Text Size: Zoom In

Who Does God Reveal Himself To?

Mart De Haan Posted by Mart DeHaan
November 7th, 2011
62 Comments » 

Photo by Rick Leche

In our last conversation, one of our friends suggested that a good question to consider might be, “Who does God reveal himself to?”

I’ll bet if we compared notes on our collective knowledge of the Bible, we would find an amazing variety of answers.

And if we compared personal stories, would we find that we all met certain conditions before being able to believe?

Have any of us had the experience of CS Lewis who later said he felt like he was dragged kicking and screaming into the kingdom of God? (Rom 10:20).

By contrast, how many of us have a story that lines up with Jeremiah’s quote of the the Lord who says, “And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer 29:13).

Ever asked God to show himself to you… as a challenge? As an honest desire to know him? Is it something you can talk about?

As a follow up to our last few posts on “what God hides”, let’s take some time over the next couple of days to talk about the range of answers we find in the Bible as well as our own stories of how we came to see the God who has since been showing us that he is far more real, present, and inexpressibly better than we ever thought…

 


« Previous: What are God’s Secrets? Next: Human Inhumanity »
Vote on whether you think this post is something you'll be thinking about:
Vote This Post DownVote This Post Up (+84 rating, 85 votes)
Loading...
62 Comments »

Filed in God and His Ways

62 Responses to “Who Does God Reveal Himself To?”

  1. SFDBWV says:
    November 7, 2011 at 6:06 am

    Look to the disciples, who sought who? Some came looking for the Messiah others the Messiah came and made “Fishers of men”.

    Nothing changed over the centuries, some look for God while God seeks out His lost sheep, Himself.

    Once together God will reveal Himself as He wants to, to those He has selected to allow to know Him at all.

    Some, especially those who look for God to fit their mold of Him, will never really know Him.

    And will end up worshiping an image of the real thing, instead of the real deal.

    Steve

  2. Ted M. Gossard says:
    November 7, 2011 at 6:40 am

    I wish it was otherwise, but I have found and met God through a sense of deep need, which actually is ongoing.

    Jesus himself is compelling enough, giving us the vision of life as God intends it for the world. But the compelling part is Jesus himself. If it’s what we get out of it, we’re missing the point, and are like those who wanted to crown him as Bread King (John 6). But out of who he is and what he has done comes that full salvation that we and the world desperately need. But then we begin to live in this new life even here and now.

  3. florida7sun says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:16 am

    God has revealed Himself to me through answered prayers; the wonder and glory of His Creation; the testimonies of saints; His ever-present Comforter; and the depth and tapestry of His Written Word. He knows the condition of every heart and desires all to be in His Presence. Each day He pours out revelation of His love. He is no respecter of persons and desires every man, woman and child to live an abundant life in Christ Jesus.

  4. oneg2dblu says:
    November 7, 2011 at 7:55 am

    As my brothers before have stated, although His methods may be different, they all have shown us, that Jesus the Christ is revealed, that is the common denominator here, but the how gets very personal, because that is how the relationship “must” be also. Christ has said, you are either with me or against me,so we were all enemies of God first.
    Even the lukewarm ones, that have shown no evil, love others, love nature, and think everything is beautiful.
    You can’t be on His side, until He is revealed to you, you are not with Him. Gary

  5. oneg2dblu says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:12 am

    I would say my first revealing moments were in answered prayer also. But, I didn’t put the Team Jersey on at that time of my first calling, or did I? I thought I was only being fitted for one. As Mart has said, we all had to “meet certain conditions” before that revealing moment. Then, it becomes the old chicken or the egg thing! Because, who can call upon that which one has not heard? In that case maybe the blame can go to my Mom, or my Sunday school teacher, or Billy Grahm,
    or any already Saved person I had encountered in my life, who spoke of Jesus prior to my making that first call. But, who called them first? I would say it was none other, than the one and only, Holy Spirit! Gary

  6. oneg2dblu says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:37 am

    The Revaling Holy Spirit is the Rock that the Church of God is built upon. The one and only true Church, the one filled with only those whom He has revealed Himself to through His Spirit. That Revelation of Jesus Christ as being fully God and fully man, completes His Trinity of Revelation, which became the essence of the Church, and the fullness of Faith of every Believer!
    Matthew 16: 13-18 tells of this moment of revealing to Peter, that very foudational rock. That is where it all starts for every Christian! IMH/biased Opinion. Gary

  7. oneg2dblu says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:40 am

    Revealing-foundational are the fullness of the words I tried to type,but the fullness of the message still gets through! :)

  8. SFDBWV says:
    November 7, 2011 at 9:34 am

    Isaiah 44 all of it, Isaiah 45 all of it, Isaiah 46 all of it over and over God says “I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:10 “I will do all my pleasure”. Isaiah 45: 19 “I have not spoken in secret….I declare things that are right.”. Isaiah 45: 7 “I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the Lord do all these things.”

    The book of Isaiah reveals a great deal about God, as do every book of scripture. Shall we copy every sentence of every book in an attempt to expose God?

    God is not hidden; He has gone to a great deal of effort to expose Himself to all who seek Him.

    Today we have a great problem in the reading of God’s word. Confusion has entered the hearts and minds of believers by publishers who want to bring their own interpretations of scripture as being “correct”.

    Even to a point of removing offensive words that are not politically correct so as not to offend anyone.

    1 Corinthians 14: 33 “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”

    Don’t like what you read from the pages of the Bible? Then find one that agrees with your own interpretation of what you want God to look like.

    Just like a sky scraper or a long road. If you are off by only fractions of an inch at the beginning, at the top of the sky scraper or at the end of the road you can be so far off that the sky scraper can collapse, and so far off the path that you are miles off course and perhaps lost.

