"I Know..."
1. You Can Know
"1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;
2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding;
3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.
7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.
8 He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.
9 Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path." Proverbs 2:1-9
King Solomon, whose wisdom came directly from God by request, gives us the foundation of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in the book of Proverbs. For the next little while I want us to focus on knowledge, more specifically, things "I Know". Let's seek knowledge and pray for understanding as we search the scriptures to find things that God tells us we can "know".
2. Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
"14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ephesians 3:14-21
Paul's prayer for the believers at Ephesus was that they might know "the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge,..." God's Word tells us to know the extent of His love, but His love passes our knowledge. The most familiar verse in the Bible tells us of God's amazing love. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) For many this verse was embedded in memory many years ago and God can bring it front and center to remind us of His great love. Many more learned of God's love as babies with this little song by William B. Bradbury.
"Jesus loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak, but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
Yes, Jesus loves me,
The Bible tells me so."
You may have sung this song as a child. Can you still sing with assurance today, "Jesus loves me! this I know"?
3. I Know The Bible Is The Word Of God
"14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."
II Timothy 3:14-17
Before we go any farther in our series on things "I Know" I think it would be a good idea to tell you the foundation of my knowledge. I used to hear people say, "I believe the Bible is the Word of God." I started thinking about that statement and I think it is an understatement. A few years ago when my son and his family lived in Minnesota, over 1,000 miles away, we drove a few times but also flew a few times when we went to see them. Before we boarded the plane, with all my heart, I believed that plane would fly to Minnesota and land safely. If I had not believed that, I would never have boarded the plane. Yet, I did not know for sure that there would not be any problems on the flight. I can go to bed tonight and believe that I will get up in the morning, but I do not know for sure. When I think about the Holy Bible, the scriptures, I know with all my heart that it is the inspired Word of God. Paul mentions that Timothy knew the holy scriptures as a child. What a wonderful testimony. I praise the Lord that I was brought up in church and taught from a young age that the Bible is God's Holy Word. While some adults question whether Jonah was actually swallowed by a whale, or that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, I was brought up on these Bible truths and my heart was young and tender and I believed. After all these years of believing that the scripture is God's Holy Word, I can now say that I know, without a doubt, I know the Bible is God's Holy inspired Word. The foundation for my daily walk with God, the foundation for these devotions, my foundation for living, and the foundation for my salvation, is the Holy Bible, the Word of God.
4. I Know Whom I Have Believed
"For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." II Timothy 1:12
I saw part of a well known talk show years ago and the host was talking about religion. She is a very prominent person in our society and I wanted to hear her religious views. She was talking about faith and she said that it doesn't matter what you believe, as long as you have faith. She was totally wrong then, and if she has not changed her views she is leading many poor souls in the wrong direction. It does matter who you put your faith in. Christians are accused of being intolerant of other religions, and of thinking the Christian was is the only way. I believe what Jesus said in John 14:6, "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." I can say with Paul, "I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day." I know the Lord. Paul even goes on to tell us how we can know Christ Jesus, "That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us." The Holy Ghost lives in my heart. I serve the only true and living God through faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that the Lord knocked on my heart's door one day and gave me salvation. You can know the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. Hear the Word of God. "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" (Romans 3:23) "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:9, 10, 13) You can know this one of a kind faith. "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)
5. I Know My Redeemer Lives!
"23 Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!
24 That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!
25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" Job 19:23-26
In this chapter of the book of Jeb, he tells how all his acquaintances had forsaken him in his time of need.
"13 He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.
14 My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.
15 They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight.
16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth.
17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's sake of mine own body.
18 Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me.
19 All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me." (Job 19:13-19)
Job lost his children, his wealth, and his health. At his lowest point in life, his family and friends forsook him. It may have seemed as if Job had lost everything, but he did not lose his faith! Hear his words of triumph. "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" We can read Job's request in verses 23 and 24, "Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!" God heard that prayer. Job's words have been printed in God's book, for ever. As we go through the storms and trials of this life we can read these words of Job and get help for our souls. When the world forsakes us, and our family and friends turn away from us, we can still keep our faith and say like Job, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:" I know my Redeemer lives!!!
