Category: God's Knowledge - Jethro TOOLS

The Gift

12/15/2024

Isaiah 9:3-7
Gift giving is on our minds at this time of year. At times we all struggle to determine what to give that certain someone. If you ask others for advice on what to give, you may hear a wide range of answers including something to eat, something to wear, something to do, or even time with you. Helpful as that list of suggestions may be, we are still left scratching our heads, puzzled by what to give. Perhaps we need to simplify the process. Rather than thinking about what to give the other person, it might be better to think like the other person. Once we begin to think of a great gift from the receivers perspective we will see what they need and value most, then give accordingly. That is exactly what God has done for us. In Isaiah 9 we see that God clearly understands us as people and gives us exactly what we need. Isaiah, under God’s direction, records God’s promise that a child will be born and a son will be given (6). God is making a grand announcement proclaiming what He will do for us. This simple verse describes the human side of a child being born and also the divine side of God giving His son. What is this? This is God, through Isaiah, building in the people the belief that God will come and live with man as God with us, Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). The rest of Isaiah 9:6 goes on to describe how this gift from God is exactly what lost and sinful humanity needs. At Christmas our gift giving is a very small imitation of the gift of Jesus himself, that has been given to us. God knew exactly what we needed and gave His Son to forgive us, restore us and give us new life (John 3:16). In Jesus, God has given the perfect gift of salvation that we have deeply desired.

For More See ISAIAH or CHRISTMAS

God's Permission

5/14/2023

Job 1:12-22
I am sure that you have seen the sign… “NO TRESPASSING.” Those two powerful words speak of ownership, control, and permission. In order to gain access to a property the visitor must get permission from the owner, because the owner is the one who controls the property. Without getting permission to access or use the property the trespasser will face the wrath of the owner who controls the land. In much the same way, that is what we see in the book of Job as Satan approaches God seeking permission to test Job’s faith (12). God granted permission so that He might display His grace and power to save through Job’s life and extinguish Satan’s argument. This was a chance for Job to exercise his faith. Well, Satan removed all of Job’s possessions (13-19) and left him in pain. However, that is not the end. Job responded in grief, but turned his pain into praise and worship of God (20). In the midst of his loss Job was able to express that his faith was in God and not in his possessions (21-22). This leaves us with several questions to ponder. 1) Do we believe that all we possess is truly a gift of God’s grace that we did not deserve? We as people like to believe that we earn our stuff through our effort. 2) Do we believe that God acts in grace to display His greatness through us? We, as people, do not like the idea that God can use our pain for His glory. 3) Do we trust God and His ability, or our abilities and possessions? We need to serve God from a heart of faith that trusts in Him at times. Remember, God is the one who hangs the No Trespassing sign on our life. Nothing happens without His knowledge, control, and permission for His glory.

For more see JOB

Purposeful Living in a Messed Up World

8/10/2022

Ecclesiastes
Birthdays are like an antique. After we get to a certain age it really does not make any difference. It is a bit like driving an old car. You know it is old because you have had it a long time and it rattles going down the road. The car is just worn out and falling apart, but all you need to do is replace a part here or there to it keep running. However, the difference between an old car and an antique car is when you try to slam the car door shut, the hubcap falls off. The car is so old and worn out that you can’t find parts to keep it running. That is when you look back through some old photos and reminisce about a time when it was new and created a family memory as you went on vacation. At some point we realize that fixing the old car is a meaningless process. Have you ever felt that way about life? It seems like you pursue the things you want, only to find them lacking in reward, value and longevity. Then you look around and see others chasing after the same things that are empty and unfulfilling. In the book of Ecclesiastes the author, Solomon, addresses the value and meaning of life. As the wisest man that ever lived Solomon reflects on his life and the life of others, only to find that that it is empty and meaningless on its own. From chapters 1-2, he notes his own experience of seeking wisdom, pleasure, accomplishment and hard work and finds it meaningless. Then in chapter 3-6 Solomon takes a look at his world and sees life’s unfairness and general emptiness. However, in spite all the gloom and futility, Solomon points out that true joy in life is found understanding that God views life differently than people do. As a result, we can enjoy life as a gift from God who provides purpose and meaning. Solomon concludes this book of wisdom in chapter 12 by challenging its readers to fear God and keep His commands. The other day I read through the book of Ecclesiastes and was reminded to trust God, even though life may seem futile and worthless in a messed up world. Not that not much has changed between Solomon’s day and ours. Our world may seem like a worthless mess, but God is reliable and He provides the purpose for living.

Do You Know?

5/22/2022

Job 38-41
Did you know that about 50 percent of people fail their first driving test? A driving test is given to examine what we know and how we can apply it to various situations. It is easy to spout off answers that we assume to be correct, but do they do not work in driving situations. Gaining the head knowledge is important, but equally important is the application of those truths to life. You may be one of those people that failed the drivers test the first time and dreaded going back to retake it. Many people do not do well on tests for various reasons. Imagine if you were Job and God told you to answer His questions. That is the exact situation that is played out in Job 38:4. God begins the exam by asking Job what he knows about creation in chapters 38-39. There is a pause in the test as God gives Job a chance to respond. Job wisely has no answer (40:1-5). God then continues with a second exam that asks Job about God’s power as displayed in the animal kingdom in chapters 40-41. Job could not explain God’s working in his personal life because he did not understand God’s knowledge or power. Creation is a clear display of God’s sovereignty and knowledge. Through the tests God desired that Job see His knowledge and trust His moral purposes worked out in life. Like Job, we need to trust God and allow Him to work out His plan and purpose in our life. Suffering is not necessarily about what is wrong with our life and what God must do for us. Suffering instead teaches us to trust God and His character and not to demand His blessing. The lesson from Job is simple, we can trust God’s knowledge and power because it is based on His trustworthy character.

