Don't Ignore God's Knowledge - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) March 29, 2024

For many, the Book of Revelation can seem terrifying. It speaks of a future filled with bloodshed, destruction, and unimaginable evil. Yet, that Book is also a reflection of the steadfast love of God in that He took the time to warn His people of what is to come so they could prepare.

Several things are made clear through the Book of Revelation. For instance, the Lord our God shall surely return and nobody, not even Jesus, knows exactly when that will be. Nevertheless, God was kind enough to tell us much of what will happen in the years, decades, and centuries precipitating that return. Further, the Book of Revelation illustrates that God's return to earth will be after an all-out battle with the devil. God will win that battle, banishing satan and all who align with it to the lake of sulfur.

Every self-professing Christian must confront the following question - what team do you want to be on? The winning team which God leads or the losing team, led by satan? If winning is your preference, then God's team is your obvious choice. Fortunately, He is interested and well-invested in having you pick His side. His arms are wide open to all who opt for Him instead of the devil.

Once God has extended that grace, He expects His own to make choices that allow them to maintain their place on the winning squad. These include studying His word to become familiar with Him. It also means learning to acknowledge what He does by praising Him and testifying to the great things He has done. The more we apply this approach, the more He teaches us how to live a life that pleases Him, bringing blessings to ourselves and those around us.

​Wisdom is another crucial ingredient, and maybe the most crucial of all. Book sense and street smarts will only get a person so far but the wisdom that comes from the Lord will provide the answer to every question. We therefore have to look to Him for everything and in all things. When we do so, He will kindly reveal what we need to know and ease us through events and circumstances that would derail others.

This is why we are told in Hosea 4:6 - my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children.

God's knowledge will keep us from the destruction that comes upon the unwise. His knowledge is a shield not only for ourselves but those who come after us. That knowledge is in the Bible and the more we read, the more we know because He will open our minds so they receive the beautiful secrets contained within. He does not reveal these things to those who do not fear Him or lack humility in their approach to the word. For these types, the Bible's mysteries will remain hidden no matter how many times they read it.

Mysteries like those revealed in the Book of Revelation. These hidden things were given to alert believers to what is to come. That way, we can live ready for God's return and teach our descendants so that they will also end up on the winning team long after we are gone. If you are a believer, please do not reject the knowledge God has provided in the Bible. Do not ignore His instructions. Make time in your busy schedule to read the Bible regularly and not just books about God or religious issues. Go to the source material and absorb the wisdom He has given for free. God bless you.

See you at Noon EST for fellowship time, when we'll worship and pray for people together.