Move That Mountain?

 I am continually amazed at the beauty of God’s creation. Just recently, I was privileged to ride on a highway that runs parallel to the majestic Wasatch Mountains. Their awesome presence is a reminder of how small human beings are compared to other aspects of God’s creation. I don’t believe the mountains thinks about us, but we are moved to ponder what a wonder they represent from the hand of the Almighty. It is clear that these speak about the sovereignty of God by their immovable presence.

I reflected as we were driving alongside them about how we are driving at a high rate of speed (the speed limit in Utah is 80 on the Interstate) and a half hour had past and it was as if we had not moved in reference to the mountains in view. The mountains just seemed to be standing still. It is often quoted in reference to Scripture (Matthew 17:20 NASB) that asking God to remove the mountain is really one finding a place to trust the Lord to do what only He can accomplish.

God places insurmountable obstacles and tasks in our way, I believe, in order to check us on how much we really believe in Him. For all that we are humanly capable of doing, moving the Wasatch is not a task to embark upon. But the One who put them there is certainly capable of doing so. 

The Psalmist in 125 writes, “Those who trust in the Lord are as Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people.” Oh that the Lord would cause us to trust in Him and be the people we ought to in accomplishing His work. What the Lord desires to stand will be. I pray that we would know His protection and find security in our assignment. The One who speaks from the Mountain is the same One who can move all mountains. Believe!

The Strange World We Live In

 A nation seemingly and irresponsibly mishandles a deadly virus that is carried around the globe, having a devastation effect upon human life.  The story of its impact upon a young generation is yet to be told with the disruption of what was once normal life for young minds. In the midst of this, the church suffers tremendous discontinuity with gathering fellowships and efforts to carry out the priority commission of the Lord.  It seems that the church was revealed to have much more density than spiritual substance. Many have found that cozying up to church media and messages from afar are more palatable than the gathering of the saints in person. In our country, subversive politics, virtue signaling, and media biases that mislead a nation seem to be accepted as long as your position of choice is more effective in gaining the upper hand. Who cares about what’s godly or even proper? Now, we are able to see what war and the thirst for power really produces on women and children and families in a place that is far away, without the thought that maybe the same might be suffered right where we live. A hollow trust is deceptive and the unthinkable is possible.

This strange world is not so strange after all. The problem and the results of sinful men are on full display while people relegate the idea of sin to a minority position of fanatical members of the church. It also begs the question of “Why don’t people see what’s really going on?” Well, many have banked on their comforts and financial resources to endure the threats of this strange world. But those things and others are no match for a virus, a war, or spiritual deception.  He who has ears, let him hear. The weapons of our warfare, the Christian calling, are not made by human hands nor forged by human wisdom (2 Corinthians 10:3-5). Let those who follow Christ find that these times are the right and proper setting for us to be focused and committed to fundamentals of the faith (e.g. fellowship, prayer, God’s Word, serving, and witnessing to a world that is upside down). Finally Beloved, fight for the faith that was once for all given to us (Jude 3). The answer to this world’s problems and any throughout the history of man is a faithful obedience to the Lord and a trust in Him that is radical in this strange world that we live in.

Moving Beyond Opinion to Absolute Trust

The ability to evaluate, understand, and apply claims of truth to life is a necessary, priceless commodity in our current cultural and political climate. Chasing the storyline of the day and capturing its significance seems to be as easy as herding cats spooked by their environment which they are contained. The stability we seek and the comfort that we desire are found only in the words that remain true no matter the challenge or nature of the changing times.

Still today, the words of Jesus clash with the opinion of commentators who have never embraced the unique character and divine authority of Scripture. Consequently, the answers needed for problems in society escape the wisdom of the influential in our world and those having the primetime voice of our media outlets.

Those who hold the truth of Scripture and are gifted by the Spirit of God to apply the Word to Life find clarity and confidence in walking by faith.  In John 7:40-52, the conflicting opinions of Jesus’s authoritative and insightful word resulted in uncertainty among the unbelievers who were ever so close to the truth.  Finding confidence in the words of Jesus leads people through a sovereign corridor navigating through the darkness. The search for abundant life can only be found in Jesus Christ. Revisit your trust in His words so that you might know how to live in the midst of conflicting opinion - not only in the secular world, but even among those whose partial trust in the wisdom of men may be exposed and redirected by the Spirit of Truth.

