Month: January 2024

God is Omniscient

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JESUS SPEAKING

  Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (John 1: 46 – 50)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  After proclaiming that Nathanael’s heart was devoid of lies, Jesus mentioned seeing him beneath a fig tree; a secret moment that the Lord could not have physically witnessed. In response to this impossible revelation, Nathanael identified Jesus as the long awaited Messiah. This brief interaction exemplifies a broader religious doctrine known as omniscience; omniscience is defined as possessing the knowledge of all things, seen and unseen. God alone is omniscient. Nothing, including our secret thoughts and desires are hidden from Him.

  During the growth of the early Church, there lived a couple known as Ananias and Sapphira. They chose to sell a piece of property and distribute the proceeds to the apostles. However, they secretly kept a portion of the money for themselves. When they brought their gift to Peter, they lied, proclaiming that the amount given was the full measure of what they had received for the land. Peter addressed Ananias, saying, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit […] You have not lied just to human beings but to God.” Ananias immediately fell to the ground dead. His wife, who continued the lie, perished shortly thereafter.

  The God of all creation can never be deceived. He is omniscient. He knows all things. The thoughts of the mind and the motives of the heart are all laid bare before Him. This is why the Holy Spirit is essential for Christian living and the avoidance of deception.. The Spirit fills us with truth and chases away the lies. Through God’s Spirit our hearts and minds are purified, and we receive the strength to accomplish His perfect will. May we always remain aware of,God’s supernatural perception and presence.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we desire to be more like You. May we walk in the truth and live in the light. Sanctify us through Your Holy Spirit, and give us the strength to remain obedient to Your will. May we always recognize Your omniscience and divine oversight. May we always seek to glorify Your Holy Name. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You. And we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Spiritual Discernment

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JESUS SPEAKING

  He asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 – 17)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Despite observing His numerous miracles, the disciples remained uncertain as to which biblical figure Jesus represented (some believed He was a prophet.) And yet God instantly accomplished a work in Peter’s heart; initiating a revelation of truth. Jesus was in fact, the Christ; the promised Messiah and the Son of God. This account represents what is commonly referred to in Christian tradition as ‘spiritual discernment;’ a supernatural understanding of right and wrong, as it applies to the truth, or any given circumstance.

  I once heard an elderly Pastor explain an experience he’d encountered during the early days of his growing Church. As more congregants arrived, the size of the facility became inadequate. Taking a leap of faith, he purchased a large piece of property on credit; supposing that God would provide for their financial needs. As it happened, a very wealthy congregant offered to pay off the entire loan immediately. Those bound by human wisdom would’ve accepted the offer. The Pastor however, carefully considered the proposition. In turn, God gave him spiritual discernment. Sensing that something wasn’t right, he rejected the man’s offer. Shortly thereafter, he was approached by a gas company that wanted to put a station in the area; they offered to buy a tiny sliver of land. The purchase was approved, and the money received was enough to pay off the entire loan. God eventually confirmed the correctness of his earlier decision, when he began having problems with the man who had offered to pay for the Church’s loan.

  ’Spiritual discernment’ is a precious gift from the Lord. The indwelling of His Holy Spirit provides those who believe with knowledge and understanding that transcends human wisdom. In this way, the faithful are often protected from the repercussions of sinful calamity and foolish decision m making. May we always hear the voice of God, and rightly discern our steps; that we may bring glory and honor to the one who saved us from death.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we understand the dangerous nature of human wisdom. We concede that You alone are the provider of all truth. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that we might practice genuine discernment. In turn, may we avoid sin and accomplish your good works. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!

The Decision

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JESUS SPEAKING

  There were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and one on the left […..] Then one of the criminals who were hanged, blasphemed Him, saying, “If you are the Christ, save Yourself and us.” But the other, answering, rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong.” Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, this day you will be with Me in Paradise.” (Luke 23: 32 – 33 & 39 – 43)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

  Jesus was crucified in the middle of two guilty criminals.  One man began mocking Him, but the other spoke up in His defense. This second man rebuked the blasphemer. He also acknowledged Christ’s innocence, divine authority, and eternal kingship. In response to this display of faithfulness, Jesus granted him everlasting life. In this world, our primary purpose is to raise Jesus Christ up, so that everyone can choose a side; either Christ is nothing, or Christ is everything. Although many will seek to prevent us from spreading the gospel, we must never waiver.

  At one point during Paul’s ministry, he entered the city of Lystra and began preaching the gospel. Although many were saved, a great multitude rose up against him and pelted him with stones. Believing he was dead, they dragged him out of the city. However, when the other believers had gathered around him he stood up, and instead of fleeing, he reentered the town. The next day they traveled the to city of Derbe to preach the gospel, but they soon returned to Lystra. Clearly, despite his near death experience, Paul never succumb to fear, but rather, continued raising up the cross of Christ; especially in places where others were seeking to pull it down.

  Like Paul, we as well have been given a mandate; we must raise up the cross of Christ in the center of this world. We cannot allow it to remain hidden, or permit others to tear it down. Many will choose salvation and repent. Still others will despise Christianity and seek the destruction of all those who carry the message. We must be brave; we must be bold, and we must be steadfast in our mission.

  ”Lord Heavenly Father, we come before You and ask for the strength to elevate Your Son upon the cross. May Your light shine in us and through us; that others might hear the gospel message and be drawn to You. May we remain faithful in this, our Christian duty. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!