Tasting the Goodness of the Lord (Psalm 34:8)
God wants us to know Him!
Knowing God was Moses' supreme desire (Exodus 33:12-34:8).
The Apostle Paul wanted to know Christ and participate in His suffering (Philippians 3:8-10). His passion was for fellow believers to to know how wide and long, how high and deep God's love was for them (Ephesians 3:18).
If we want to know God, we must spend time with Him in His Word--because that is the primary way that He makes Himself known. God is pleased when we pursue Him. He promises that when we seek Him, we will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13-14). God delights in us, and we in Him. It is truly the sweetest relationship ever.
Often feeling empty and distant from the Lord is caused by our not spending quality time with Him every day. Our relationship can be restored simply by re-establishing our daily quiet times. Sometimes, however, our loss of fellowship is because we harbor unconfessed sin. When we make a mess of our lives—accidentally or even on purpose—God has a plan for restoration…. Read More
Do you remember your first love? Waiting in the hall with bated breath, watching for that first glimpse as he rounds the corner, the catch in your heart when your eyes meet, smiling so big your cheeks hurt, surges of electricity when he grabs your hand, shoulders bumping in the crowded hall on the walk between classes. If you’re my age,… Read More
We work our bodies hard to build strong muscles. We eat the right foods to keep our body systems healthy. And to stay spiritually fit, we feed our hearts and minds a healthy diet of God’s Word. But we are still human, not immune to one of the most common maladies: a sense of hopelessness. Sometimes even the strongest of us… Read More
You set your alarm the night before and got out of bed as soon as it went off. You poured hot, fresh coffee into your favorite mug (or maybe you enjoy tea) and took a seat in your favorite chair. Now you are in a quiet room or sitting on your porch. You pray, asking God to speak to your… Read More
Living on the Gulf Coast affords lots of opportunities to enjoy things that are uniquely Texas. Galveston Island is less than an hour away and a favorite family get-away. On one such trip many years ago, our family took the ferry across the ship channel to Bolivar Peninsula. As lovers of Texas history, we stopped at the Bolivar Lighthouse; and… Read More
Love is in the air. Dove chocolate now takes the shape of hearts. Stuffed frogs with pink, kissy lips beg to be taken home. School clubs are selling carnations candy-grams to be delivered to friends and sweethearts. A few days ago, I bought a box of heart-shaped Little Debbie’s and placed them just so in my heart-shaped candy dish. (They… Read More
Today we wrap up this series on the Purposes of God’s Word. I think my favorite facet is the way God’s Word encourages our hearts. Probably because it’s this aspect of the Bible that I find myself needing so much. I don’t like to admit it, but I’m easily discouraged. As a Type-A personality, I am an in-charge, make-things-happen (even… Read More
God’s Word is amazing. No other book on the planet is as powerful and practical. First and foremost, The Bible shows us the God who loves us–and our need for a Savior. God’s Word also cleanses us and allows us to have victory over sin. But also, God’s Word guides our decision-making. From simple, everyday choices–like who to hang out… Read More