6. I Know I Have Eternal Life
"11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.." I John 5:11-13
My Mom called me this morning to tell me her brother had died sometime during the night or early morning. As far as I know he worked outside around his house yesterday as he seemed to enjoy doing. When he went to bed last night he probably did not think that he would not live to see another sunrise. We are not promised tomorrow. I could fall asleep one night and wake up in glory. That would be the best way to go, other than going in the rapture, which could happen at any time. Whether I go by the clods or by the clouds, I know that I have eternal life and I will be with my precious Lord Jesus for all eternity. My Dad has already run his race and finished his course and I will see him again. Jesus, God's Son, left His home in heaven to pay for our sin on that old rugged cross. On the third day He rose from the tomb and because He lives, I know that I will live with Him forever.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
"My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand." (John 10:27-29)
Life is short. If we live a hundred years, what is that compared to eternity? We have no promise of tomorrow. Please trust in the Lord today, while you can.
"(For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.)" (II Corinthians 6:2)
7. I Know That God Hears The Prayers Of The Godly
"1 Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness: thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress; have mercy upon me, and hear my prayer.
2 O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? how long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing? Selah.
3 But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him." Psalm 4:1-3
The theme verse for our Youth Jubilee 2013 was Jeremiah 33:3, "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." We also read in I John 5:14-15 "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him." God has promised to hear the call of His children. God has answered many prayers for me. Some answers I was able to see immediatly, while some things were only brought to light with time. Today I am calling on my Lord and Savior to hear my prayer on behalf of my grandson, Jedidiah. He needs a special touch from the Lord. As you bow your heart to the Lord in prayer today, will you please say a special prayer for little Jedidiah? I know the Lord hears our prayers, and today I want to thank Him.
8. I Know That What God Does Will Last
"I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." Ecclesiastes 3:14
The book of Ecclesiastes can be a depressing book, because you have the wise King Solomon looking back over his life and he says, "Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun? One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth for ever. The sun also ariseth, and the sun goeth down, and hasteth to his place where he arose." (Ecclesiastes 1:2-5) He had great wealth, power, and wisdom but he came to the conclusion that "all is vanity." He would pass away, just as each generation does, and leave everything to someone else. The book is filled with all the things he tried to understand and how empty he felt "under the sun". Chapter 3 opens up with the "times". "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;" (Ecclesiastes 3:1-4) And the list goes on. As he thought about all these different times in the life of mankind, he realized that even though generations pass on, and everything goes through its season, what God does will last. "I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." Our little minds can't comprehend the idea of forever. We know what we did today. We know what we did yesterday. Do you know what you ate for lunch last Friday? Do you know where you were the third of last month? We have trouble remembering what we did last week and we don't really know how people lived 100 years ago, or 1000 years ago. The things we do here on earth don't last and people don't remember much about the generation that preceded them. But the things of God last. Instead of spending all our time and energy to build riches which won't last, as King Solomon did, we need to spend what little time we have left to lay up treasures in heaven. Jesus reminded His followers this in Matthew 6:19-21. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
9. I Don't Know What Tomorrow Holds
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." James 4:14
For the past week we have looked at things "I Know". I may be able to find scriptures for more things I know later, but today I wanted to talk about something I don't know. I don't know what tomorrow holds. With the passing of my great uncle last week, there has been some talk of how it was unexpected and the family left behind was unprepared. I suppose we could never really be prepared for someone to die. James spoke on this thought almost 2,000 years ago. He reminded the early church that we have no promise of tomorrow.
"13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." (James 4:13-17)
Most of our plans here on earth are made for tomorrow. We may have high hopes for the future. We may be spending all our time working and saving, and building our nest egg. It is good to plan for tomorrow, but we need to make sure we are building on Christ, the solid foundation, for all our dreams could come crashing down tomorrow like a sand castle in a rising tide. I know that I have had more yesterdays than I will have tomorrows. And that means I need to be thankful for each today and spend it carefully. Once it is gone, there is no getting it back. "For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away."
10. I Know That The Lord Is God And I Am His Sheep
"1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3 Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5 For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." Psalm 100:1-5
I like this familiar Psalm. The whole Psalm is great to study, but today we are focusing on verse 3. "Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture." We can turn to John 10 and read how many did not know that the Lord is God.
