Spiritual Ponderings

Beyond belief. What might that mean? Does it imply that we move beyond rationality into a blind faith based on nothing but sheer will power? Or does it mean we already have what we have longed for and no longer need to look forward to it? None of those are what I have in mind. What is coming to my attention is a subtle way in which Satan can sometimes sidetrack those of us who sincerely long to know truth more clearly. That is certainly a noble desire and one that I wish everyone would share. But our pursuit for truth can evolve into an obsession that becomes more self-focused than God focused, the original Source from which all truth must come. Let me explain a little. There have been many who after coming to believe that Scripture is God's depository of truth for this world, pour themselves into intense study of the Word of God to discover truth for themselves. Again, that is not necessarily a bad thing. We are instructed to study the Scriptures to come to a knowledge...

My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) As I was getting up this morning this verse began running through my mind in response to worries that were trying to impress themselves on me. As I dialogged with God about this I began saying things like this. “God, I want to know how to access Your riches, to embrace Your riches, to appropriate Your riches, to receive Your riches, not just talk about them. Teach me how to do this for Your name's sake.” A few minutes later I picked up one of the morning devotionals that I am reading this year and discovered confirmation that it was God who had implanted this thought in my mind. Several of the key thoughts in this message had already been spoken to my heart as I had been discussing this with God while I was waking up. Here is what I read. Come to Me with a thankful heart, so that you can enjoy My Presence. This is the day that I have made. I want you to rej...