Clouds and darkness surround Him . . . —Psalm 97:2
A person who has not been born again by the Spirit of God will tell you that the teachings of Jesus are simple. But when he is baptized by the Holy Spirit, he finds that “clouds and darkness surround Him . . . .” When we come into close contact with the teachings of Jesus Christ we have our first realization of this. The only possible way to have full understanding of the teachings of Jesus is through the light of the Spirit of God shining inside us. If we have never had the experience of taking our casual, religious shoes off our casual, religious feet— getting rid of all the excessive informality with which we approach God— it is questionable whether we have ever stood in His presence. The people who are flippant and disrespectful in their approach to God are those who have never been introduced to Jesus Christ. Only after the amazing delight and liberty of realizing what Jesus Christ does, comes the impenetrable “darkness” of realizing who He is.Jesus said, “The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). Once, the Bible was just so many words to us — “clouds and darkness”— then, suddenly, the words become spirit and life because Jesus re-speaks them to us when our circumstances make the words new. That is the way God speaks to us; not by visions and dreams, but by words. When a man gets to God, it is by the most simple way—words.
January 3, 2012
Journal Entry for Today-JDV
Lord, there is a lot of truth in the words to this song. I have sought revelations and “a word” from you only to learn that You have given me the word and the Holy Spirit. And often the word sits upon my shelf while I am in the other room, on my knees asking You for specific directions and guidance. It is awakening to learn that for many of my questions and requests you have already provided answers.
And God says…”When you honestly seek Me you will find Me. When you go to My word you will find light for you in this world, and a map for your feet. My word is sharper than a scalpel, laying you open to hear and obey. My word is food for your soul; My word will inform and transform you.
Do not simply pray for a vision or direction, find your vision and direction in My word, as you are directed by the Spirit.
Hebrews 4:12 (MSG) God means what he says. What he says goes. His powerful Word is sharp as a surgeon’s scalpel, cutting through everything, whether doubt or defense, laying us open to listen and obey. Nothing and no one is impervious to God’s Word. We can’t get away from it—no matter what.
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