"14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.
24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly.
25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you.
27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.
30 I and my Father are one.
31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me?
33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God." (John 10:14-19 and 24-33)
Do you know that the Lord is God? Are you one of His sheep? Trust in the Lord as your Savior and He will be your Good Shepherd. The only way we can know the living God is through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd!
11. God Knows My Name
"12 And Moses said unto the LORD, See, thou sayest unto me, Bring up this people: and thou hast not let me know whom thou wilt send with me. Yet thou hast said, I know thee by name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight.
13 Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people.
14 And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.
15 And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence.
16 For wherein shall it be known here that I and thy people have found grace in thy sight? is it not in that thou goest with us? so shall we be separated, I and thy people, from all the people that are upon the face of the earth.
17 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name.
18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.
19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy." Exodus 33:12-19
About 15 years ago I started working for a large company and I was introduced to the president of that corporation. A short while later we had a company meeting and the president called me by name and asked me how I was doing. I was shocked. Every time he came through our building he would call each of us by name. I did not expect the president of the company to know my name. We have seen verses that tell how we can know the Lord, and that is wonderful. But it is even greater that He knows us. God told Moses, "I know thee by name." You may be thinking that just because God knew Moses, we can't assume that He knows us by name. Well, let's look at what Jesus said in our scriptures from yesterday. "I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd... My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:" (John 10:14-16 and 27) The Lord is my Good Shepherd and I am His sheep. And, praise the Lord, He knows my name!
12. I Know The Peace Of God
"6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippians 4:6-8
These verses open with, "Be careful for nothing;" In our language today that would mean, "Don't worry about anything." My son, Matthew, was in town this past weekend and he told us this little bit of information he had picked up. "Four out of five things you worry about don't happen. Four out of five things things that happen, you didn't worry about. Do you know what that means? We need to worry about more things." We all laughed at his funny little statistic but worry is not really a laughing matter. I have read that worry and stress cause much of our health problems today. Paul says, "Be careful for nothing;" Don't worry about it. With all the bad in the world today, how can we keep from worrying? Look at the remainder of the scripture, "...but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." That means, pray about everything. What happens when we pray about things? "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." God will give us peace. Paul doesn't leave us there, he goes on to tell us what we should be thinking about, instead of our problems. "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." If we fill our minds with these thoughts, there won't be a place for worry. You can know God's peace!
13. The Lord Knows Our Works
"1 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;
2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:
3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.
4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." Revelation 2:1-5
In the beginning of the book of Revelation John writes seven letters to seven churches. As I was searching for Bible verses which have the words, "I know" I noticed that for each of the seven churches the Lord said, "I know thy works..." I know that some Bible scholars believe that the seven letters are to seven actual churches in John's day. Others believe that the seven letters are to seven different ages of church history with the last letter speaking of the church of today. I don't know why it can't be interpreted both ways. The important thing I want to look at today is that little phrase that the Lord keeps repeating, "I know thy works." In the first letter to the church of Ephesis the Lord lists all their good works (verses 2 and 3). The Lord knows our good works. Then we come to verses 4 and 5, "Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." The church had left their first love and were warned to repent. Would Christ say of us today, "thou hast left thy first love"? Do we love the Lord as much today as we did when He saved us? If not, we need to repent. You may find it interesting to read the letters to the other churches, but I want to skip to the last letter since many believe this is the church age of today.
"14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" (Revelation 3:14-17)
I can understand why some believe we are living in this age. Many of our churches are satisfied being lukewarm. It is a sad and dangerous place to say, "I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing;" when God says, "and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:" The Lord knows our works, the good and the bad. He is pleading for the church to open the doors to Him.
