Knowledge, Knowing, and Love

 By: Lauren Thomas 

How do you learn best? Learning styles can involve listening, seeing, and reading. But most people learn best by “hands-on” learning.

 

I like knowledge. I’m a nerd. I like to research topics. I like to learn new things. But I can be tempted to think that knowledge is a good alternative for action. I’m tempted to believe, If I can just learn enough about this thing, it’s basically like experiencing it.

 

But no.

 

Having knowledge is not the same thing as knowing.

 

There are some things we get backwards, upside down, inside out. Some things make sense to us from a human perspective. But from a Kingdom perspective, our understanding falls flat. It’s nothing new. Paul has been correcting us since the earliest days of Christianity. One thing we can get wrong is knowledge vs. knowing.

 

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 8:1 that “knowledge puffs up.” Knowledge alone is incomplete. Knowledge is not the end-all-be-all.

 

Love is.

 

Paul goes on to say that love “builds up.” To have knowledge might make us look superior. Our knowledge of the Bible might make us look like superior Christians. But knowledge alone merely makes us puffed-up Christians, liable to blow away in the wind. Conversely, there is something of substance to a Christian who loves and is loved.

 

But knowledge puffs up while love builds up. 2 Those who think they know something do not yet know as they ought to know. 3 But whoever loves God is known by God.

1 Corinthians 8:1b-3 ESV

 

Loving God and knowing about God are two different things. We can know a lot about God without knowing Him at all. But when we love God, we are “known by” Him. This is the only knowing that really counts: God knowing us.

 

This knowing is God’s love for us. This knowing is our love for Him. This knowing is experiencing God’s love. This knowing is a love that spills out to those around us. This is the knowing that matters.

 

Prayer:

Lord, deflate my carefully constructed, puffed-up self. Help me remember that knowledge does not make me a good Christian. May the “knowing” that I put the highest value on be You knowing me. May my love be for You and not what I can know about You. Amen.

 

Reflection:

Do you know about your personal learning style? How much value do you place in knowledge? While it is important to learn about God so that we can know Him better, what ultimately matters is our love for God and how it is manifested. How can you focus your Bible study this week to make love the priority, rather than gaining knowledge?

God’s Beauty Standards

 By: Grace Metzger

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, 
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭31‬:‭30‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Lately I’ve found myself on the beauty part of social media. If you’re unfamiliar with what I’m talking about, this is a part of social media that gives makeup tips, styling ideas, and weight loss help. In theory this could be a great thing, women coming together to give ideas and encouragement to other women about ways to improve. But sadly it’s not always a super positive thing. Time and time again I’ve seen videos of women judging others for their looks, hating on people for what they eat, laughing at women for ways they dress, and overall just showing that no one can fit the beauty standards of today’s world. Being on this part of social media is hard. You start to question how others see you.

In today’s world, beauty is one of the most important things to people. People are starving themselves and getting surgery after surgery just so they can look like the world says they should look. It horrifying to see the lengths people are going to fit into the world’s standard of beauty

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair
and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you
wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person
of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious.
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

When you start having the worlds point of view shown to you over and over again it starts to taken a residence in your mind. I started questioning my looks and appearance, becoming fearful that I wasn’t fitting into the standard of beauty. Then one day I read 1 Peter 3:3-4. I was so focused on my external self that I was abandoning my internal self. 

Was I working on being a gentle, kind, and loving spirit? Was I focusing on being precious in God’s mind? Sadly the answer is no. I was so focused on how others perceived me that I forgot to focus on how God is perceiving me. 

The beauty standards of the world are a constantly changing thing that you can never keep up with. One day it says you should look like this and the next day it’ll say you’re ugly unless you look like the complete opposite of yesterday’s idea of perfect. Trying to keep up with this will do more harm than good. But God’s beauty standards are not only doable but also they are the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. His beauty standards are us being kind, loving, and gentle souls. His idea of a beautiful person is one who follows and loves Him. That’s how you fit into His beauty standards. Which I don’t know about you but it seems much more doable rather then starving yourself to become a size zero. 

This week I challenge you to put away social media and instead work on becoming God’s standard of beauty. You’ll quickly notice that while the world’s was overwhelming and cruel, God’s idea of beauty is going to improve your mind, body, and soul in every way. 

Discussion Question: How do you handle the world’s beauty standards and God’s beauty standards?

6 Ways to Grow in Your Marriage

By: Jenifer Metzger

My husband and I will celebrate 28 years of marriage this month and if we have learned one thing, it's that marriage is full of peaks and valleys. Some seasons are full of good times and deep love. Other seasons it's downright a struggle. Whether your marriage is on the highest peak or the lowest valley, one thing we all have in common is that we can choose to grow in our marriage.

Today I want to share six areas of marital growth that you cannot afford to look past.

Pray harder over your marriage and for your husband.

Are you a praying wife? Pray harder. Is prayer for your husband and marriage something you haven't really done? Start. Intentionally pray daily for your husband and your marriage. I don't mean prayers of "Help him to not be so selfish," or "Make my husband romantic," or "Show him that he needs to help with the kids and house more." No. I mean prayers that God would help him to have a sound mind, prayers for his health, prayers over his relationships, prayers that he would desire to be a Godly man, prayers that God would help him to stand against temptation, those kind of prayers. You are the only one who can pray for your husband in this way and you are likely the only one praying over him. Your prayers are vital.

Date your husband more.

