Amplified Bible (AMP)
24 But let him who glories glory in this: that he understands and knows Me [personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing My character], that I am the Lord, Who practices loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth, for in these things I delight, says the Lord.
It seems unfathomable that a mere human being could know God "personally and practically, directly discerning and recognizing [His] character." However, God says that this is not only possible, but that He delights in those that know Him in that way.
Personally and Practically
In order to know, really know someone, we spend time with them. Personally, I prefer face to face interactions, one on one, but in my life, it is not usually possible. The Internet has been a blessing by allowing contact with others through email, Facebook, Blogger, Skype, etc.
However, how do we get to know God, Most High, on a personal level?
First, we must personally accept Jesus as our Savior, our Master, our Friend. It's as simple as just admitting our inability to save ourselves, to wash ourselves clean, asking for forgiveness and empowerment to hear and obey.
Second, spend time with Him. PLEASE, I'm not talking about attending a church service (although that's good) or performing some godly task in service or others (also good). I'm speaking of keeping your heart open to hear His whispers. Talk to Him as though He is right there with you (He IS with you). Think about Him, ask Him for His advice, and receive His Spirit to empower you to walk through life victoriously, no matter what earthly circumstances may present.
He will reveal Himself in the midst of your day. He will whisper His heart while in the darkest situation. He will bestow His courage to the most fearful, fainthearted of children and demonstrate His power through those whom the world counts as tainted or immature.
God practically reveals Himself in our situations as we personally contact Him!!!
Discerning and Recognizing
Hebrews 5:14
Amplified Bible (AMP)
14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
14 But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law.
Discerning and recognizing God occurs by practice. We must constantly judge situations and our thoughts in light of the fact that God is Good, period. If the situation or thought isn't good, then it is not God!
How do we know if something is good or evil?
His Word is the best place to start, although we must read and understand the written Word with the assistance of His Spirit or we may fall to making our lives into some sort of religious expression of rules and regulations.
God is GOOD! God LOVES us!
He is not some megalomaniac Who is waiting for us to break His laws so that He can punish us, NO! He woos. He instructs. He pleads for us to live in the way He has prescribed for our own good.
He knows that sex outside of marriage damages the soul!
He knows that allowing fear to reign in our thoughts, will damage our body!
He Knows that those who seek after worldly possessions, often forget about Him and eternity!
He gives us instructions, so we don't have to pay the price of disobedience. He cares about our body and our soul and our spirit!!!
Lord, You have proven to be my most trusted Friend. You have revealed Yourself personally and practically and are teaching me to discern and recognize what is You (good) and what is not (evil). On this last day of the year 2013, I ask for a deeper revelation of You. Teach me by Your Spirit that I might know You in an even greater measure! In the Name of Jesus Christ, AMEN!!!