    Who does God reveal Himself to? He who prayerfully looks for Him, who has God fully revealed Himself to? No one as the search is eternal.

    Steve

  9. poohpity says:
    November 7, 2011 at 10:14 am

    Over the years I have met many, many people all around the world and the USA. My dad once told me you will meet many people but you will be lucky if you will have enough friends that you can count them on one hand. At the time I really did not realize what he was saying because everyone I met to me was a friend. Then I learned that it takes more than just a causal meeting to be a friend.

    When I was young the line of work my family was in brought many friends because of money and jobs my dad could provide for them. I could see in my dad’s face the hurt even from family, everyone seemed to have a motive in mind when they came to him. I see that now with God so many come with the notion of what He can do for them rather than a heart of just wanting to spend time with Him for who He is. So I wonder if God shares Himself fully with any who comes or with those who have pure motives to just get to know Him?

    I have never experienced something so pure and true as the relationship I have with God. I can talk about everything even the ugliness that I feel within and He never pushes me away. He holds me accountable by showing me the things that do not please Him but in such a manner that it does not degrade me as a person but wants me to be better not perfect. I feel like I can crawl into His lap whenever I feel like it or I can go enjoy a dance with Him or a cup of coffee and I do not have to earn His love, it is just there.

    When we get to know someone else we can tell if we want to be open with them to share our intimate person or feel we need to withhold part of ourselves because we will not be accepted. That is how we are as humanity, we have to be on guard and protect or hearts but God who knows every detail of who we are knows what we want from Him and if we truly want to get to know Him or not. God knows if we will use our relationship with Him for personal gain, status and pride or if we come with hearts and desires that surpass worldly things in a desire for heavenly treasures.

  10. remarutho says:
    November 7, 2011 at 10:17 am

    Good Morning Mart and Friends!

    I remember at a particularly painful time in my 20s, praying to God, “Lord, may the greatest possible good come from this (terrible) situation!”

    I was led, after a few years of trying to pray, to Paul’s letter to the church at Rome:

    “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. An do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

    Something in my heart and mind stopped striving toward that goodness for which I hungered; and I set out on the journey of surrender — at that time, seemingly impossible for my human tendencies. I set out to follow Jesus…and I’m still hoping to allow Him to transform me!

    Blessings,
    Maru

  11. oneg2dblu says:
    November 7, 2011 at 2:00 pm

    Steve it is as you say, God is found and every book the bible.It is where Christ is revealed to us. But did we walk with Him before His Spirit’s Revelation?
    As Maru has said, before Our submitting of Our Will?
    I think not!For that kind of Faith can only come from God. It amazes me how little we know, or how much we think we know, before He introduces Himself to us personally. Until then, as Deb said, we thought we had many friends, but those were just acquaintances, compared to His Awesome Eternal closeness! Gary

  12. poohpity says:
    November 7, 2011 at 5:00 pm

    In Genesis 18:17-19 because God knew Abraham’s heart and knew he could be trusted God revealed His plan to him. I always read those words with a bit of envy but a smile because God trusted a mere human even knowing the errors Abraham would make and already made. That is the first place I can remember in scripture but because Job was written around the same time I think of the trust God had in Job. He trusted Him enough to allow satan to inflict pain and suffering on him and that in it Job would not deny God. They both were some very good examples of God revealing Himself to.

  13. davids says:
    November 7, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    “Dragged kicking and screaming into the kingdom of God”? Yes, I would say that is about right. No one in my family was particularly religious. I disdained religion for a while, or generally just ignored it.

    At some point I realized that I wasn’t in control and I did seek Him, although I didn’t challenge Him to reveal Himself. I think Maru has it right. As my seeking turned into surrender, He grew larger and closer.

    In the Word, I found answers to many questions and I found what I didn’t expect: the ability to let go and just accept that some things are beyond my understanding. Trust and obey. And practice love, don’t just expect to feel it.

  14. saled says:
    November 7, 2011 at 8:35 pm

    Something that I’ve always loved about the Christmas story is that the angels appeared to the shepherds, not the upper level of society. It was the shepherds who were told where to find the savior, not the religious leaders. Again, this something that I’ve always loved about the way God works.

  15. Regina says:
    November 7, 2011 at 9:35 pm

    Good Evening All,

    Hope all is well with you and your families. I haven’t visited in awhile, and I’m anxious to join the conversation again. Want to address Mart’s question (briefly), “Who does God reveal Himself to? I think He reveals Himself to anyone who earnestly desires to know Him. This question reminds me of a verse in the Bible that says if we draw nigh to God, He’ll draw nigh to us. I think God is more desirous to reveal Himself to us than we are to know Him (that is…those who truly desire to know Him). Wish I had more time to share my thoughts on this topic, but the holidays are just around the corner! :-)

    Love to all,
    Regina

  16. remarutho says:
    November 8, 2011 at 12:19 am

    Hello Regina!

    You wrote:
    “I think He reveals Himself to anyone who earnestly desires to know Him. This question reminds me of a verse in the Bible that says if we draw nigh to God, He’ll draw nigh to us.”

    Thank you for your brief recollection of the spirit of God’s Word! Sometimes those are the best. Sends me to the Bible concordance, when I do have time, but cannot exactly refer…

    From the Old Testament, God speaks through Moses of the future exile (Deuteronomy 4:29):
    But if from thence thou shalt seek the LORD thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul.(KJV)
    But even there, if you seek GOD, your God, you’ll be able to find him if you’re serious, looking for him with your whole heart and soul.(Peterson translation)

    And from the New Testament, James calls the church to be humble (James 4:8):
    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.KJV
    Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin.(Eugene Peterson, The Message)

    Such a comforting word concerning God’s true character. Good Night, All. Maru

  17. nezzar says:
    November 8, 2011 at 3:41 am

    just some thoughts to share.

