Anderson

“But, Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” 

–John 5:17 (NLT)

Seeing the images online the next day made me feel so proud to have been a part of something so epic. Picture after picture of each model coming down the runway with their sleek, clean looks gave no indication of the madness that went on backstage just moments prior.

Missing shoes, missing accessories, and even missing models is what adds to the heightened tension and pandemonium backstage at a fashion show. However, given all the stress of the last-minute details that go awry, when the lights go on and the curtain is pulled back, the press, and awaiting audience have no idea that something so streamlined came from something so chaotic.

This is what I imagine the heavenly realms look like when we send our prayers up to God. Imagine all the angels he dispenses to see about us, and them scrambling to get to our needs. I envision them getting held up by the enemy and his angels, and the spiritual warfare that takes place just to see to it that God’s will gets done for his children. Imagine what God’s work looks like behind the scenes. Let’s read this verse from Daniel 10:12-13 (NLT):

“Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia.”

I was reminded of God’s unseen handiwork when I was praying for a loved one to surrender to God. I would constantly ask God what I needed to do: Should I show them Scripture? Should I share a sermon? Should I read a devotional with them?

I felt like I received no response from God, and from what I could see, there was no change in the person I was praying for. I was not sure if my prayers were even heard much less getting answered. So, I just continued with my relationship with God in hopes that they would see all that He was doing in my life and be moved to submit to Him.

From my view in the audience, I could not see all the work God was doing backstage.

Until one day, out of the blue, he confessed he was ready to surrender. He said he felt God chasing after him, and he was tired of running. I was stunned, and almost in complete disbelief. It was presented in such a nonchalant manner. I imagined this day being a fall out, ugly cry praise and worship moment. But it was not. It was presented just as neat, and well put together as the models coming down the runway.

Just like the awaiting audience, I had no idea what was happening behind the scenes. I later found out that he was being ministered to by someone he worked with. He said he felt like there was nowhere else for him to run. His journey to Jesus reminded of this song by Casting Crowns called “Even When You’re Running.” God’s love for him was inescapable. My loved one was getting Jesus at home, and in the workplace, but in very subtle ways. I made sure never to pressure him into submission. I wanted him to want Jesus for himself, and that is exactly what happened.

I couldn't tell from where I was sitting that God had been scrambling backstage to bring all the pieces together. I just saw the finished product of a man of God humbling himself before the Lord. This situation reminds me of God’s promise to us in Psalm 91:11 (NIV) which reads, “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”

Please remember this: From where you’re sitting it may look like no work is getting done. It may seem like God doesn’t hear you and isn't seeing about your needs. But let me remind you that our Heavenly Father is always at work. He’s never not working. We should thank God that we don’t see the mess happening behind the scenes; we just get to be a witness to the final production once He shines His light and pulls back his curtain for the big reveal.

Let’s Pray: Heavenly Father, I praise You and thank you for constantly working in my life, and in the lives of those I care about. I am thankful that my prayers are always received and heard in your Kingdom. I will hold on to the promise of Your Word that says You will command Your angels concerning me. This promise reminds me that even when I don’t see it You’re working. I will continuously sing your praises even while I wait. Father, I love You and thank You. In Jesus's Name I pray. Amen.

~*~
Author Bio:

Monique M. Anderson is a writer, wife, and bonus mom to a 14 year old. She just recently unleashed her always present yet hidden talent of writing to the masses. She was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY where she still resides, and serves on the prayer team of her church The Gathering Harlem.  

Monique always felt like God was chasing after her, but never felt the need to surrender. Until that is when life started veering left, and she no longer wanted to steer so she finally gave Jesus the wheel. After forming her relationship with God she always felt compelled to share the revelations that the Word gave to her. She always felt the Holy Spirit prompting her to write, but was afraid of what people might think. So her writing started in her journal. The journal turned into a book, and the book into a blog.

Slowly but surely God’s love started to cast out all fear. She started to consistently update her bi- weekly blog called “Yours Truly, Moe.” Her obedience led to further revelation. God revealed to her that He would use her to help others along their walk the same way God helped her along hers. Since Monique did not grow up in church she always felt intimidated by the Christian life. She thought that she would be losing so much of herself, not realizing that she would actually find her TRUE self.

Since God has shown her who He really created her to be, she now feels it is her life’s work to help those that are taking their first baby steps in this walk with Christ. She is doing so through her blog, and soon to be published book. Monique is excited to extend her reach to podcasts and speaking engagements in the near future.

Her blog is the stepping stone to fulfilling the vision God gave to her – “Sharing God’s revelations so we can all reflect his image and fulfill his purpose.”

~*~
Connect with Monique:
Website: www.yourstrulymoe.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourstruly__moe/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Yours-Truly-Moe-140255684101423