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Where Are You?

4/10/2022

Genesis 3:6-11
The other day we discovered that the floor mop had broken. I tried to fix a plastic part, but to no avail. So a trip to the store for a replacement was needed. I could go to the store and wander around hoping that I would eventually bump into the isle of mops. Or, I could respond to the question from a store employee… What can I help you find today? The response of the employee will give me directions to the proper location, or perhaps they will even take me to the exact spot in the store. The store employee is trained to greet customers and ask what they need because it creates a relationship, builds trust and provides increased sales. We may know where the right store is but not know where to find what we need to solve our problem. In a good store a question starts a conversation that leads to a solution. We see the same thing take place in Genesis 3 as God calls out to Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” (9). This question defined the position of Adam and Eve as hiding from God (10). They thought they could hide and that was faulty because God knows everything. Secondly, the question of “Where are you?” has to do with the relationship that Adam and Eve had with God. He was still pursuing them even though they had sinned. Thirdly, the question of “Where are you?” directs our purpose of living to return to God and be forgiven and restored by Him. I pray that you will desire Jesus because He desires to be your savior and the leader of your life. He alone gives purpose to life and hope for all eternity. He alone determines the process of restoration as we trust in Him for salvation. He alone defines our position as children who are close to Him.

For more see QUESTIONS FROM GOD

Responding to a World that Lacks Love

2/13/2022

Psalm 94
At one time in life we lived in a warmer climate where there were an abundance of gecko lizards. At night these little guys would crawl across the outside of our windows seeking to snatch a tasty bug as a midnight snack. In the process of moving south we brought with us the two family cats. These two were hunters, and previously they kept our home and the area around the house free from mice. Now the cats had a new prey, gecko lizards. However, God has designed these lizards so it is possible for them to detach their tail in order to escape a predator. Well, like all cats, our two would often play with the critters they caught. On several occasions I watched as the cat wrestled with the new found catch only to realize that the lizard deployed a defense mechanism and they had nothing but a wiggly tail. The cat had a quizzical look on its face as it looked for the lizard without success. Like the cat we can chase after the things that we think are real only to find that they will never satisfy. Psalm 94 records a message highlighting the importance of where we turn for our security and love in the midst of a selfish, violent world that does not show love. What do we do when we are not loved? The Psalmist challenges us to pray (1-7) and seek God’s righteous solution. We can be assured that God knows our situation (8-11). He will never leave us (14) and He will protect us (17). Our response to the troubling influence of evil in our world is to be completely persuaded that God alone is always faithful (18). We should continually speak of God’s truth, greatness and love. Like the cat we must not pursue other lesser things that distract us from God.

For more see PSALMS

Dependence of Faith

10/10/2021

Exodus 13:17-22
Have you ever wondered where you are going? This is a question that involves more than just a road. This question involves a life direction and the purpose of that direction. A number of years ago I sat in Edward’s kitchen drinking coffee and talking with him late into the night. The conversation turned to how God leads us to certain locations at different times of our life for His purposes. I still recall his words, “God places you in muddy waters so you can clean them up.” Those simple yet profound words reminded me of God’s leading presence and my need to depend on Him alone. In my human perspective I may only see certain things, but God is at work not only in the situation but also in me to develop a faith that depends on Him. In Exodus 13:17-22 God leads the nation of Israel out of Egypt. The people needed a faith in God that depended on Him alone. God’s path out of Egypt required faith because it was not the direct route (17-18). God knew the people would turn back to Egypt if they faced conflict, so He led them in a different direction. In life we may want the direct route, but God sees the obstacles and wants to build our faith to depend on Him. We may want the efficient route but God measures efficiency in faith that depends on Him. God’s purpose in all the places that He takes us is to develop our faith to depend on Him at all times. God’s path is one of peace, as we depend fully on Him, even though the water may seem muddy at times. God’s purpose is to work in the situation and in us, to bring us hope and build our dependence on Him.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING

Preparation of Faith

8/8/2021

Exodus 2
Does God make mistakes? From our limited perspective there are times when we begin to doubt and question what God is doing. In our study of the book of Exodus we have seen that God originally led Jacob and the family of Joseph to Egypt to survive a famine. Now, fast forward, and things are not going well. The people are enslaved and life is not looking good even for the babies. As we saw from Exodus 1, the king was doing all he could to control the growth of the nation of Israel which included the killing of the baby boys. In the middle of this chaos in Exodus 2 God is still at work as Moses is born. He survives the threats of the king as his mother made a basket and placed him in it in the river (3). Does God know what He is doing? Yes, because Pharaoh’s daughter discovers the basket with Moses (4-6) and works out a plan to have the baby cared for until he can be raised by her in the palace (10). Does God know what He is doing? Yes, because Moses spent 40 years being trained as a leader by the greatest leaders of the day (see Acts 7:22). However, his training was not over as God took him from the palace to the desert for another 40 years of training (15-22). Right now you may look at your life and feel like God has forgotten you in the desert. God does know what He is doing. God trained Moses in the palace and the desert for His purposes of development and refinement. God was building a humble servant leader out of Moses. God used every bit of training in the palace and the desert to mold Moses. God is doing the same molding in our lives through the experiences we face.Trust God, He knows what He is doing as He shapes our lives to be used by Him.

For more see FEAR, FAITH & FOLLOWING