    When Peter confesses that Jesus is the son of God and Jesus tells him that the Father revealed that fact to him, he had already been following Jesus. He had already answered the call and was following.

    My favorite verse in the bible is Psalm 27:4

    One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. (NKJV)

    And a few verses later: (vs 8)

    When You said, “Seek My face,” My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.”

    I know from many verses that when we seek Him we find Him. I know from many, many times in my life when I sought Him I found Him. I am convinced that many are called, but the ones that God truly reveals Himself to are the ones that seek Him with all their heart. I know not just from the bible, but from expirence that when I seek, knock, ask; I find, have opened to me, and given.

  18. foreverblessed says:
    November 8, 2011 at 6:06 am

    My own story resembles that of many here, who said they were seeking God, and He answered.

    But in church I heard the story of a person how he was drawn to God, and that was through the loving attitude of his father. His parents were divorced, his father was christian, and when he would talk about Jesus, the son would say, Dad please don’t do that now. And so the father didn’t. But the son said: “It was the friendly and soft nature my father had which made me wonder what christianity was about. He never talked ill about others, not even about my mother, he was full of respect towards her. As my mother was quite different. And there my search for God started.”

    This reminds me of a devotion of: God at eventide, October 11, from two listeners, (you can find it on internet), if we want to be a witness to God:

    “Love it is that prepares the ground for My teaching, that softens the hardest heart, that disposes the most indifferent, that creates desire for My Kingdom.
    Therefore love. Love Me first. Then love all, and so you link them to Me.”

  19. SFDBWV says:
    November 8, 2011 at 7:21 am

    When I think about God revealing Himself to people, there are so very many directions to take that thought. Is there a difference between our hour of accepting Jesus as Christ and God revealing Himself to us?

    Still today there are Christian factions that separate Jesus from God and so see the two as totally different entities.

    In scripture we have the conversation between Jesus and His Disciples at the Passover meal prior to His arrest (John 13-17). In John 14: 9 Jesus says to Philip “Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He that hast seen me has seen the Father;”

    Written for even the most difficult to accept we have at the beginning of John 1: 1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

    Then as you read all throughout scripture every thing said about God the Father is said about Jesus and everything said about both is also manifest in the Holy Spirit.

    God reveals Himself as the Triune Spirit of God, God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

    He is revealed through His Word!

    To whom is He revealed? To those who read or hear the Word of God.

    Now there are many different ways He gets our attention, sadly most often through adversity and difficulties and when we are beaten down to our knees and able to listen to His knock on the door of our hearts.

    Once He has our attention then we are able to receive His Word and word by word, piece by piece, we slowly come to know God and realize He came to earth as a man called Jesus. Then accept this as a fact and ask forgiveness for our part in not recognizing who He was, as well as all of our sins against Him and others.

    Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10: 17)

    Who does God reveal Himself to? You and I, but don’t think you have Him figured out, because His vastness is beyond our capability to comprehend.

    Steve

  20. oneg2dblu says:
    November 8, 2011 at 7:54 am

    If we put God first in all things, then we can rest assured that He knows us first, calls us first, prompts us first, and give us the desires of our hearts. Even if that desire is to remain unchanged, or desires to betray. He knows who the unchanged are. He knows that the desire of their hearts can change, because everyone He calls must change to become His. Unless, they desire to betray Him, then He desires His Justice for them in Eternal Exile.
    Example: Christ knew Judas, Christ called Judas, prompting him to follow. Judas desired with his heart to do so. Christ appointed him to the highest office in his Church, as a very trusted, loving Apostle. Judas had a change of heart, his desire was to betray his brothers in Christ and sin against Christ. Christ knew it and let him have the desires of his heart, even though they were ultimately to betray God. God allows every follower of Christ, who’s heart changes back to sin, to walk away into their own peril.
    No one snatched Judas out of God’s Hand, his sin desiring heart chose to walk away! His heart chose to betray God! God choose His Justice, and He created a place of Eternal Fire for a reason. If we read the entire Romans 9 chapter, we see that God has created a place of justice for each one who desires his own way. The one’s who will follow, and the one’s who will not to.
    Only a remnant will remain as followers, as their hearts desire remains to follow. God gives us the desires of our hearts! He desires that none should perish, but the heart of those who choose to remain unchanged, He will not control for them. However,
    He will harden many. That is His Choice alone to make!Praise God first in all things, including the heart for Him that you now possess. A sinner’s heart heart can soften and change for Him, and a heart can also become hard again! According to the word of God!
    I believe every day we awaken with a Heart for Him, we are Blessed beyond our heart’s desire. Gary

  21. oneg2dblu says:
    November 8, 2011 at 8:06 am

    I see a slight connection between the desires of the heart, and where you end up! IMH and biased Opinion,
    with the heart I now possess. Gary

  22. florida7sun says:
    November 8, 2011 at 10:21 am

    Good morning, all.

    Have you ever been in love; in love like a love sick puppy? Have you ever hungered for the Lord Jesus to embrace you; to love you; to hold you and never let you go? I have. I know you have as well.

    When we seek Him with ALL our heart, He lovingly opens His arms to tenderly assure us that all is well. His Comforter never leaves us. We are one with Him. He will not release us from the His Hands.

    “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:15

    He is the Potter; we are the clay, the glorious work of His Fingers and Palms.

    Hardened hearts must be crushed before they can be molded. In the crushing process of life through death, despair and adversity, we all have freewill in choosing our destiny. We can cry out to Him for the gift of a new heart: His Pierced Heart. Or we can reject Him and let the heartening process continue. He knows the condition of every heart. He formed each one in our mothers’ wombs.

    I am thankful mine was crushed to fine powder. The powder was then watered by His Blood and His Spirit. The clay He works with is now being fashioned in His Hands.

