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GOD is the Ultimate Savior

30 Days of Knowing God - Day 30: JOHN 3:5-6 NKJV

'Jesus answered, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit”' (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭5-6‬ NKJV).

In John 3, Nicodemus, a Pharisees and member of the Jewish ruling council, visited Jesus during the night to inquire about who He was. We can only assume that despite the Jews refusal to believe that Jesus was the Son of God, Nicodemus had some idea about who Jesus was. As a religious teacher, Nicodemus understood God’s doctrine and he prided himself on following the ways of the Old Testament. This is why he was unable to understand the concept of salvation and being ‘born again’ to enter into Heaven. To the Jews, {their} human birth signified the favor of God upon their lives. They considered themselves superior to all other peoples. As we know, the Pharisees thought highly of themselves, and thought that their {perceived} good deeds in the world were enough to grant them entrance into God’s kingdom (Matthew 23:25). However, a spiritual rebirth, as explained by Jesus, is to be reborn of water and Spirit. Many believers incorrectly believe that baptism automatically provides salvation. While water baptism is essential, it is a ritual that believers undergo as an outward declaration of their faith. Works alone are not enough to grant us salvation. Salvation comes through faith and belief in Jesus Christ (as the Son of God). The true mark of salvation is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the believer. We cannot see it, but we see the result when a believer understands the true {spiritual} nature of God.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1). The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. As depicted by John the Baptist, Jesus Christ is the Son of God. The Word of God and Jesus are one and the same. Salvation has always been a matter of receiving God’s truth. But, what Nicodemus and followers of the Old Testament failed to realize is that man cannot earn salvation (through his own works) nor can he redeem himself. That power belongs to God, the only source of righteousness. Through human birth, man enters into the physical world. Through spiritual {re}birth, man enters into God’s kingdom. We cannot see God, but we feel His presence. He manifests Himself to us in various ways. In similar fashion, God’s love for us is incomprehensible. We cannot understand the magnitude of God’s grace for mankind. Because of His love for what He created (man), God entered the world, suffered and died for the sins who those who He knew beforehand would not believe. God humbled Himself so that man might be saved. Salvation is offered freely to those who are willing to believe and wiling to receive it. Whether or not we accept God’s gift, He will hold us accountable for the life that He has given us.

‘“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God”’ (‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16-18‬ NKJV).

He is the ultimate Savior.

- T💋

GOD is the Ultimate Prophet

30 Days of Knowing God - Day 29: ISAIAH 53:1-12 NIV

'Surely He took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered Him punished by God, stricken by Him, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed' (‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭4-5‬ NIV).

God’s restoration of Israel and the world is an important theme throughout the book of Isaiah. The prophet, Isaiah, warned the people of Israel about God’s judgement and disappointment toward them for breaking the covenant established at Mount Sinai. How many more times did they need to be reminded? As compassionate and loving as He is, God is NOT to be mocked! He had set aside the Israelites to consecrate themselves, so that they would be a light and example for the surrounding nations/world. Despite Israel’s disobedience, God had a plan to bring future restoration and blessings to the entire world.

God is omniscient (all-knowing and all-encompassing). He has simultaneous knowledge of past, present and future, and all that transpires in the human experience. God’s desire to save all of mankind and bring them to the knowledge of truth is the motivation behind Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and the absolution of sins by His death. Chapter 53 of Isaiah specifically focuses on the prophesy of Jesus Christ. Though the Jews, who despised His humble beginnings and appearance, refused to believe He was the Messiah, the evidence is very clear. Nowhere else in the Old Testament is it more obvious that God intended for Christ to submit Himself to meager conditions (in His earthly form), and endure suffering and humiliation before entering into glory: 'Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His life an offering for sin, He will see His offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hand' (‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭10‬). By taking our sins upon Himself, Christ became sin, the sacrificial Lamb to be slaughtered. As it was prophesied, that was His mission: to conquer sin through death (Romans 6:23). All have sinned and all fall short of God’s glory. Mankind was hopeless. The price of sin is death and God’s justice required the penalty to be paid. But, who else, but God (holy and pure as He is), could pay it? Therefore, God stepped into the human race and paid the price Himself, His gracious gift to all believers. At that moment, Satan lost his foothold on the human race. As such, Christ became the New Covenant of God’s people.

God’s purpose will always prevail! What He intends for His redeemed will always come to pass. Sin, Satan and mere flesh are no match for the atoning blood of Jesus Christ, nor can they withstand the Spirit and grace we (as believers) received when Christ ascended into Heaven on that third day. By our faith, we are justified — the heirs of imputed righteousness. Blessed are those who have not seen Him, yet still believe. God gave us dominion over darkness and direct access to His power in the form of Jesus. And the prophesy was fulfilled when Jesus, in His last breath, interceded for His persecutors: 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do' (Luke 23:34).

