Deeper Conversations

Perhaps it is because I am an introvert, that I value the deeper conversations that I have with people over small talk. I am not really good at casual conversation, but I like to listen to people speak of how information and circumstances are affecting them in a deeper way. It is these conversations that draw me closer to others and inspire me to mature in many ways. I trust that I am also an inspiration through these conversations.

I Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” Fellowship is important. It is not just spending time together with other believers, but rather the deeper involvement with each other to build each other up in the faith. We also have the honor of having been called into fellowship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in order to know Him more completely.

Seeing Beyond Our Circumstances

II Kings 6 tells the story of the war between the King of Syria and the King of Israel. The prophet, Elisha, had been warning the King of Israel about an ambush set up by the King of Syria. Frustrated, the King of Syria sent forces to surround Elisha in order to bring him to the king’s camp. Elisha’s servant saw these forces and became afraid.

II Kings 6:16-17 says, “He said, ‘Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.’ So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” Sometimes we become afraid because we don’t see all that the Lord is doing around us. Let us ask God to open our eyes to see what He is doing, so that we can remain strong in our trust of Him.

Activation

We live in a time when we can not simply choose something and then use it. Instead, we have to take the interim step of activating. Activation often includes QRcodes, phone calls, website or app visits, or some other interim process. If we are not careful, we will activate the wrong thing and incur extra costs.

Luke 1:50-52 says, “And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate.” To fear God is to have reverent, humble obedience that seeks to please God. Pride and self-centeredness are the exact opposite of a godly fear. It is only when we have reverence and humility before God that we can fully receive His mercy. God is always rich in mercy, but often reverence and humility activate His mercy toward us.

Solemn Promise

Often, we see in movies that a dying person promises loved ones that they will be watching over them and be ever present with them, even after their death. The promise is designed to comfort and encourage people about to experience loss. The promise is designed to strengthen and tell the grieving loved ones that they will not be alone.

In Matthew 28:20 Jesus tells His disciples, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Though He was leaving His disciples on earth as He ascended into heaven, Jesus made the promise of never leaving them. This comfort is designed to make them and us strong and unafraid because His presence, power, and love will be upon us no matter what we may be going through. As His disciples today, we can trust that we will not be left alone or forsaken. Unlike the promises in the first paragraph, Jesus has the power and authority to fulfill His promises, so He can be fully trusted.

Search For Wisdom

Sometimes, we come across an idea that becomes very interesting to us. We want to learn more about it, so we begin to search for information. As we continue our quest for information, the subject generates even more interest, and we go deeper into our information search. Our research may even lead us into action like new hobbies or services to others.

Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” We should always seek deeper wisdom and knowledge of God. Like a successful miner, we will find precious jewels of wisdom for life whenever we search His Word.