    I praise the Lord for His Grace and Mercy. I praise Him for continuing to remove imperfections as He molds me into His Image.

    I praise Him for His Salvation and Eternal Life, today and forevermore.

    “See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.” – Hebrews 3: 12-14

    Let us encourage one another.

    Blessings to all, Ray

  23. BruceC says:
    November 8, 2011 at 10:58 am

    There are some varying viewpoints on Judas. Some of them have him as being very similar to the Pharisees and others. Looking for a Rome-conquering messiah that would make Jerusalem capital of the ancient world. So the question is; did Judas really believe in Jesus, or did he look to him as a conquering messiah; and therefore fall into disappointment when he realized that Jesus what not who he thought he was?

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  24. poohpity says:
    November 8, 2011 at 11:34 am

    To me there is a rather large difference between knowing God vs knowing about God. We have a bible and creation that tells us about God (Psalms 19:1-11) but to have an intimate relationship, really getting to know God takes experience, time, watching and listening. (1 Sam 3:7)

    Just as someone says they know their spouse or child but yet how much do they really know. Do you know why your spouse makes the decisions they make? Do you really know what causes them hurt, happiness, sadness, grief, despair, elation, or peace? Over time being in the counseling field I have noticed that people do not know, really know those they live with all their lives because they spend more time talking than listening, more time trying to get their own needs met while neglecting the needs of others.

    How can anyone get to know another when they are not sure about what makes them tick. God who knows everything about us even down to the hairs on our heads but we do not even get to know our selves and admit who we really are, would God take us to another stage to reveal himself to us? Just wondering.

  25. oneg2dblu says:
    November 8, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    BruceC… that is quite a premise, to assume that Judas was looking for a Rome conquering Mesiah and became disappointed when he found him to be otherwise. I could care less about his issues of disappointment. If that was the needed part of the story of Judas, then maybe God should have told us that. But, we are told differently. We are told he was a thief, as he helped himself to that purse of trust. He violated his trusted position of service for the Lord. He sinned, and the sin in his heart became more powerful than his ability to control himself. He sold it all for that promise of silver. Yes, he had issues!

  26. oneg2dblu says:
    November 8, 2011 at 6:26 pm

    Sorry I accidently posted before I was done with my premise. I would say that Christ was pretty good at measuring the hearts of those He encountered, and those He chose to employ in His Ministry, but I could be wrong, and maybe Judas never really had his heart in the right place. Maybe his disappointment was greater than his position. Maybe Christ hired a flunky.
    But, my heart tells me otherwise. I believe Judas had a change of heart, because sin inticed him, and when it became fully grown, it ruled his heart!
    As MLK jr. wrote, “Be careful of the intoxicating drug of gradualism.” Doubt is also a drug that can gradually consume us… “Did Judas not really believe?” Gary

  27. poohpity says:
    November 8, 2011 at 6:59 pm

    John 13:27; Luke 22:3

  28. ashwilliams says:
    November 8, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    I am very new to my personal walk with God. But I know he is real. When I asked him, actually got on my knees and begged him to show me he was there and would protect me. He revealed himself through the Christian radio station that I started listening to a few days prior to coming to him. Coincidently or rather not so conincidently after praying for a sign I turned on the radio and the sermon was all about being new in walking in faith, how to do it, etc. The next sermon was similar. And the one after was also very similar. At the end of the 3rd sermon the preacher said so basically “dont be Ash.” I was stunned. Frozen. And focused every piece of my being on the radio and he said again “dont be Ash… Dont be Anxious, dont stress, and dont be in a hurry.” I also took it as dont be me as dont be so much into my self which I very much was at the time. And those three donts describe me to a T! Since then I dont question whether he’s here or not. I ask him to quiet my anxious heart and to be patient for the things that I have asked. God is truly amazing.

  29. Mikek says:
    November 9, 2011 at 5:46 am

    God reveals Himself to whoever He chooses whenever He chooses. Sometimes when you are not seeking Him He is seeking you. And sometimes He cannot be found at all. When He is pursuing a man, it is terrifying beyond description and when He is pursued but cannot be found, the word “desperation” does not cover it.

    I have been pursued by God and I have sought Him desperately only not to find Him. I have also had Him “show up” when I least expected Him. I have had Him answer prayer exactly as requested and I have had Him be silent, never answering.

    I do not pray to God in Olde English nor do I call Him Father every other word in the prayer. I certainly do not tell Him what He knows already and I presume nothing.

    I cannot put God in a box, label Him and say I know Him completely…after 26 years and 5 degrees I know less than I ever did. I abandoned my theology recently, gave away my entire library written by the sons of Adam and quite frankly I don’t know why you should read this. All I can say is love God, pursue Him. Be afraid, fear Him. Tell others about Jesus…

  30. remarutho says:
    November 9, 2011 at 5:47 am

    Good Morning Ash!

    Your story is so much like mine a while ago, as your heart was deeply moved to hear the Lord Jesus was/is looking for a transformation in your thinking and in your behavior. You wrote:

    “‘dont be Ash… Dont be Anxious, dont stress, and dont be in a hurry.’ I also took it as ‘dont be me as dont be so much into my self’ which I very much was at the time.”

    I am really relating to your description of your experience with our awesome God. I only wonder whether or not, as we are transformed by seeking and knowing God: Don’t we become *more ourselves* — the selves created when we were created by Him (Psalm 139:13-14)?

    Whatever our prayers when we first began searching for God, I wonder if we don’t begin to yearn for more ways to please Jesus (Psalm 139:23-24) as we grow?

    I am blessed to hear your story, Ash. Thanks.