Remember Where You Came From

I remember when I was growing up that there was a caution often repeated to those who left home to go to college or to a job that would take them to a place far away from where they grew up: “Remember where you came from!” It was a reminder to the young adult going out to experience and to learn how to navigate the world in pursuit of success. Many of those who had gone out into the world had firsthand experience that one’s character and person could be greatly affected by this new discovery of life. They knew that the core upbringing which was taught would endure the challenge and shape the young adult so that they would not lose themselves in the pursuit of success. If they returned back home with a taste of arrogance in their new found success, the people in that family or community would repeat, “Remember where you came from.” It would serve as a reminder to the young adult to check their pride and reclaim the principles of character by which they had been raised. There are times, especially in our youth, in which we can lose sight of the important matters of character we received in our upbringing. For many, the character they developed from their youth kept them from losing perspective and a way of life that is honorable was preserved. For others, the loss of principles that may have protected and kept them from the storms of life resulted in severe consequences. They had forgotten not only where they came from, but who they were as a person of good character.

All is not lost in the parent-child relationship, even when a young adult loses his or her way. A good parent is there to remind them and help them to return to the basics, so that the path may be clear and the potential for regaining character may be pursued. For those who belong to God, our Father is there. He reminds us of who He is and whose we are. He reminds us of the character that ought to govern our lives. We should reflect Him in the world. Our Father is an awesome parent. 

In Isaiah 1:2-3, the Lord reminds His people about where they came from.  He comes to them and reminds them of how He raised and parented them for blessing and success. The Lord pointed to the source of their problem. They fought against the One who loved them and they caused themselves pain by forgetting where they had come from.  Beloved, at all times, “Remember where you came from!” The Lord is always there. Turn to the Father.  He loves you no matter where you are.

Don’t Draw Your Confidence from the World around You

This phenomena does not escape people when it comes to Jesus Christ himself. In John’s Gospel, we see that the initial ministry of Jesus is fraught with awe and draws attention and acclaim from people in every place. Those who witnessed His extraordinary presence and activity began to have designs of their own about how He should implement a strategy of success for their own benefit and goals. His growing popularity was also an offense to the ones whom he replaced at the top, as their ratings and polling positions dropped significantly.

But, at the apex of attention at one of Jesus’ rallies (John 6), we begin to see the precipitous fall in his popularity as Jesus moved to highlight His words as far more important than fulfilling the appetites of men. In John 7:1-13, we see that not only has Jesus lost the crowds, found his polemic with Jewish teachers, and been dismissed by His disciples (except the Twelve), but that his own brothers are suspicious of him. Jesus remained in the will of His Father to do ministry.

Our desire to serve - and do - the will of God in our lives must embrace the path of Jesus. This includes not setting our sights on a numerical growth curve to measure our faithfulness. Otherwise, Jesus himself would have to be considered a failure in real-time ministry. Let us embrace the reality that we live in a world that is preconditioned toward the things that are in opposition to God. 

Always maintain a newness about how you have been called to serve the Lord. In this way, your joy will be complete, knowing that you are doing what the will of the Lord is. Do not be moved by the social ingenuity that moves ministries to adopt human activities that will never produce what only the Spirit of God alone can accomplish. What He makes new never grows old or out-of-date. It perseveres, endures, and will stand until the day of eternity.

Children Hear the Voice of the Father

We often make matters more complicated than they ought to be. In particular, I am speaking of the identity of people who claim that they know Jesus. Also, the other issue at hand is how we should engage those who perhaps do not know Him. Believing in God is directly tied to the initiative of the Father to bring believers to Jesus. What is key to this belief is the believers’ ability to gain knowledge from the Father to recognize the Word of Life that has come down from heaven.

Simply put, we know that children in both private and public settings respond distinctively to the voice of a parent. As a father, my children know my voice, and when they were young both their ears and their eyes were indicators of their recognition of who I was; they were keyed in to my voice. At times, they would come running to me when I got home from work and they would draw near to me in times of uncertainty and fear. Of all the voices of other men that may have been around, my voice was the one that they could pick up in an instant.

