A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

Proverbs is replete in its exhortation to us to get knowledge, understanding and wisdom from God’s word (see chapters 2, 3 and 8 for instance). “How much better is it to get wisdom than gold!” (Prov 16:16; KJV). Wisdom will keep us, we are told it is the principal thing (Prov 4:5-7). 

The three words we started with above are interesting; although their definitions can overlap somewhat, there is a progression with them that is important for us to know. Knowledge is when a scripture verse jumps off the page of our bible for the first time, we never saw it before. It could be the verse that says: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov 18:21). As we meditate on this verse we gain understanding. Understanding is like putting 2 and 2 together, we see the implications of the knowledge. Wow, my words have power, they can hurt or build up. Wisdom is really the practical application of knowledge and understanding to everyday life. In our example it would be to realize that I need to really watch what I say and aim to speak only those things that bring life (Prov 25:11). 

This is why it is so critical not to just read the word in a cursory manner but to meditate it and let God bring us a full revelation. I think that was two thoughts for the day in one.

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A BLOG by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section REQUEST A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

In the Prophets and the book of beginnings (Genesis), I am particularly struck by the awesome nature and power of our God, his might and dominion and yet his love and compassion; it’s almost beyond comprehension for me. What a mighty God we serve. I realize I fall short in praising and worshiping God as he deserves.

"And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly” (Ex 19:18; KJV). The people of Israel were terrified.

 "I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple"(Isa 6:1). In verse 2 of this passage we are told that the seraphim or heavenly beings worshipped God most high crying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory" (Isa 6:3). Isaiah tells us that God’s voice caused the door posts of the temple to shake and his presence filled the temple with smoke.

Reflect on our God today; find time to just praise and worship him for who he is, not what he can do for you.

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A blog by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section request A FREE COPY OF A CHAPTER FROM OUR BOOK, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

Sometimes we need to ask ourselves do we believe God or not? Can we half believe Him? James tells us that the double minded person will not get anywhere with God (James 1:6-8). In that passage James tells us that when we come to God we must ask in faith. The double minded person is split between two views; will God or won’t he, can he, or can’t he?

The bible says nothing is impossible for God (Matt 19:26) and all things are possible for him who believes (Mark 9:23). Faith is just plain trusting God 100%. For the Roman centurion faith in Jesus was natural (Matt 8:5-10). The centurion came to ask Jesus to heal his servant but he did not feel worthy to have Jesus come to his home. He told Jesus that if he (Jesus) just spoke the word that the servant would be healed. The centurion recognized the authority in Jesus, relating it to the authority he (the centurion) had over his servants and soldiers. The centurion new authority and recognized it in Jesus; so, believing Jesus to heal his servant was natural.

The centurion had a simple uncomplicated faith and Jesus commended it. The centurion didn’t try to argue with God or reason things out, he just accepted the authority to heal that he saw in Jesus.

We all have faith (Rom 12:3) but we need to grow it. “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17; KJV). For us that means meditating the word, hearing the word taught to us. Don’t be discouraged, start small with the faith you have and see the results; let your faith take flight. Believe God this week.

Please pass this on. All rights reserved. 

A blog by Norman and Jean Rawlings, authors of the book: “On the Way: Basic Christian Training”. Check out our web site for information on our book and more encouraging Bible based blogs. Fill out the: “contact us page” on our website and in the comments section request a free copy of a chapter from our book, click here: www.onthewayinlove.com    

“But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord (2 Cor. 3:18; KJV).

This verse says that we are being transformed into God’s image by the Holy Spirit. That is an amazing thing and almost seems impossible, but that is what it says. This is confirmed in Romans 12:2, where we are told not to be conformed to the world but to be TRANSFORMED. But how does God transform us? He transforms us by the renewing of our minds. How does that come about? Yes, you guessed it, we have a role to play and that’s by spending time in the word. You may not currently have a very good self-image or you may lack confidence but the word says you are being transformed into the very image of Christ. We have to see, believe and accept what God’s word says about us and allow the Holy Spirit to have his way in us. So, speak Gods words over yourself today. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see immediate results; think of how a caterpillar becomes transformed into a butterfly; it takes time, but it has to take place!