Do you know God, or just Know about Him?

Philippians 4:4,11

Always be full of joy in the Lord.  I say it again--rejoice!  Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.

  As I was pondering what God wanted me to write in todays blog, I kept thinking about our relationship with Him.  Right after I finished praying, I opened my devotional program on my computer and in bold print were the words,"Just how well do you know God?"  I guess that answered my question--It's amazing how God works!

The verses are from Paul when he was literally chained to a wall in prison waiting to be executed.  It's safe to say, he had a good relationship with God.  We go through a lot of troubles in this life, I mean just pick one or any of the following issues we have to deal with: debt, divorce, murder, child abuse, abortion, and the list goes on and on.  Being a martyr though isn't something many of us deal with here in the US.  Paul was waiting to be killed for being a christian and all he could write about was rejoicing in the Lord!

I long for that kind of a relationship with God.  I know as I have grown as a christian my faith has also grown stronger, but I still am a long way from where I want to be.

You know, a lot of todays christians claim to know the Lord, but we don't see evidence in their daily lives.  I'm not judgeing, just trying to make a point.  Before I was truly saved, I knew all about God and what Jesus did on the cross, but I didn't know Him personally.  I mean, I never really pictured Him as a real person until I finally was convicted by the Holy Spirit and repented. (Praise the Lord for that!)  Think about your spouse, or best friend.  Could they be your spouse or best friend without you learning about them, and investing in your relationship with them?  No.  Same thing goes for your relationship with Jesus, we need to invest in knowing Him on a personal basis, not just on a historical basis.

As our relationship grows with Him, our faith will grow stronger and will allow us to have more peace in times of trouble--like Paul.  So, here's the question you should ask yourself.......Do you know Him or just know about Him?  That is the most important question you will ever ask yourself!

As always, if you feel convicted (sorry) for you sinful life, and know Jesus to be the Son of God who died on the cross for YOUR sins, then just ask Him to forgive you.  Tell him you are sorry for your sinful life.  Ask Him to be the Lord over your life, then learn about Him.  Finally, tell others about what He did for you.

To God be the glory! Great things He hath done!