When was the last time you were AMAZED?

When was the last time you were AMAZED?

But on this one will I look: on him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word. Isaiah 66:2

Do you tremble when God speaks? When was the last time you were physically affected by the reality that Almighty God just spoke directly to you? John lost all physical strength when God spoke to him (Rev. 1:17); Paul fell to the ground when Christ met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4); Moses trembled when God spoke to him (Acts 7:32); and Peter, when he realized who Jesus was, “fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, ‘Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!’” (Luke 5:8). Have you lost your sense of awe that the Creator still chooses to speak to you, His creation? Do you approach the reading of your Bible with a holy expectation, listening for the life-changing words that God has for you that day? Scripture says that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prov. 9:10). There are things you will see and hear out of your fear and reverence for God that you will not experience in any other way. As you study your Bible, you may sense that God has something to say directly to you through the verses you are reading. Take a moment to consider the awesome reality that the God who spoke and created a universe is now speaking to you. If Jesus could speak and raise the dead, calm a storm, cast out demons, and heal the incurable, then what effect might a word from Him have upon your life? The possibilities should cause you to tremble! The next time you open God's Word, do so with a sense of holy expectation. - Blackaby Experiencing God Day by Day 

I almost laughed at where it seemed God was going with the post for today.  It's easily no secret, for those who really really know me, that I am not a writer.  I have had the ambition, the dream, but never could 'seal the deal'.  Yet, as Blackaby is saying here, oh yes, I am amazed. There's a passage that comes to mind.  Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen."

At the beginning of this year I began reading through my Bible Plan.  It's through the Biblegateway App.  In Genesis is where I am.  In this part that I was reading today, it hits on the very same theme as Blackaby.  Every single time the Lord Jesus spoke to him, at that place he built an altar.  Something to remember the moment in the future.  Both for himself and passers by.  

I began using a 3rd journaling app last year that is helping me to capture my God moments that He shows me as I read. 

So many people miss it that God CAN be that close to them.  Look early in Genesis. Enoch walked with God and then he was not for God took him.  Abraham was known as the friend of God. David was known as a man after God's own heart. 

Paul was known as one who would completely give up his wants and desires in favor of walking with Jesus.  The Lord Jesus came to him on at least a few separate occasions to strengthen him.  His mission was that great.  

There's absolutely nothing in my ability to write that isn't of God. The Holy Spirit within me connects the dots of what to say and how to say it.  If there's any good if there is anything worthy of praise for you after reading any of these posts...give that to God.  He made it possible.  

You wonder at times, I know that you do because I did and do, if God hears you. 

He always hears.  But there's a far more significant thing.  It's our LISTENING to God.   Jesus said My sheep hear My voice.   Are you one of His sheep?

Oh, if only God knew how messed up my life is!  He wouldn't want me!  That, my friend is a lie.  There was a murderer on a cross with Him.  Pardoned. In Heaven with Him now.  There's betrayer's. Pardoned.  In Heaven with Him. Perhaps you remember his name?  Peter?  Oh I have such anger issues!  Take a good look at John's brother James.  He had a very short fuse.  Wanted to bring down fire from Heaven because of disrespecting people. Was still made into an Apostle.  There are drunks, egotistical, arrogant, reviler's, etc.  Read about it in the New Testament.  Such WERE some of you.  But you were washed you were sanctified.  God's soap does miracles!

How much is God speaking to you worth?  

There's a popular sort of survey question going around on the internet.  If you could have an hour to speak with anyone in history who would it be?  

Honestly, truthfully, a decade ago it would have been some people I looked up to.  Hero's if you will.  But after the work that God's been doing in my life, there's only 1.  I want to spend an hour talking with Jesus in some secluded beautiful place.  I have questions and I know He has answers. 

Look at your reactions to people. Sports figures, teams, celebrities.   If ANYONE gets you more excited than your personal time with Jesus you have to really rethink your desires. 

I know people who will put on a heavy defense of 'their team'.  Yet dismiss or ignore slights and slams on the Word of God or of the Lord Jesus Christ.  They say it's all in fun.  Is that what it really is?  What does the Bible say?  It says that our God is a jealous God.  He wants our heart, mind, soul and Spirit.  Hmm.  Don't see any room in there for other people, places or things.  What does the Bible call it? Idolatry.  Read the first two Commandments.  Why are they first?

We water down our passion and desire for God when we split it and give it to others. 

Paul indeed was arguably the most influential of all Apostles.  Look at what he wrote down for Timothy.  Look at his letters to the Church.  Denial of self. 

Sounds a bit familiar.  Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Me. 

But I won't have any fun in life!  If you can say that statement then your relationship with God needs reexamined.  Because you have allowed yourself to be far too entangled in this world and don't realize God's idea of what fun is.  Just as tge Disciples didn't understand what Jesus meant at the well about having food they didn't have.  His was to do the will of His Father.   Same is with our obedience.  We will find more fulfillment in obedience than we will ever realize until we do it.

Write down when you have an encounter with Jesus.  When He speaks, listen. 

If you haven't received Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, there's only one message:  Come home.  I paid the price for your sin.  I can save you.  I love you!

For those who have received Salvation, that message is the same as the summation of Paul's life.  Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Christ.