    In Him,
    Maru

  31. SFDBWV says:
    November 9, 2011 at 6:14 am

    Mikek, I very much enjoyed your comments, I agree with you, when God gets hold of you be strengthened. It is never what you expect.

    I pray blessings for you on your journey.

    Steve

  32. SFDBWV says:
    November 9, 2011 at 7:16 am

    Thinking further of the specifics of Mart’s question, I see a variety of people in scripture that God revealed (Partially) himself to.

    Certainly there is Adam and Eve, and Cain, so close was the fellowship between God and Enoch that God took him up, there is also Noah.

    Then there is Abram as well as Jacob and Moses.

    Then there is the list of prophets, which all lead to Jesus. Jesus being the picture (revelation) of God.

    At each step in the story God reveals a little of Himself in order to accomplish His goals. In each story we find judgment, mercy, wrath and anger.

    We might think of these emotions as being *human*, but then we humans are made in His image.

    What then about others we read of in scripture? There are the Egyptians, as well as the many tribes and nations in the Promised Land. They too were all human with all the same desires as all others, how was God revealed to them?

    Speaking from the example of scripture of the OT; either you were part of God’s plans or you paid a high penalty for not being included.

    Once Jesus entered the story, God’s plans included all those who sought and seek Him through His Son Jesus of Nazareth.

    God then is revealed to *all* who look up upon the cross and see a suffering Christ a Creator willing to suffer and die for them, in their place instead of they.

    Has God revealed Himself to me personally? Yes and I will tell that story in another post.

    Steve

  33. poohpity says:
    November 9, 2011 at 11:07 am

    I was thinking this morning that all the religious leaders knew about God yet they did not know God well enough to recognize Him in the person of Jesus Christ. Anyone can know about God but it seems unless one is placed in situations to experience God one does not truly know Him. Will God reveal Himself as your provider unless you are in need? Will God reveal Himself as your comforter unless you are in the position of needing comfort? Will God reveal His wisdom to those who never ask? I wonder if God even reveals His will to those who are satisfied with doing things their way?

    The religious leaders were OK with having all the attention on them, having the best seats, wearing their priestly garb, having prayer boxes on their heads and praying publicly for all to see but never really understood who God was when He was right in the midst of them. Will God reveal Himself to those who appear to be righteous and wanting recognition for their own glory or to those who are humble and seek God?

    I wonder if we truly hear or see what God has revealed to us would we dishonor His name by being angry with fellow believers, showing malice and indignation to those who are not yet believers, judging or criticizing others, withholding forgiveness, and not admitting when we are wrong. Will God reveal more about Himself when we have butchered what He has already given us?

  34. oneg2dblu says:
    November 9, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Pooh… I wonder all those things as well, and wonder why he would choose us? If we remain just as we were, in our thoughts, lifestyles, and our displayed life, our religion if you will? I believe we get to know why, as we get to find out Who He is, and what He wants to change in us. Just a thought, Gary

  35. oneg2dblu says:
    November 9, 2011 at 12:17 pm

    Mikek… that was quite a telling story, thanks for sharing it. You words are salvation to many who feel so protected because they once recieved their salvation, but chose to loose their fear of God, by taking it for granted. No longer afraid, no longer striving, no longer in the battle, resting in a moment once recieved.
    But as the word says, we need to always be ready, in
    Luke 12:35-40 Christ gives us this warning!
    To think of Judas resting and reclining with the Lord, even at the supper table, and Satan comes into him!
    Perhaps Judas lost his fear of the Lord! I’m sure he had his moments of feeling protected as well.
    Me thinks his sinning ways, which he allowed to overcome him, got the better of him.
    Did he not leave that table with the blessing of Christ saying, go do what you must, or what you now desire in your heart? Sin scares me to death, but God I fear even more. For only God has the power to do what He wants with my Soul Forever!
    As you say, He gives mercy to those He gives mercy, He shows compassion on those He chooses, and because we live in the Age of Grace, we do not fear even our besetting sin! His patience has a limit, and I do not trust that He cannot reach it. I fearfully Worship, Honnor, and Obey Him. I believe these words to be true, “Resist evil, and it will flee from you!”
    Judas did not resit, but welcomed evil in his heart.
    Be Blessed,Gary

  36. bratimus says:
    November 9, 2011 at 2:03 pm

    God will reveal Himself to all that seek God. For everyone it is different and not how we expect it to be. I like how God revealed Himself to Elijah 1 Kings 19:11-13

  37. marma says:
    November 9, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    CS Lewis’ experience reminds me of Paul, who was “kicking against the pricks.”

    My own reluctance came after–didn’t realize all that I was getting into; tried to back out, but it was too late (smile). I was bought with a price, and the Purchaser doesn’t let go easily, I’m thankful to say.

    Jesus said to his disciples that he had chosen them, not the other way around.

    Our flesh and our worldly wisdom don’t care about the things of God, and so try to scoff and dismiss God, even while we are being drawn to Him. At least, this has been my experience.

    In the last few years, I have identified with Jacob, who, scoundrel that he was, was chosen by God, yet he wrestled but then wouldn’t let go. I believe God honored Jacob’s faith when he wouldn’t let go until he was blessed. It wasn’t about who Jacob was, it was about who God is.

    So, I decided not to let my own ideas of unworthiness prevent me from seeking and taking hold of that for which God has taken hold of me. (Paul said something similar, which I like.) I am a sinner, but God has forgiven me through His Son Jesus. So I’ll keep coming to Him.

    Who does God seek? Not many wise (according to the world), but God has chosen the weak things to confound the mighty, the foolish things to compound the wise.

  38. marma says:
    November 9, 2011 at 11:07 pm

    I mean confound the wise. Ha!