"20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." (Revelation 3:20-21)
14. God Knows Me
"1 <<To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David.>> O LORD, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
18 If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
24 And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Portions of Psalm 139
My husband and I have been married 35 years and he knows me. He knows my good points, and he knows my faults and failures. But there are some things he may not know about me because men can't fully understand women. My children know me. I continually prayed for wisdom and tried to train them up in the way they should go, but there are things about me they don't know. My mom has known me longer than anyone on earth. Since I lost my job 2 1/2 years ago I have been able to spend a lot of time with Mom. We have worked together around our houses, shopped together, and even vacationed together. But there are things that even Mom does not know about me. I don't always express my innermost feelings about things, and even when I do, they don't always come out the way I feel them. Sometimes I can't even understand the way I feel, so I don't always know myself. I know someone who knows me. My God knows me. He created me. He knows my thoughts before I speak them. He not only knows the path I have taken, but He knows the path I will take as time goes on. When I'm down, He lifts me up. When I am afraid, He gives me peace. When I have questions, He speaks in a still small voice to my soul. When I grow weary, He gives me rest. I can talk to Him and He hears and answers my prayers. And sometimes when I am too low to pray, He knows my thoughts and still hears. Isn't it amazing that a God so great knows us?
15. Don't Be Ignorant Of Satan's Devices
"Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." II Corinthians 2:11
I was reading in Isaiah this morning and came to chapter 36, 37, and 38. In Isaiah 36 and 37 (also found in II Kings 19 and II Chronicles 32) we read of Sennacherib's threat of invasion on Jerusalem by the Assyrian army. He sent a letter to King Hezekiah.
"10 Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.
11 Behold, thou hast heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by destroying them utterly; and shalt thou be delivered?
12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them which my fathers have destroyed, as Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Telassar?
13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arphad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivah?" (Isaiah 37:10-13)
Hezekian was a good king. Look at how he reacts to this threat.
"14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it: and Hezekiah went up unto the house of the LORD, and spread it before the LORD.
15 And Hezekiah prayed unto the LORD, saying,
16 O LORD of hosts, God of Israel, that dwellest between the cherubims, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth: thou hast made heaven and earth.
17 Incline thine ear, O LORD, and hear; open thine eyes, O LORD, and see: and hear all the words of Sennacherib, which hath sent to reproach the living God.
18 Of a truth, LORD, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations, and their countries,
19 And have cast their gods into the fire: for they were no gods, but the work of men's hands, wood and stone: therefore they have destroyed them.
20 Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only." (Isaiah 37:14-20)
He spread the letter out before the Lord and prayed. God delivered Jerusalem. The angel of the Lord smote 185,000 of the Assyrian army. King Sennacherib returned to Nineveh and two of his sons killed him in the house of his god. (Isaiah 37:36-38) In chapter 38 Hezekiah was sick and again he prayed and God added 15 years to his life. Hezekiah was a good king until we come to chapter 39.
"1 At that time Merodachbaladan, the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah: for he had heard that he had been sick, and was recovered.
2 And Hezekiah was glad of them, and shewed them the house of his precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armour, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, nor in all his dominion, that Hezekiah shewed them not.
3 Then came Isaiah the prophet unto king Hezekiah, and said unto him, What said these men? and from whence came they unto thee? And Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country unto me, even from Babylon.
4 Then said he, What have they seen in thine house? And Hezekiah answered, All that is in mine house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shewed them.
5 Then said Isaiah to Hezekiah, Hear the word of the LORD of hosts:
6 Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, and that which thy fathers have laid up in store until this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, saith the LORD.
7 And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon." (Isaiah 39:1-7)
In this lesson we see two letters. When Hezekiah receives the first threatening letter he spreads it out before the Lord in prayer and God answers his prayer. He was also healed and given 15 more years of life. After God answered his prayers, it seems as though Hezekiah lifted himself up in pride. When the king of Babylon sent letters and a present to Hezekiah he showed the Babylonians all his riches and treasures. We need to know Satan's devices. Trouble and trials may come into our lives and send us to our knees in prayer. When God answers our prayers we need to make sure we don't lift ourselves up in pride. If the devil can't tear us down by things that seem bad, he may try to tear us down by things that seem good.
16. Pharaoh Said, "I Know Not The Lord"
"And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go." Exodus 5:2
There are some people in the world today that seem to shake their fists toward heaven and say that there is no God. It is amazing how a small minority can create such a fuss that The Ten Commandments are taken down from public buildings. It doesn't make sense that people today want to take "Christ" out of "Christmas". Those calling themselves Atheists demand that people can't pray in the name of Jesus in public. An elderly gentleman once told me that the assisted living home he lived in no longer allowed them to ask the blessing before their meals. These people are as bold as Pharaoh who said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go." Pharaoh found out who the Lord is. As God sent the plagues on Egypt, notice what He says in these verses from Exodus.
