A weekend in the mountains!
V23 n34
For most people, a weekend away, means a time of relaxation and fun. One will spend much of their time looking for things to do which are exciting, or that will cause or bring about a new thrill. All the while that one is seeking the excitement and thrills, they miss or ignore all of the beauty that God has placed all around them. This is what most people do, the majority of the time within the physical realm, and so then it must occur within the spiritual realm as well.
One can observe people
walking through a woods or rainforest, and it is interesting to note that the
majority of the people, seldom slow down long enough to see and observe all of
the natural beauty that is around them. For many, it is enough for them to say
that they have been at a certain place. And yet if they were asked what they
saw or observed, they would not be able to give a very clear or comprehensive
description except for what they may have read in a brochure, or that which
someone else may have told them.
The
sad thing is, that this is the same way which most people treat God and His
Word. Many people can tell you that they pray, but if asked our quizzed about
their last conversation with God, there would not be much that could be
recalled, with possibly the exception of their part of the conversation. Many
will also tell you that they read their Bibles, maybe once or twice a week, yet
if asked what they heard and /or learned, most of the time you would get a
puzzled look in response. Do most people really expect God to hear them, let
alone that He would answer them? Does one really believe that we (those who
profess to be Christians) should be living by each and every word that proceeds
forth from the mouth of God?
While
walking through the rainforests here in Australia, it was interesting to watch
the people quickly walking up and down the trails, without taking the time to
observe all of the beauty that Father had placed there for them. And if they
did not slow down to see and observe the beauty that Father had there for them,
then it is quite certain that they did not slow down long enough to hear all of
the unique sounds that were there as well. Is it any different then how most
people rush through each day, and are too rushed, and too busy with the things
that we consider important, to have any time for God or to acknowledge Him, let
alone to have any time to converse with Him?
They
that worship the Father, (first one must know Him as Father), must worship Him
in Spirit (Rom 8:9) and in truth (His Word is truth). This is the fellowship
that the Father seeks. Yet, is this the fellowship that you seek with Him this
day?
For
most, they are too busy, too preoccupied moving down this path called life, to
have much time if any, for God in their lives. And if they do not have any time
for God in their lives, how can they ever know Him, let alone acknowledge Him
and be thankful for all that God has done for them? For God so loved the world
that He gave, yet how many really understand or comprehend this gift that He
has made available to us? (Col 1:5-6, Rom 10:17-18, Jude 1:3).
If
one is not able to stop and notice all that God has done for them, and all that
He has placed here for our enjoyment; will they ever really be able to believe
that God wants to provide their daily need for them as well? (both spiritual
and physical, and in that order). If one is not able to believe that God is
able to provide for them in the physical, then how can they believe that God
has already provided for them in the spiritual realm as well?
Matthew 6:31-34, 31 Therefore take no thought,
saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be
clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your
heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye
first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow
shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the
evil thereof. KJV
One must seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, yet how often is this the order that you follow? For those who are in Christ, they have been blessed with all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ. Yet, how often does one notice this, let alone acknowledge it? Do you believe that you are complete in Him, or only hope that it is so? (Col 2:9-10) Do you really know that you have an unction from the Holy one, and know all things, or do you only hope that it is so? (1John 1:20).
Has it been that you have been journeying through the Bible without taking notice or believing all that is in there in plain sight? (Mark 4:11) Have you been relying on others to tell you what they think is within the Bible? (2Tim 2:15) Paul said that many of his own people had a great zeal for God, but that it was not according to a working knowledge of God and His Word. They tried to establish their own righteousness, rather then operating in the righteousness which God had made available to them. (1Cor 1:30, 2Cor 5:21, Eph 2:8-9).
Who is it that you have for your guide as you journey through this life? (John 16:13).
That you may know Him,
In the service of Jesus Christ.
From Australia,
Larry Gazelka
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