Jeremiah 9: 23, 24 “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising loving kindness, judgement and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.”
Dear God,
With thanks and gratitude, I give You praise and worship this morning. In my need I have requested the presence of the Holy Spirit to bring my thoughts closer to You, and I have come to a better knowledge of You in a life changing way that promises improved vibrancy and joy. From Scripture I learn when we seek You humbly in whole hearted prayer and worship; we are on a pathway that leads to heaven. John 17: 3 “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
The many stories relating to the life of Jesus when living upon this earth are a great bonus for we who live afterwards, in our pursuit of a close relationship with You. Before that in Old Testament times, You reached and drew to Yourself, all the people who would pay attention to the Holy Spirit, and whole heartedly read Your word. We have the same privilege as well as the example of Jesus when on earth; for which I give praise.
In Acts 10 is given the example of a certain Cornelius, from the Italian Regiment who knew You as His God, V 10 “A devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” You knew his heart and heard his prayers. Peter, a converted disciple, had his unchallenged prejudices, and needed to be prepared by You, to go teach the Gospel story to the Gentiles. While both men individually had taken the opportunity in the middle of the day to seek You in prayer, an angel was sent to each with a message for each. Both men heeded Your words, leading to much rejoicing, amongst the group of family and close friends of Cornelius who had gathered to hear Peter.
This teaches me amongst other things, that there is great profit in seeking You at any time of the day, as well as heeding Your messages. All through the scriptures, there are many wonderful illustrations of answered prayer, which assures me that the same is a possible reality for us all.
I am so glad that Your solace comes to us today as for Job who looked beyond the present ‘hell’. Job 19:25 “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth.
I acknowledge, that the key that unlocks Your invention, lies in desiring to know You and asking for help. I do so again today.
Amen