He is the ultimate Prophet.

- T💋

GOD is the Ultimate Shepherd

30 Days of Knowing God - Day 28: PSALM 23 NKJV

'Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever' (‭Psalms‬ ‭23‬:‭6‬ NKJV).

Psalm 23 is one of the most popular and best-known psalms, and the first prayer I learned to recite before bed as a child. The Lord is my shepherd. Those five words taught me to not only put my complete trust in God’s protection and care, but to be content with and in all aspects of life. God cares for his beloved sheep (believers) by supplying all of our needs (Psalm 23:1-2); by guiding us throughout life by His word (Psalm 23:3); and by guarding and comforting us in our time of need (Psalm 23:4).

God’s goodness and love (also known as grace and mercy) follows us throughout our lives — covering and sustaining us in our darkest hour. Even if/when we cannot feel His presence, we should walk in the assurance of God’s love and compassion toward us. These are the gifts we received through our faith. We cannot do anything to prompt (or stop) God’s grace and mercy. We cannot add (or subtract) a single hour to our own lives (Matthew 6:27). And, quite frankly, these things should not be our concern. God is the caretaker (the shepherd) of our souls, leading us day-by-day to ‘green pastures’ and ‘still waters’. As God’s sheep, our responsibility is to look to Him to supply, lead and guard us throughout life, and to thank Him for the many gifts and blessings that we receive along the way.

He is the ultimate Shepherd.

- T💋

GOD is the Ultimate Refuge

30 Days of Knowing God - Day 27: PSALM 18 NIV

'As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all who take refuge in Him. For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?' (‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭30-31‬ NIV).

Psalm 18 is an account of King David’s life that actually appears twice in the Bible. (The first time is 2 Samuel 22). The scripture describes in detail David’s personal account of his life — and, essentially, — tells readers exactly who/what God is:

'As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless' (Psalm 18:30 NIV):

God’s ways are perfect. God is God alone, and He doesn’t need our help. By virtue of who He is, God’s conduct and characteristics are pure. His word is literally flawless (spotless, without blemish or defect), having withstood the test of time over and over again. It is perpetually unchanging and eternally good. The Lord proved himself faithful to David by everything he foretold of him. If evil, persecution or human intellect were ever a match for God’s word, it would’ve been eliminated long ago.

'The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold (‭Psalm‬ ‭18‬:‭2‬ NIV):

God is a Rock and Fortress. David used several metaphoric terms to recall what God meant to him. He called God his rock because when he needed protection or shelter from his enemies, God literally hid David behind a rock. Like rocks, God is the firm foundation on which we stand. He is unmovable and unshakable no matter what is going on in our lives. David also called God his fortress, which referred to the refuge he sought from Saul, one of his enemies. Like the rocky, mountainous terrain of Judea, God is our source of safety and strength when the enemy plans to attack. Those who truly love God trust in Him. Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord can rely on His strength.

He is the ultimate Refuge.

- T💋

GOD is the Ultimate Restorer

30 Days of Knowing God - Day 26: JOB 42:7-17 NKJV

'And the LORD restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (‭Job‬ ‭42‬:‭10‬ NKJV).

The book of Job provides us with a basis for understanding the purpose of trials and suffering in our lives. Job was a righteousness and wealthy man who lost his health, his children and his property as a result of Satan’s malice toward him. Like many of us during difficult times, Job struggled to understand his situation. He searched for answers as to why God would allow such calamity upon his life. His afflictions were not the result of sin, yet he still suffered greatly. However, the Bible tells us that even while suffering, the righteous are still blessed and our lives are still purposed: 'But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled…For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (‭I Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭14,17‬ NKJV). Our trials are not always the result of rebellion against God; sometimes God allows us to undergo ‘character-building’ in order to sharpen us and strengthen us to be used for further purposes.

Though his confusion and distress caused him to murmur and grumble against God (let’s be honest, we’ve all been there), Job never cursed God as the devil had hoped! His wife even encouraged him to curse God and end his misery (Job 2:9). Yet, he still maintained his integrity. Aside from the ill advice of his wife, Job’s so-called ‘friends’ continuously mocked and rebuked Job for his circumstances. They were convinced Job’s lot was the result of sin. But, for all of the talking Job’s friends did ABOUT God, they never once talked TO God. That is the most interesting thing about receiving advice from our friends, especially believers. How many of them truly know God well enough to speak about our circumstances? How much of their advice is centered solely on God’s word? How often do they pray with us, and for us? When we see one another suffering, our duty is to bring them closer to God — not cause them to withdraw from Him. God dealt with Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar accordingly. To be forgiven for their false counsel, they had to make sacrifices before Job and have him pray for them. Only then would God restore them. Intercession reconciles us unto God, as well as one another. If we are one with Christ, then it is our duty to love one another and bear with one another throughout transgressions.