7:5 "And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them."
7:17 "Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood."
8:10 "And he said, To morrow. And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God."
8:22 "And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth."
9:14 "For I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people; that thou mayest know that there is none like me in all the earth."
9:29 "And Moses said unto him, As soon as I am gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the LORD; and the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that thou mayest know how that the earth is the LORD'S."
11:7 "But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel."
14:4 And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the LORD. And they did so."
14:18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen."
After all the plagues you would think that Pharaoh would finally believe there was a true and living God over Israel. But, no, he pushed his army forward in pursuit right into the Red Sea.
"23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen.
24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the LORD looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians,
25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
26 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen.
27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the LORD overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.
28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them." (Exodus 14:23-28)
Men and women may now say that they don't know the Lord, but one day they will humble themselves and bow before the living God. "For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:11)
17. I Know That God Created The Heaven And The Earth
"In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth." Genesis 1:1
When my daughter was in high school she had to write a paper on the theory of evolution. She wrote the paper and in the end she included her beliefs that God created the heaven and the earth. The teacher gave her an "F" for a grade and Mike and I made a trip to the school. He explained that it was time his students stopped believing what their parents had taught them and opened their minds. I was somewhat amazed that the teacher would say that to our faces. I was proud that Susanna stood her ground, proclaimed her Biblical beliefs, and did not back down. We also did not back down and Susanna did receive the grade she deserved for the paper. We tried to bring up our children "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord" as the Bible says in Ephesians 6:4. We had devotions with them and taught them scripture memory verses. We also trusted the Lord for their salvation and it was rewarding to see her stand for the truth. Genesis 1 is enough for me to believe that God created the heaven and the earth, but here are more scriptures if you have any doubts.
"1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
8 Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb?
9 When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddlingband for it,
10 And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,
11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" (Job 38:1-11)
"12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
15 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist." (Colossians 1:12-17)
18. Do You Know Contentment?
"10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity.
11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Philippians 4:10-13
Shortly after my son and his family moved from North Carolina to Minnesota, with the cold icy winters and all that snow, my daughter-in-law told me that Philippians 4:11 had become her favorite verse. "...I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." I have always enjoyed living in North Carolina. We live right near the center and can go to the mountains in about 5 hours or the beach in about 3 and a half. The summers may get a little hot, and the winters may get a little cold, but spring and fall are wonderful. I am content living in North Carolina. We visited our family in Minnesota the winter Christopher was born and it was minus 5 degrees when we got off the plane. Did I say I was content living in North Carolina? Paul said, "I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need." God has blessed me and even though I don't live the life of the rich and famous, He has always suppled my needs. There have been very few times that I was hungry, and I have always had clothes to wear. We have had to change our spending habits since I lost my job, and things may get even more difficult as time goes by, but God is good and He will always be with me. "Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." (Hebrews 13:5) I leave you with these words of Paul to young Timothy. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (I Timothy 6:6-8)
19. I Know That All Things Work Together For Good To Them That Love God
"28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:28-32
Anyone who reads this site very often may notice that I often say, "This is one of my favorite chapters" or "These are some of my favorite verses." It seems as though the more I read and study God's Word, the more God's Word becomes a part of my thoughts and daily life and I keep finding more and more scriptures that mean a lot to me. Such are these verses from Romans 8. Several years ago when I was going through some difficult times at work God showed me these promises. I typed the verses on a card and posted them beside my computer on the wall of my cubicle. When I would have a hard day I would glance at them and read, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." I found help in these words. "What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" One afternoon everyone in my department was called into the board room and told we were being let go. It was a total surprise to all of us. Because God had given me these precious promises in Romans 8 during my "small" problems, I was able to claim these promises that day in what everyone saw as a "big" problem. God gave me peace that He was still in control of my life. I looked for another job, but jobs are very hard to find in our area. So until God leads me to another job I will keep working around the house and enjoying the extra time I get to spend with my family.
