Cross Pointe Women: God's Attributes by Debbie McGrath

Do I fully understand what God is like?

This week, I was challenged by a friend to get to know God on a deeper level.
To really know and understand who God is -she suggested I study the attributes   of God.  Here is the first one I have studied for today.

What is God Like?

ALL-KNOWING: (omniscient)

God knows the future (Exodus 11:1)

His wisdom and knowledge are way beyond us
     (2 Samuel 17:14; 2 Kings 2:10; Job 12:13, Romans 11:33)

God misses nothing about us 
     (2 Kings 20:19; Job 7:17; Psalms 33:13-15; Jer. 1:5)

God's unfathomable knowledge of His people
     (Psalm 139:1; Romans 11:33)

One cannot escape God (Psalm 139:7)

God knows the believer's heart 
     (Psalm 139:23; 1 John 3:20)

God sees it all
     (Proverbs 15:3; Matthew 23:5-7)

One cannot hide from God
     (Jeremiah 23:23-24; Ezekiel 8:12)

God knows all things perfectly (Hebrews 4:13)

The Divine Mentor: Seeking God to Navigate Through Life

February 27, 2015

Today’s Reading: Numbers 21-23 and Mark 6-7

Scripture:

Numbers 22:18 HSCB

…”If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go against the command of the Lord my God to do anything small or great.”

Objective:

We have to remember that no matter what someone may offer us if it is against God’s commands we must not accept the payment offered or the task requested without guidance.  As a non-believer it’s easy to justify doing something knowing it’s wrong because the non-believer doesn’t understand what God requires and definitely not the consequences of going against God.  Non-believers aren’t the only ones that find ways to justify their actions. We as Christians will sometimes find ways to justify something at work or personal decisions that we may not be certain if it is against God’s command by siding on the one that best suits our situation or benefit.  This is why a relationship with Jesus is so important so that we can receive the gift of The Holy Spirit to seek for guidance when unsure and to provide the strength necessary to be obedient to the word we receive.  When it comes to job related situations the “silver and gold” comes into play because we justify our need for what the paycheck provides such as housing, food, clothes, gas, car note, kid’s activities, etc.  We have to remember to stand strong in our faith and God’s promises.  By no means am I saying God wants everyone to quit their job everytime we are faced with a situation that can put us in the position of disobedience.  Just as Balaam went to God for his decision so must we.  In Numbers 22:20 God told Balaam “Since these men have come to summon you, get up and go with them, but you must only do what I tell you.” After Balaam obeyed his first word in Numbers 22:12 telling Balaam he couldn’t go.  This is an example of how obedience is key.  God will assist us in doing worldly things as long as we follow His instructions while doing them.

Application:

I will continue to work toward not going against the command of God no matter what the worldly reward is.  I will continue to seek His guidance in all my decisions and blindly trust the word He gives me.

Prayer:

Lord, I come before you humble and broken.  I ask that you continue to assist me daily to become who you desire me to be.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Divine Mentor: Becoming Good Soil

February 25, 2015

Numbers 17-18, Psalms 29 and Mark 4


Today's reading allowed The Holy Spirit to give me 2 verses.
Scripture :

Mark 4:18-19 HCSB

Others are sown among thorns; these are the ones who hear the word, but the worries  of this age,  the seduction     of wealth,  and the desires  for other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.


Objective:
This verse is to remind us that we must not be sown of thorns. It reminds me that I was once in the thorns. I believed in God and His power through fear of His wrath not understanding His love. I prayed for things to manifest in my life and when He blessed me I squandered those blessings by giving into my worries about money and the welfare of my family. Though He still continued to provide my needs my life didn't bear fruit. In order to be fruitful we must become and remain good soil.


Application:
Being good fruitful soil is living a life of consistent obedience. We must be obedient and remember that God has more to offer us than fear. God wants to only have a loving relationship with us but we must remember there are consequences for our disobedience. Just as those of us that are parents want to give our children everything, God wants to do the same. Now do we not hold our children accountable well so does our Heavenly Father. I will apply this verse to my life by remembering that when things don't go my way continue to praise Him and get excited with anticipation. Most of all let's keep our soil good.


Prayer:
Lord, I ask that you continue to love me in my imperfection and continue to provide me with the strength to be a vessel for your light to shine. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Scripture:
Psalms 29:11 HCSB
The Lord gives His people strength; the Lord blesses His people with peace.


Objective:
When we submit and commit our lives to Jesus we are given the gift of The Holy Spirit to provide us with the strength to not succumb to the things that are displeasing to Jesus. It is through that strength alone with The Living Word of God that we receive and find our peace.


Application:
The application of this verse isn't easy but it is simple. Trust, obedience and consistency is the key.

Prayer:
Lord, thank you for The Holy Spirit and your living word. I ask for your continued patience as I work to not listen to my flesh but to become more grounded in the spirit. In Jesus ' name, Amen.

The Divine Mentor: God's Plan

February 24, 2015

Today’s Reading: Numbers 14-16  and Mark 3

Scripture:

Numbers 14:41

“Why are you going against the Lord’s command? It won’t succeed.”

Objective:

This verse is to let us know that when we go against what the Lord has commanded us to do, our plans will not be successful.  I can look back at many decisions I made on my own that “seemed” to be the best plan and they ultimately failed because they were not God’s plan.  God wants us to listen to His voice not our own or anyone else’s.

Application:

Though I have worked hard to not only follow the written commands of the Lord but also the daily, weekly or monthly tasks he gives me through the Holy Spirit I still find myself disregarding those things.  Sometimes it is unintentional and sometimes intentional because I may allow the circumstances or another individual to dictate how I listen to His word.  This verse reminds me of how there is no other way to live my life other than God’s plan.

Prayer:

Lord I pray that you continue to forgive me when I make unintentional and intentional decisions on my own.  I pray that you continue to provide me the strength to hear only your voice and use your voice as a beacon in my life. In Jesus’ name Amen.