One thing Job did learn throughout his ordeal, however, was not to question God’s character or motivation. Again, he never cursed God while he suffered, but — perhaps out of delirium — he made several alarming statements regarding God. We often think we know the best remedy for our afflictions, and try to apply our human knowledge to God’s complete, infinite wisdom. We are simply no match for Him. We are not like Him. We are nothing without Him. That is the most humbling realization of all — and is likely what brought Job’s reconciliation unto God. Like Job, we must understand that we are not the center of the world; we only have our place within it — carefully carved out and constructed by God.

Suffering has its place. Always endure.

'Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful' (‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭11‬ NKJV).

He is the ultimate Restorer.

- T💋

GOD is the Holder of Satan's Chains

30 Days of Knowing God - Day 25: JOB 1:1-12 NIV

'Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil”' (‭Job‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ NIV).

Though rare in this day and age, Job was a man of great {material} wealth, who strongly revered the Lord. ‘Blameless and upright,’ he feared God and shunned evil (Job 1:1). But, for what can only be determined as wise and holy purposes, God agreed to allow Satan to bring affliction upon Job. Though it may be hard to understand why God allowed this to occur, we can be certain that piety nor prosperity will ever make us immune to pain and suffering in this world. The Bible tells us that God was very pleased with Job. Therefore, Job's trials were not a punishment. Job was tried through his suffering the same way Peter was sifted through his. And while we may not understand the reasoning behind our afflictions, we must find assurance in the sovereign strength of God.

The malice of Satan causes him to continuously seek out and destroy those who love God. Job's righteousness caught the attention of both God and Satan, which is why Satan sought to destroy Job. The devil's sphere of influence, however, is limited to the earthly realm. The Bible warns us to be vigilant in identifying and avoiding the devil’s schemes. Even so, Satan has no power to cause us to sin, except what we are already willing to give up of ourselves. Nor does he have any real power to bring affliction upon us, except what is granted by God from above. It is God who directs and orchestrates all matters of this world (see Day 24 post: GOD is the Ultimate Orchestrator). Like the angels, Satan also appeared before the Lord to give an account of his whereabouts (Job 1:6-7). God knows and foresees everything that the devil is up to; even Satan is under His dominion. This is evident in God's specific instructions for Satan not to lay a hand on Job during his test (Job 1:12). God had his own plan for Job, and He allowed Satan to be a mere pawn in the refinement of his faithful servant.

When God asked Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him’ (Job 1:8), it wasn’t a question of uncertainty or doubt. Just as He knew of Satan’s intentions, God already knew that Job would persevere (by his faith) through his trials and eventually be restored. And if God declared that there was no one living on earth who would serve Him like Job, then He knew it to be true! God’s word will never return void. Even when suffering comes upon us, God’s omnipotence and omniscience are always present; His word always prevails. And as we later discover, Job's afflictions brought him to a place where he had nothing BUT the word of God to cling to, and ultimately, that is what he did. God was still glorified. The devil thought that he was in control when he came after Job, but in reality, God had him by the reigns.

He is the ultimate Holder of Satan’s chains.

- T💋

GOD is the Ultimate Orchestrator

30 Days of Knowing God Day 24: ESTHER 6:1-7:10 NKJV

‘Then Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. For we have been sold, my people and I, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be annihilated. Had we been sold as male and female slaves, I would have held my tongue, although the enemy could never compensate for the king’s loss”’ (‭Esther‬ ‭7‬:‭3-4‬ NKJV).

Though God is not directly mentioned in the book of Esther, His invisible workings are ever-present, as indicated within chapters 6-7. Its namesake is Queen Esther of Persia, the heroine who is best known for saving the Jewish people from genocide (as ordered by then Prime Minister Haman in chapter 3). The providence of the Lord oversees even the smallest details, setting up situations and meetings in the lives of His beloved. The book of Esther shows how God intervened and directed the course of politics in the court of the Persian king. This is how Esther (formally Hadassah), a Jewish orphan who was raised by her cousin, Mordecai, found favor in the eyes of King Ahasuerus. At the time Ahasuerus (or Xerxes) selected Esther for his queen, she did not reveal her Jewish origin. However, Esther’s placement in the kingdom later proved to be strategic in the administration of God’s justice.