So it is with the word of God and Jesus. The Father is at work drawing His children to Him so that He may gift them with the right to become children of God (John 1:12). This is the reason that we must give people the word of God as clearly as possible. It is foolish to think - or worse, to say - that the exposition of God’s Word is unnecessary or ineffective in any society or at any time. We know even more about our Father as we understand Scripture. It is also the method by which the Father gains the attention of those who are to be His own (John 6:45). The same word that God uses to draw His children enables them to see, understand, and know. They are taught about the Savior, His Son. All who are drawn to Jesus are at the behest of the Father’s love.

Let God’s children hear God’s voice, His word. If they are His already, they will recognize the teaching and grow accordingly. If they are lost and need to find their way to Jesus, there is no better way than to make known God’s word. Expose people to the truth of Scripture. Other anecdotal methods of reaching people today are never to be compared with obedience to the mission of God to speak His words. After all, His children will pay attention to the familiar words of the Father and they will be drawn to His Son. If they do not hear, it is because the Father’s voice is unfamiliar and Jesus will ever be unrecognizable to them.

Do I Have to Ask God for It Every Day?

Why would a prayer for bread be one that must be addressed every 24 hours (Matt 6:11)? It is more than that thing we do over our food (A preemptive strike before we go in on our meal). While we like to prepare and plan for longer stretches of time, buying food that can last for a week, two weeks, or a month, we are led to recognize our needs on a daily basis. Perhaps there is something that we ought to learn from the past in God’s dealing with His people. God did not allow the children of Israel to gather more manna (bread) than they needed, and if they did it would produce a foul odor. Exodus 16:6 states, “…the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.”  It seems that the Lord wanted them to live out all that He taught them in obedience. This is a physical lesson to test the people concerning a spiritual matter: obedience to God.

I have come to learn that my spiritual life and success depends on Jesus. (Some would say, “Well, about time you got that point, Gilbert.”)  He is the everyday source and sustenance that has no end. He is also the table that I occasionally ignore in my hurriedness to conquer life out of my own strength. Let me be clear: I recognize Jesus every day, but at times I assume that I have had enough of Him to last me for a few days, testing my own ability to carry me through. So, I will pray, ‘Lord give me this day my daily bread.’ I need the Bread of life, Jesus Christ. All believers should acknowledge our need for Him on a daily basis. Otherwise, you just may have a religious life that has an odor apparent to those around you.

Beloved, trusting in religious practice can be a fatal flaw that exposes dependence upon the flesh.  That is why every day is a new day to ask God to supply our daily need. Yes, there is more than I will ever need in Christ Jesus.  But to keep Jesus as the priority in my life is a test of faith that I embark upon every day. Today Jesus, I need you more. 

Be Careful of the Crowd Noise

There is always something exciting about a crowd.  You know that something is happening even if you do not know what it is. Everyone is there for the experience, but not everyone has the correct understanding or the precise meaning of why each individual has gathered. Sometimes a crowd can hide the true meaning of a gathering in order to focus on some other alternative objective. For example, I love to go to sporting events on occasion and my wife likes to go sparingly. When we get to the game, I am examining all of the details of the plays and players as they take the field and strategize on how to overcome an opponent: this is the main purpose for the sporting event.  My wife, on the other hand, finds people-watching and the scenery of these events as more entertaining rather than what’s happening on the field, although she is aware of the scoring and cheering that follows. So, we are at the same event but are seeing very different perspectives on what is most meaningful. 

The crowd at the scene of Jesus’ miraculous feeding of thousands does not seem to be on the same page with the importance and purpose of the gathering or mind-boggling miracle that has just taken place. So, they follow Jesus with more concern about what they get out of the gathering (“Let’s make Him our King!”) as a whole rather than why Jesus performed such a miracle in the first place. The crowd’s prowess in following the steps of Jesus for their own individual goals appears to lack awareness of the action and teaching of Jesus. They are to understand and know who God is and believe in the One whom God has sent to them.  In this case, Jesus calls for a break from the crowd and asks his disciples to follow Him in belief. The Son of God was sent from above to provide that which sustains the individual for eternity, not just that which serves a temporary but real pleasure. 

People want what they want. God never seems like enough to those walking in darkness. Jesus’ followers are standing on shaky ground with half-hearted faith. We must lay down personal agendas in the wake of trusting in the work of God through Jesus Christ.