  39. remarutho says:
    November 9, 2011 at 11:42 pm

    Hello Mart & Friends —

    My work took me on a long drive “there and back again” today. I had time to pray, praise and meditate. Since Nezzar mentioned that favorite Scripture (also a favorite of mine), I have been dwelling in it as I go:

    “One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple.” (Psalm 27:4)

    Considering that “personal” portion of the topic you introduced, Mart, as you wrote:

    “And if we compared personal stories, would we find that we all met certain conditions before being able to believe?”

    I wonder (questionable though it is to generalize about everyone’s personal experience) whether we each come to a cross-roads where we choose either to depend upon God or to depend upon ourselves — not just for “blessing” but for the very meaning of life. In the same 27th Psalm, David says, “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” (v.13)

    It seems to me, new faith is always seeking evidence that God hears and answers when it cries out to Him. As faith learns more and more to depend upon the Lord, then, as Pooh described Abraham growing more and more trustworthy to God, there develops an intimate relationship between the believer and the Almighty. Faith matures and learns stronger and more courageous trust. The journey is never a straight line from no faith to full faith…

    Blessings,
    Maru

  40. Mikek says:
    November 10, 2011 at 5:27 am

    Please, if any of you dear people remember anything as your write and share your stories and experiences, remember that we are talking about the Creator of anything and everything and Jesus Himself was that very God veiled in flesh. The God who flooded the earth, caused fire to reign down on Sodom and Gomorrah and closed the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s troops in the midst is the same God who walked the pages of the NT. If Jesus is pursuing you, yield to Him, not when everyone will bend their knee against their will. If God is speaking to you now gently, listen! You wouldn’t want Him to shout at you, you could not bear it. Love Jesus with everything you have and your neighbor and you will never have a one-sided conversation with God.

    Peace,

  41. bubbles says:
    November 10, 2011 at 7:10 am

    I watched about 30 minutes of the “Fabric of the Universe” show last night. The main idea these “scientists” shared was how random everything was and how parallel universes exist. God tells us it is appointed unto man once to die. To me, this “randomness” without absolutes goes against the very nature of God. To me their theories were trash.

  42. SFDBWV says:
    November 10, 2011 at 7:19 am

    When I was a very small child I can still remember looking up into the heavens at the stars and feeling a yearning, almost a homesick feeling. I didn’t know it at the time but I was homesick for God even at the earliest of my memory.

    God revealed to me that I loved Him when I didn’t even yet understand love.

    As I attended Sunday school as a little boy it was there that I began to get other peoples ideas about God. Their influence effected my perception of God, yet I had already understood Him to be a loving *Father* and more than a Father.

    The difficulties I had to endure as a youngster automatically and instinctively sent me to God in prayer. I can still feel the heart wrenching pleas I made to Him expecting an immediate answer.

    God revealed to me He would listen and comfort, but His answer was forthcoming.

    As a teenager and young man I sought after a life that I thought I wanted, But God sent a dark and fearsome spirit to me in order to bring me back to looking to Him for answers.

    God revealed to me that He will do exactly what it takes to bring me back into fellowship with Him.

    As an adult man growing in the Word of God, I was blessed with my son, I named Him Matthew never knowing its meaning was gift from God. He is my gift from God and my responsibility.

    God revealed to me He rewards.

    Into the middle of my adult life I worked two and sometimes three jobs in order to provide a good life for my family.

    I didn’t know it then, but I was in a season of storing up for the storms life would soon bring.

    At the crossroad in my life my son was crippled in an automobile accident and my wife developed cancer. I could no longer work as I was needed at home to care for my family; without knowing how we would financially survive, I quit and blindly trusted God to take care of our needs.

    God revealed to me He is my provider.

    Now in the golden years of my life I can look back and see that God answered my prayers as a young boy and as a young man and still today..

    God revealed to me that His ways are not mine and that He knows best, I have to calm down quit trying to do everything and just trust Him.

    God revealed to me He is faithful.

    Has God personally revealed himself to me? Yes many times over my life and still today I am amazed when I see His presence and actions in my life.

    I look forward to being able to see today’s prayers answered in His time and in His ways.

    God revealed to me that He is God and that I am not.

    Steve

  43. BruceC says:
    November 10, 2011 at 9:08 am

    Thank you Steve. I was truly blessed by that post.

    BruceC
    Soli Deo Gloria!

  44. oneg2dblu says:
    November 10, 2011 at 10:31 am

    marma… CS Lewis left us quite a legacy of godly principles as he related his world to ours so prolifically, and elequently. He was gifted for sure, and challeged just as we all are.
    I have a small notation from another gifted teacher by the name Lewis Smedes about one of his favorite writers, he quotes CS Lewis who wrote a letter to a woman acquaintace about three months before he died, telling her about a life long battle he was having. “Dear Mary, do you know I think I have at long last forgiven a cruel schoolmaster who so darkened my youth. I thought I had done it many times before, but now I have actually done it.”
    Wow, I could hardly believe what I was reading, about this truely gifted man of God, and thinking to myself, “Hasn’t Christ called us all to that same impossible place of really forgiving others?” Gary

  45. poohpity says:
    November 10, 2011 at 11:18 am

    On the trip to Africa I really understood what it meant “God provides”. The government programs are just being established there so the children in the villages have to depend on God for all their needs which He provides through the church. Here in the U.S. many depend on the government by way of Social Security or welfare but they are government subsidies not that they are wrong but it is the government.

    I live off of social security disability and am so very grateful for it but I do depend on those monthly payments as well as a housing subsidy and just recently food stamps so pretty much the government provides for me. I have to call it what it is because I saw the difference in Africa of the Lord’s provision and government assistance. The churches there are trying to get the people of the villages to sign up for government help but I asked them do you want to create an entitlement generation here like we have in the States.