20. You Can Know The Way To Heaven
"1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:1-6
There are many times in the New Testament when the disciples ask Jesus questions. Actually, I liked it in school when other students asked questions. Many times they were questions that I needed to ask. We can learn a lot by listening to the answers. Thomas is often called the "doubting disciple" but in this scripture reference it is good to have his question, " Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?" I think it is a very good question. Jesus told them He was leaving. He told them that He would prepare a place for them so that they could be with Him. When Thomas asked the question, it showed that he was listening to the Lord. It showed that he wanted to understand. I think it showed that he wanted to go to the place the Lord was going to prepare. The scripture does not stop with Thomas' question, but we also are given the answer. " Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Jesus is the only way to go to heaven. Many will say that they believe in heaven. Some will say that they believe in God. If we want to reach heaven and spend eternity with God, then we have to go through His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God is holy and we can not take our sins to heaven. We must be forgiven. Jesus came to earth, the Holy Son of God, to die on the cross and take the punishment for our sin. He arose from the tomb on the third day and is in heaven with God, the Father. If we want to go to heaven, then we must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and confess our sin. We can read in the last book of the Bible, Revelation, all about heaven. The gates of pearl, the streets of gold, and most of all our wonderful loving Savior. all await us. Here are more questions that might help you find the way.
"1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:
2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?
5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:1-7 and 16-17)
21. I Know My Lord Will Keep Me Always
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:20
This is the last verse in the book of Matthew. It reminds me of a preacher I heard one time that would not fly. He said that he stayed on the ground because the Lord said, "Lo, I am with you alway..." I like the words of Paul to the church at Rome,
"35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35-39)
We can also read these familiar words of our Lord in John 10:27-29.
"27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand."
I felt a little tired when I went to bed last night and when my body gets weary, then my mind gets weary. I felt like there was a cloud over my bed and the things of this world were dragging me down. Then God brought this truth to my mind, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." I raised my hand in the darkness and reached toward heaven. I praised the Lord, there in my bed for His faithfulness, and the cloud just rolled away. The love of God flooded my soul and gave peace to my weary mind. I remembered the verse in Psalm 4:8 " I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." And I slept.
22. When The Lord Says, "I Know You Not"
"23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them,
24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out." Luke 13:23-28
"20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matthew 7:20-27
As we end our three week theme on "I Know" we come to the saddest "I know" in the Bible. When our journey on earth is complete and we stand before our holy Father, to some the Lord will say, "I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out." The Lord makes it very clear in these two passages that not all who claim to be Christians know the Lord as their personal Savior. Jesus said, "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." We need to search our hearts and make sure there was a time when we asked the Lord to forgive us of our sin and cleanse us and save us. The only way you can know the love of God, the peace that God gives, or the mercy and grace of God is through His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Don't wait until it is too late. Jesus is coming back and it could be today! Why not pray to the Lord and make sure you know Him and He knows you. I close with these words from our Lord.
"14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again.
18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." (John 10:14-18)
22. "Be Still And Know That I Am God"
"Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10
I had planned to begin our new series today, but I realized that we have not looked at this verse. Again, it is one of my favorite verses. "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." I ended our devotions yesterday talking about how we need to make sure we know God and that He knows us. We have talked many times about salvation, and trusting the Lord as your Savior as you confess your sin to Him. I believe this verse in Psalms goes beyond salvation. We can be saved and never grow in the Lord, as Paul warns in I Corinthians 3:1-2. "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able." Jesus also warned in His parable of the sower and the seed. "And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." (Mark 4:18-19) There is so much noise from the cares of this world that I am afraid we don't hear God. God spoke to Elijah in a "still small voice". (I Kings 19:12) If we want to "know" God we need to turn off the noise of the world, televisions, video games, and telephones, and find a quiet time alone with God. We can grow as Christians when we spend time reading the Word of God and meditating on the scriptures. Back when my husband and I started dating he was away at college. He would write to me in cards and letters on occasion and I would read them over and over again. They were special to me because I was trying to get to know him. The Bible is God's precious Word. It is like a letter written to us. We can only appreciate it when we read it and think about it day and night, turning off the noise of this world. That is the way we can know that He is God. Then we will exalt His name in our daily lives on this earth.