In all your getting, realize that understanding has more significance than placing your belief in material satisfaction and personal greed. We are called to have a personal relationship with the Lord. We must learn to trust and to know Jesus. We ought to be caught up in who He is and desire spiritual matters that are important to our understanding and walk with Him. Don’t allow the crowd’s noise to distract from accomplishing the will of God through you in Christ Jesus.

A Faith that Walks on Water

In the midst of seeing God work in powerful ways, we must be careful not to fall in love with what appears to be a successful ministry. I am not asking that individuals in the church become cynical and perhaps even reject the miraculous. What I am suggesting is that we measure our own faith in light of the miraculous; that we trust the Lord in every way in our lives, even when the stage is not so large, where others can see the same things that we see. While it seems that Phillip was pessimistic about the ability of Jesus to feed the crowd and Andrew was optimistic, per say, they both had their own level of doubt about Jesus after the many miracles He had already put on display.

Jesus pulls away from the crowd after working for the Father in feeding the multitude. He goes to be alone with the Father, a communion that repeatedly occurs during His ministry and is noticed by His disciples. In John 6:16-61, another test of their faith has been set. The followers of Jesus need to see the fullness of the Son of God and believe in His power to meet not only the needs of others, but to also be with them in their time of need. Their faith must be increased so that they too can do the will of God in the midst of great uncertainty.

Can you imagine what kind of spiritual glow was present after Jesus fed ten thousand people with two sardines and five breadsticks?  There they stood with 12 baskets of fragments, leftovers that would carry them forward in their journey and mission. No need to go to the market tomorrow! Gathered together, they perhaps had thoughts run over and over in their minds. “Did that really happen?” “Unbelievable! This is beyond all that we could have imagined.” “I’ll never doubt Jesus again after this!”

But we must take care not to get too confident about how much we trust in Jesus. Because just when we think we have faith that can conquer mountains, we too might be drowned by the shifting of waves. One by land and two by sea. The tests of the disciples’ faith are presented.  The first test on the mountain has shown that the coming of the Son to do the work of God found a tepid faith.  The second, in the sea, challenges their faith, revealing the Son of God as the One in control of His creation.  The success that Jesus is looking for brings the crowd to understand and know God through Him and His work in this world.  Oh, Lord! Increase our faith!

So, Now What?

The issue of addressing injustices will always be on the human agenda. This is because of the imperfections of individuals within community and society as a whole. This does not negate the fact that God cares for the widow, orphan, and oppressed. Every decent or moral-leaning society should address as best as possible these problems and others. But the limitations of the secular move to address these matters are far more impotent than the ability of the people of God to do so. These matters will not be conquered by celebrity or cash. And although Christian and civil disobedience have made critical impact in the life of our own nation, the goal and glory of God is that people are changed from the inside out in order to worship Him. 

If we are His children and representatives on this planet, then we must abide by His instructions regarding varying injustices and their potential remedy. Part of the problem with this is that the people of God often prefer to just do ‘something’ rather than not anything. And when doing just ‘something’ rather than not anything produces close to nothing, we pat ourselves on the back and keep doing ‘something’ rather than what God prescribes as the answer. So, while we gear up for protests, marches, writing letters of our stated positions, and holding councils and panel discussions to attempt to bring unity out of divisiveness, let us take seriously our newest efforts to address injustices. We have done all these things, and I am sure that we can find some good as a result. But, let me ask the question, “Aren’t you tired of seeing the same thing with the same results and with little progress in the human condition?” We can almost guess what the next steps will be for secular action and unfortunately, it is similar to what the Christian community will prop up as an answer as well.

Please let me suggest what we all in Christian community could state as the answer, but often leave the response wanting because of the cost and time it will demand: building relationships in community through biblical discipleship. The injustice concerning race in our nation demands that the church commit to the task and stop giving it lip service. Ethnic relations would find bridges of unity through authentic life-on-life sustained communications. The truth of only one race would be realized if churches would not settle for the diverse look on Sunday which appears that there is ethnic unity although we never see one another outside of a church scheduled event. For example, “Do you know the extended families of other ethnicities in your church?” Discipleship goes further than that. Our whole lives must be open to one another. I have to end here, but let’s realize that Jesus’ answer to unite humanity under the love of God still stands, “Make disciples of all people groups, ethnicities!” You know the text (Matthew 28:18-20). Are you living out its truth?  Have you ever lived out its truth outside your own affinity group? Can someone model your life in obedience to this open life demand? Racial reconciliation is a by-product of this kind of life. The answer may lie in the simple obedience to this answer that has been there all along.