    Before I started receiving food stamps after my daughter came I used to sit on my patio and pray for my daily bread and no sooner did I walk inside my apartment than there was a knock on my door and a neighbor had received different food things that the stores were throwing out and asked if I could use any and of course my answer was, yes.

    There is a big difference in depending on God for provision and depending on our government. I know for myself I do not know what I would do with out the government help but I do know from past experience that God will provide. I do not know whether he uses the government to do what the churches have failed to do but if we go to other sources will God reveal how He really does provide like having angels bring bread and water similar to what he did for Elijah in 1 Kings 19:5-9.

    So my question is really how much do we depend on God or in the establishments of man and his own strength while saying we depend on God? Is there a difference? I struggle with this a lot.

  46. poohpity says:
    November 10, 2011 at 11:32 am

    If our hands or hearts are already filled where does God find room? If we are full of ourselves will there be any room for God to reveal Himself to us?

  47. SFDBWV says:
    November 10, 2011 at 1:49 pm

    Pooh, if I may be permitted to answer one of your questions from my perspective; God controls all of creation and every particle of it is subject to obeying His will. Whether it is social security or donations from church or even if you work for your needs, still it is provided to you from God.

    Don’t over think His gifts, just accept them, give thanks and credit to Him for them and even enjoy a laugh when He even provides for you from the plenty of your enemies.

    Steve

  48. oneg2dblu says:
    November 10, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    pooh… I thank God every day for all He provides.
    If we were to trace every provision in our lives back to its origin, we would see God is there.
    I love the way Paul expressed it, finding peace and joy in abundance or lack, as a gift from God!
    Basically if you have a roof over your head, clothes on your back and food in your stomach, you’ve been richly blessed by an Almighty God who loves you.
    If you have Him living in you, your blessed beyond your knowing. Be Blessed,Gary

  49. nezzar says:
    November 11, 2011 at 4:38 am

    Wow I’ve learned so much from all of you. I feel like I have so little to contribute, yet Jesus lead me to this topic. For me it’s been like the blind man in John 9: I learned to “see” God in my memories as I looked back at my life and all the things that he has done for me. Then He gave me specific books from the bible to read, then chapters. Then He began to give me little words of wisdom; like a coach teaching me how to do it better, or how to be more real. Then He started giving me pairs of verses that lined up in surprising ways.

    I say these things not to say how great I am, but to show progression. There is hope for us all even if all we hear is “read I Peter.”

    Moses also shows progression. Moses knowing that he was called by God tried to do it on his own and had to flee Egypt to escape murder charges. God called him through a burning bush. He turned to look and heard what God had to say. Then he went, but was not fully committed and the Lord chased him down in order to kill him. His wife saved him by circumcising their son. Then Moses performed all those miracles and was yet again disobedient and struck the rock. Considered by many to be the most holy man of the OT he still had to start somewhere. He still struggled and made mistakes, but God used him mightily. I think that the most important thing to Moses was not the miracles, the signs and wonders or how much or how powerfully God used him. But the relationship he had with God. He spent time every day in the tabernacle and refused to go without God’s presents even if the mighty miracles were still going to be done. (Exodus 33:15ff) And he BEGGED to see MORE of God!

    I am convinced that God reveals Himself to those who when seeing God beg for more. Have you asked and received provision for your needs? Great! Have you asked Him to use you in ministering to others? That’s great too. Have you asked Him to make you more like His son Jesus. Now we are making progress. Have you asked to have a more intimate relationship with Him and spent time with Him, just being with Him? I believe that that is the ultimate goal for all Christians. And I believe that is the ultimate goal of God. We are going to spend a LOT of time with Him after the second coming.

    I would also like to say that I see God in the words of many of the bloggers here, and He would not be in your words if He were not in your hearts. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

  50. poohpity says:
    November 11, 2011 at 9:11 am

    Thanks nezzar, for the reminder that this journey with the Lord is just that, a journey (a process). It is not as if we get it all or know God fully or ever reach perfection but rather are we in the process of change to becoming more like the One we worship or staying more in the world and behaving as if Christ has made no difference in us. Whether we are being spoon fed, drinking milk or eating meat, staying close to our God and it is Him alone that works in us and through us to do His will and more than anything, it seems, He would love our hearts to be in a place to reveal more of Himself to us. Lord, bless the time we spend in your word today and talking to you that you will open our eyes and ears to see more of you.

  51. poohpity says:
    November 11, 2011 at 9:17 am

    John 14:23

  52. pdank says:
    November 11, 2011 at 7:51 pm

    Mark: I think God reveals himself to us on many occasions. Most of the time though we are too busy doing the world think or thinking about our own thoughts and do not hear him. I can recall one occasion where I had just had to put my faithful companion of 12 yrs (my dog) down because of his health. I was praying and praising God for the great blessing from him that I had enjoyed and how faithful, loving,obedient, and happy this blessing had been to me. I was sort of interupted by a voice that was as clear as day saying “Dan, Maybe I gave you bubba (his name)to teach you about what it means to love unconditionally like I love you,to be faithful and full of grace and to obey my commaands and wishes like Bubba did for you!” Mark. This was the very first time I was really listening I guess but it was like I was in him and he in I at that moment!I could feel his presence in the room It is a moment I will cherrish the reat of my life and that conversation has made me listen, and try to be to my God like Bubba was to me! Yes I know God reveals himself to us if we will only listen for or look for his presence! Dan

  53. bill34sl says:
    November 11, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    In the old times, God revealed Himself to both the righteous and the unrighteous. He even talked to these two groups either thru dreams or trances. The stubborn Pharaoh of Egypt experienced first hand, in his face, God’s dreadful might. The mean Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar was humbled to live like a wild beast to later on come to accept a harsh reality that there is someone way more powerful than him. The false prophet Balaam could not counter God’s decision not to curse Israel and himself heard a donkey talk. God surely spoke and revealed Himself to these people in very perflexing ways, yet they were wicked. That was in the old, old era. In our time today, when God reveals Himself to a person, more than anything else, He wanted to establish a personal relationship. A familial one. He foreknew who to reveal Himself to, and He predestined them, (Rom.8:29) to finally choose to make a decision in their lives to put on the righteousness of His Son Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will then begin to reveal more and more about God Himself and His wonderful counsel.(John 14:26)