God’s provision and protection was evident upon the life of Esther, Mordecai and all the Jews throughout the empire. Mordecai, who sat outside the palace gates, discovered a plot by two courtiers, Bigthana and Teresh, to assassinate the king. After informing Ahasuerus, the perpetrators are hung and Mordecai’s service is recorded. (This becomes important at a later time). Haman, who was the king’s Prime Minister, was infuriated when Mordecai refused to bow in obedience to him, as such deference was reserved only for God. When Haman learned that Mordecai was Jewish, he obtained Ahasuerus’ permission (by decree) to choose a date in which to massacre the Jews and destroy their property. When Esther learned of this – though she was fearful for her own life – she agreed to intercede and go before the king (uninvited, which was prohibited by law) to petition on behalf of her people. What happened next was a carefully constructed plan that can only be described as God’s divine intervention. Esther strategically invited Haman to banquets with the king in order to expose his evil plan to kill the Jews. As a result, Haman is out to death and hung in the same gallows that he ordered for Mordecai’s execution. Mordecai was then appointed Prime Minister and the Jews were given the power to protect themselves from their enemies (per Royal decree).

For followers of Christ, there is no power on earth that can stop what God has purposed for His people! There is certainly no aspect of our lives that isn’t covered by God’s providence. Those who make themselves enemies of God’s chosen people soon become enemies of God, who will oversee their demise by their own schemes. The Lord is known to orchestrate such judgments to vindicate those who persecute His children. And in Haman’s case, those who are boastful and insolent while in positions of power will find themselves hopeless when subjected to the same treatment that they previously dealt.

He is the ultimate Orchestrator.

- T💋

GOD is the Ultimate Compass

30 Days of Knowing God - Day 23: 1 KINGS 19:1-18 NIV

'There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”' (‭1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭9‬ NIV).

Am I where I should be? Can God still use me? These are the questions we often ask ourselves in contemplation of where we are in our lives (as a result of our circumstances) versus where God is leading us.

In 1 Kings 19, Elijah was understandably exhausted from the events that occurred on Mount Carmel. Though the event was orchestrated by the Lord, Elijah had single-handedly built an altar, dug a trench and sacrificed a bull to show the people of Israel who the real God was. The task not only exerted a great deal of physical effort, it also had a profound impact on Elijah’s mental and emotional stability since Israel was still consumed with sin. After Queen Jezebel heard about what Elijah had done, she threatened to have him killed. And so, Elijah fled to the wilderness to hide. He was stressed out and because he had succumbed to fear, Elijah felt like a failure. While in the wilderness, in a depressed state, Elijah prayed for the Lord to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). Weariness (exhaustion or fatigue) from life’s circumstances will often lead to delusion. Pain will oftentimes deceive us into believing that dying is more appealing than persevering because we are uncertain about what the future holds. Because we cannot fathom how our circumstances will improve, we’d much rather slip into inexistence. Some people mentally ‘check out’ and refuse to confront certain issues. Others take a more dramatic approach and attempt to end their own lives. Though we may verbally ask God to remove us from this world (or circumstances), in our hearts, we are pleading for His mercy – to lighten our burden so that we can prevail.

As troublesome as it may seem, weariness is not always a bad thing. It is better to bring our burdens before God than to attempt to carry them, or work them out on our own. No matter how often we are weary, God promises REST! ‘Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28 NIV). As our Creator, God invites us to find rest in Him – both physical and emotional – to renew ourselves for the next chapter in our lives. Just as an angel of the Lord appeared unto Elijah underneath the broom tree and instructed him to eat to replenish himself for his journey, God will always minister to our needs. When we feel like we physically cannot go one more second, His grace is sufficient enough to carry us the rest of the way. Elijah was off-course – both physically because God had recently brought him out of hiding, and spiritually because he allowed himself to become discouraged by Jezebel. Keep in mind that he was known for his bold faith and courageousness. Yet, because recent events did not yield the outcome that he expected (Jezebel’s repentance), he wanted to quit!

When God asked Elijah, ‘What are you doing here?,’ His words are a gentle rebuke. God was not angered that Elijah sought refuge. He provided him with food and rest. He then allowed Elijah to vent his frustrations and recover from his state of depression. After God reveals Himself on the mountain (proof that God is still who He says He is, and that He still with Elijah), He gives Elijah an assignment to anoint two new kings over Aram and Israel, and to anoint an apprentice for Elijah. Yes, there is still work to do! There is no time for pity. How can you fail at a task that is not yet complete?

The Lord knows those who are His. He is aware of our {cap}abilities and our desires. He foresees our weaknesses and limitations. Most importantly, He knows exactly what He wants to use us for. Though we may feel like we’ve reached the end and can be of no additional use, God patiently waits and says, ‘Rest. I am not through with you, yet!’ That is the confidence we have in being about our Father’s business. We serve a purpose that is much greater than our individual selves. Weariness will occur and sometimes it is to be expected. We may become discouraged and fall off course. The important thing is not to focus on the areas in which we have failed, but on the opportunities that arise from those failures. No experience is ever wasted. God can still use you. He will give you rest, and He will redirect you.

He is the ultimate Compass.

-T💋