The Testimony Is Veiled to the Unbelieving

As a result of the Jews questioning Jesus’ source and authority to do the things that He did, Jesus unveiled His relationship with the Father and the works that He was doing..  It appears that they had no problem with a supposed anonymous healing of the lame man, according to some superstition.  This is not questioned. What is questioned is who told this man to take up his pallet and walk on the Sabbath.  No punishment for the lame man. They just wanted him to expose the one who gave him the instructions.  Where is their commitment to the Law? Or could it be that they are more concerned about their power or authority being challenged above the offense of the lame man?

We must remember that Jesus came to dispel the darkness as the light of the world. Thus, we must conclude that in both religion and relationship, Jesus reveals the Father’s love and purpose through His life and works. Consequently, the truth about His mission and His relationship with the Father is made known. True religion finds its basis in the work of Jesus Christ, and a relationship with the Father is only through Jesus revealing Him.

In our passage of John 5:33-40, Jesus communicates the multiple witnesses to the revelation of His works and words to the Jews, an unbelieving group whose intentions are to kill Him. If only they would listen and understand the One before them, their mission would be challenged at its core. After all, Jesus is equal to God. He is God in the flesh, “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” (1:14)

Beloved, even those who reject Jesus are offered an opportunity to hear from Him. It may be a foregone conclusion that they will reject Him, but Jesus’ task of being light and life for men is now. His function as Judge, as we have already seen, will come in the future. Right now, He is “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (1:29) The witness deck is loaded and the first to stand for Jesus is John. Then follows the works that Jesus does, the Father Himself, and the very Scripture that these men hold dear to themselves. All of these come alongside Jesus in confirmation of His identity. This is what must be believed. Otherwise, any religion short of this understanding falls short of knowing God. Call witnesses to the stand!

An Uncommon Vessel to Reach Beyond Ethnicity

Jesus came into the world to reach humanity.  He is not partial in that manner, although His task and order is fulfilled within the will of God.  In Jerusalem, Jesus reaches out to Nicodemus, who literally and spiritually stands in darkness.  Jesus moves the conversation from religious measure to what must be done from above for one to have eternal life. 

In John 4:1-9, Jesus travels to Samaria where darkness also grips humanity. This time the impartiality of His mission includes not only male subjects, but a woman and one of a different ethnicity.  ‘God so loved the world’ means exactly that!  What an example for the disciples to see as they too were captured by their own customs that would have prevented such an encounter. 

Let us too see people that need Jesus not by their failed religion, not by their personal status, gender nor ethnicity.  It is the whole world that needs Jesus. Step into the opportunity to show people the love of God without partiality, and the grace that leads to salvation.

The Temple at Passover

The Father’s House is not supposed to be a place of secular business (John 1:13-22).  Oh, how this imperative of Jesus Himself often goes ignored for the good place of marketing and reaching people for the gospel today.  The place of worship should not find competition and distraction from the wares of any business, even religious.  Jesus steps in and steps up against such things emphatically. No sales here! Go away from this place.  No business as usual here, only what My Father has required here is acceptable, spiritual service and worship.

Happy Thanksgiving to the Fellowship and Friends

Thanksgiving, a time for family gathering, a great meal, and fellowship that ties us together. This fellowship invites those we celebrate with to experience unity and commonality. I am thankful for this national pause to remember our need to reflect on and appreciate this important aspect of life.  Remember to pray today and ask God for things that matter most in the life of your family, with THANKSGIVING! We unite today to give thanks to God and to make our most meaningful requests to Him. Philippians 4:6 states, “...in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I am praying for God’s best in your family and in your lives.

The Word of Life - The One Sent from God

God intends for men to hear His voice and the preeminent representative to explain who God is and what His purpose and plan are comes through the Word.  The One-of-a-kind from God was also appointed a divine emcee to introduce the Word to the world, paving the way for salvation to all who believe.  John is the one sent from God in this unique and never to be repeated role of historically ushering the Word into the ministry that would forever impact the path of humanity in relationship to God. Nevertheless, every Christian believer has a responsibility to be a witness of the Word in the world today. In John 1:19-28, God shines the Light through His appointed witness and John (the Baptizer), in turn, points those who question his voice, authority, and activity to Christ. This is the task that God gave him for life.