  54. nezzar says:
    November 11, 2011 at 11:13 pm

    pdank

    God often gives us personal relationships here on earth so that we can understand our relationship with Him more fully. I’ve known since I was a child that God loved me, but when I had a child of my own I understood to a greater degree what it meant for God to love me like his own son. He’s constantly showing me through the relationships with the people around me what my relationship with Him should or should not be. And, Yes, He’s shown me some things through a dog too. If He can use a donkey, why not a dog?

  55. Regina says:
    November 11, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    Good Evening All!

    Hope all is well with you today.
    Maru, Great insight and thought-provoking scripture references to my comment! Thank you for sharing. :-) Guess what, BTA friends??? *Today is 11-11-11!* And someone told me today at work that we won’t see this date again for 100 years! Wow! I LOVE history and thought-provoking facts like this… Was trying to share my thoughts with you earlier today (around 7:00 pm), but I fell asleep. I’ve been working almost everyday since September as a Sub-Teacher and I was just really tired! Thankful to God for the consistent work though. Also found out that today is Veteran’s Day, so I want to pay tribute to all of the veteran’s who are a part of this BTA blog family (and all over the world) for their selfless sacrifice on behalf of this country. We’re SOOO blessed, as U.S. citizens, to have so many courageous men and women who are willing to risk and sacrifice their very lives on behalf of their fellow man. I’m SOOO proud to be an American!!!

    Love to all,
    Regina

  56. Regina says:
    November 11, 2011 at 11:35 pm

    Also skimmed the comments on this blog topic, and, wow, I briefly read so many great comments! Steve’s comment, in particular, brought to mind this Bible passage:

    Psalm 8:3-5, NIV…
    3) When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4) what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?
    5) You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.

    Your comments also brought this song to mind:

    (Can’t remember the title of the song, but I used to sing it with a choir that I was a part of about 2&1/2 years ago (not the choir I’m currently a part of)

    When I gaze into the night sky,
    And see the work of Your fingers–
    The moon and stars suspended in space

    Oh, what is man that you are mindful of him?
    You have given man a crown of glory and honor,
    And have made him a little lower than the angels.

    You have put him in charge of all creation:
    The beasts of the field,
    The birds of the air,
    The fish of the sea.

    But what is man—
    Oh, what is man that You are mindful of him?
    O Lord, our God, the majesty and glory of Your name,
    Transcends the earth and fills the heavens.

    O Lord, our God, little children praise you perfectly,
    And so should we, and so should we.
    Alleluia! The majesty and glory of Your name! Alleluia!

  57. Regina says:
    November 11, 2011 at 11:40 pm

    Just read Psalm 8:2 in the NLT translation, and it says…
    “You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you.”

    Our loving God is willing to reveal Himself to children and infants, which (I think) teaches adults a lot about His character and nature.

  58. remarutho says:
    November 12, 2011 at 12:34 am

    Hello Bill!

    Thank-you for the beautiful and challenging reflection upon God’s Spirit both then and now.

    You wrote:

    “God surely spoke and revealed Himself to these people in very perplexing ways, yet they were wicked. That was in the old, old era. In our time today, when God reveals Himself to a person, more than anything else, He wanted to establish a personal relationship. A familial one.”

    It seems to me that God is still revealing God’s self — and it is still perplexing! But I love what you are saying about God revealing himself to a person — that God still desires so very much (even so as to sacrifice his only Son) to establish that intimate, joyful, family connection. I believe, through his Christ, God puts out these “ties of love” for whosoever will come to Him.

    I wonder whether that great big boulder of wickedness is not still distorting and blocking the sweet, pure message God is sending!

    What a wonderful gift it is that He has not faltered one instant in the revealing!

    Blessings,
    Maru

  59. oneg2dblu says:
    November 12, 2011 at 8:24 am

    Maru…” I wonder whether that great boulder of wickedness is still not distorting or blocking the sweet, pure message of God.” There is no wonder to me, because that great boulder lies within each soul’s mind, it is the battlefield of the spirit world, and only God can renew the mind, and remove that boulder.
    “Praise God that we get to Love and Serve Him, as He shows us a glimpse of Himself.” I always see Him your words as well. Praise God! Gary

  60. mpholc says:
    November 12, 2011 at 9:42 am

    God reveals Himself to me through Scritpure that fits with where I am on a daily basis. Yes, I want God to reveal Himself to me as He did to Moses and Elijah. But does that show my lack of faith? Does God reveal Himself to the believers of today?

  61. infiniti07 says:
    November 23, 2011 at 9:01 am

    I suppose the simple answer would be anyone who believes he exists, trust, is obedient and submits to the Word. Yet I often find that if I have to ask this question of myself, more than likely I am not listening to what His Spirit is trying to tell me and I am more intent in allowing the busy activities of life distract me from hearing or seeing it His way.

  62. infiniti07 says:
    November 23, 2011 at 9:10 am

    As a follow up to my previous comment, I’ve read and re-read the Oswald Chambers devotionals and the gems of truth and wisdom pops out at me each time I read a comment. The Word of God is like a breath of fresh air each time I revisit a passage and especially as I search for the meaning of a passage which applies to a moment in my life. The community of people who interact with each other by sharing their individual experiences here in this blog is one way in which God reveals Himself to the universal community of believers. Thanks everyone for your contributions.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.