The Word of Life - The Unique Word for Us

What an amazing reality! The Word enters our world, the one He created, to identify with humanity in order to be the good news and uniter of those who believe with God.  The Word was God and became a human without ever ceasing to be God.  This is Jesus Christ, the One whom John (the Baptizer) introduces to history.  His ultimate introduction is from eternity, before the world was created.  It is the Word, who graces our lives more abundantly and whose life was clearly seen by those who saw him in His earthly appearance.  Knowing God comes from seeing Jesus or believing in Him through the gospel even in our day. The Word stepped into history for us!

The Word of Life - The True Light Shines

The transcendent Word is the effectual Light that has come into the world.  John (the Baptist) comes to witness about that Light that is the life of men.  The apparent conflict of the Word or the Light (as John does not mention His name as Jesus yet) has to do with men who reject Him.  The Word/the Light is a person.  In John 1:9-13, the Light is spoken of in reference to His clear presence and need to those in the world who might believe.  John’s gospel moves from explaining the Object of the Word/Light to what He gives to those who believe. Indeed, the True Light comes to shine in the hearts of men. The continuing unfolding of John’s message in this Gospel’s first 18 verses sets the stage for the rest of the book.

The Word of Life - Messages from the Gospel of John

John’s gospel begins with the revelation of the Word.  The existence of the Word is from all eternity and is related to God. Being with God, the Word is God.  It is through the Word that all creation came into being.  As pertaining to the world, the Word is the Light that brings life to men. (John 1:1-5) The coming of John is the continuation of God’s plan in the revelation of the Word that began with creation.  Every time the name John is used in this gospel it refers not to the author of the gospel, but to the Baptizer, who is key to the introduction of the Word as well.  The history of the revelation of the Word comes in full color for humanity through John the Baptist.  John was created for this purpose.  The introduction to the “Word of Life” continues in Sunday’s message.

New Sermon Series Starts Sunday

On Sunday, we will begin an exposition on the Gospel according to John.  The series of messages will be entitled “The Word of Life.”  While Matthew, Mark, and Luke (the Synoptic gospels) present Jesus from below to show who He is from above, John begins from above to show the Word who comes to earth. Sunday’s message, “The Big Reveal,” highlights the significance of the Word, the activity of the Word in the world, and witness of the Word to men. An understanding of the Word is essential in establishing a starting point for all things in this Gospel.

Did God really say…?

Did God really say…?

Gen 3:1b   

And he said to the woman, “Indeed, has God said,…” (וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ אֶל־הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה אַ֚ף כִּֽי־אָמַ֣ר אֱלֹהִ֔ים)

I would suggest to you that most people willingly or unknowingly assert that there is a god. The path of pursuit to define God fills the mind and action of men in a search for answers for the questions of life. Secondly, in this context, God has some possibility to speak perhaps. If so, it is therefore proper to conclude that God communicates in some manner to humankind [to establish among other things: being, purpose, direction, reason, etc.]. If it is concluded that God is and that God speaks, then what does He say and how can one verify the authenticity and application of His words?

We need to know who God is, so that we can best ascertain the validity and course to take concerning His words. Or else, we may find ourselves prey to others’ words, leading to results in the application of those words, which would be of lesser value and maybe even injurious to one’s cause or purpose.

The question of the serpent rings true as to what is placed in the thoughts of men for a few reasons, although his motive is a bit sinister to say the least.  He acknowledges the position of human belief in God, otherwise such a question would be quite preposterous. There also exists the possibility of speech other than God’s word. The question is how does on detect some words that lead into a category of speech that separates one from the priority of God’s words. There must be some measure or way to figure out the dispute between God’s words and not God’s words. If one cannot get this process established, the stage may be set for the fall.

In order to ascertain God’s word for one’s direction, we must know who He is, what He is like, and among other things, what His purpose or design is.  It will become clearer to know how to live and plot the course of our lives within the parameters of God’s being and our practice.  Seek to know the Person of God through His revealed words.  Respond to issues, questions, and direction in life understanding God’s character and overall purpose He has determined.  What God has really spoken will bring clarity, direction, and fulfillment in life.