Date your mate ladies! My grandparents had eight children and owned their own business. Their lives revolved around their children and their work. Once all of their children were grown and out of the house, my grandparents didn't know each other anymore. Their marriage was on the brink of ending. Your children will one day grow up and move out of your home. If you don't date your mate and spend real time with each other truly getting to know each other and growing in your relationship, one day you will look across the table and see a stranger. Not sure how often to date? Do what works for you. If you can date weekly, do it! If monthly works better for you, do it! Every six weeks, do it! Whatever it is, just be intentional about dating. A date doesn't have to be a bank-breaking event. Find things to do that are inexpensive or even free. My husband and I love doing things like driving around to garage sales, picking up our favorite restaurant and taking it home to eat while we watch a movie together, or getting ice cream and going for a drive around the lake. Whatever it is, just do it.

Intentionally think of him throughout the day and let him know you were thinking of him.

Daily activities keep us so busy. We need to intentionally think of our husband throughout the day. When you are at the grocery store, pick up his favorite candy bar. When you wash his clothes, go back to the prayer point and pray over him. When you walk past your wedding photo hanging in your hallway, pause and think of the day, then text him and let him know you are thinking of him and you love him. Those little moments of thinking of him throughout the day bring a sweet romance to your heart and -let's be honest here- can help later on in the bedroom.

Read marriage books by trusted pastors and authors.

There are so many great books out there on marriage. There are also so many books out there that do not hold good, Godly advice. Seek out books to read by pastors and authors you trust. And most importantly, always measure the books against the Word of God. Don't have the time to stop and read? Totally okay! Audio books and podcasts are great! You can listen while you go about your day. I love listening to podcasts while in the car or cleaning the house. Just a few of my favorite marriage books are: Power of a Praying Wife, Love Dare, Kingdom Marriage, Uncommon Marriage, The Marriage Devotional, Loving Your Husband Well, and The Marriage You've Always Wanted.

Become your husband's biggest cheerleader.

The world isn't always nice. Your husband likely deals with negativity all day at work. Maybe a boss who isn't always kind or co-workers who don't treat each other nice. Maybe you have neighbors who aren't very friendly. Or maybe he has family members who don't treat him right. There are so many chances for negativity to enter your husband's heart and mind throughout the day. This is where you can help. Become his cheerleader. When the world throws him negativity, you praise and encourage him. Tell him that you are proud of him and that you appreciate him. Point out his good qualities and hard work.

Be kinder to your husband.

It's easy to take our frustrations out on our husband. When we are upset with something not going right or the kids not listening, it's easy to spew that anger on our husband. He's just there which makes him an easy target. Let's strive to be kinder. To use kind words and to not take out frustration on him.

Marriage is a life-long covenant, so why would we not want to work on it and grow?

Discussion:

1. Which of these do you struggle with the most? Are you willing to work on it?

2. What other ways do you work on your marriage?

Names of God Series: Relying on "Elohim"

 By: Rebekah Hargraves

Photo Courtesy of: Dámaris Azócar

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Genesis 1:1

We're actually going to go backwards this week in our study of the names of God all the way to the very beginning of Scripture and the first time we are given one of His names. 

Oftentimes the first way in which someone is introduced or described or named is particularly important and carries a lot of weight. 

Here, in Genesis 1:1, the Hebrew word translated as "God" is "Elohim", a name of God used over 2,000 times in the Old Testament. The frequency of its usage is thought to underscore its significance in the Hebrew Scriptures.

This word denotes rulership and authority. Here, from the very first verse of the Bible, we see that the Creator God is the all-powerful Creator of heaven and earth, demonstrating His authority and rulership over all creation. That is the intended meaning behind the name "Elohim", the very first way we are introduced to God.

So what does this mean for us? 

It is a good reminder for all of us to view God in that way - as the One in supreme authority over everything. This is important not only because we owe Him our allegiance, obedience, and surrender, but also because of the comfort this reminder brings to us. Remembering that He is in charge over all brings comfort when we are going through hard times and we can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. We may not know what is happening or why, but we can know that He Who rules all things is in control and is working everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). We can rest knowing that a good and gracious Father is the One ultimately in charge and that He will bring His perfect plan to pass in and through our lives.

That is a gift of a reminder which comes from this one Hebrew word, Elohim. May it encourage your heart today. 

Reflection Questions:

1) Were you already familiar with this word Elohim?

2) What stands out to you about its meaning?

3)  How can you apply the truth it reveals about God's nature to your own life and gain comfort and encouragement from it?

He'll Do It Again

 By: Joanne Viola

 

This week the thought resounding in my heart has been to that we are to rejoice in each day. To find delight or joy in every day. Sounds easy and very biblical, but if we were to be honest, it is a challenge some days.

Last week, I shared on this verse (you can read the post HERE):

“This is the day which the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
(Psalm 118:24, NASB) 

Somehow God keeps stoking my thoughts to dig a little further into this, bringing me back to another vacation memory.

I admit toddlers, and those who are seniors, are my favorite people. Spending time with either of these age categories can bring deep meaning to life.

Seniors tend to share history and memories which I never before heard or knew. The facts are fascinating and often shed insight into current daily life. Their words, memories, and lives point me to Jesus who is ever faithful.

Toddlers also remind me of the faithfulness of Jesus in a much different manner.

While on vacation, it became our pattern to take our youngest grandchild for a walk each night after dinner. My husband would hand him a stick and he was ready to go.

With the stick in hand, he was able to poke, strike, push, and tap anything which struck his fancy as he mosied along.

The first night he walked a short distance. With each passing night, he walked a bit further, until he finally wanted to walk the entire loop.

He never tired nor grew bored with the poking, striking, pushing, tapping, and pointing at the very same things from the previous walks. It always brought equal delight and interest.

The memory will always be held near and dear to my heart for I never want to forget what the Lord impressed upon my heart since our vacation.

Since creation the sun has risen every single morning and gone down every single night. There has not been a day where this cycle has not occurred.

Solomon, in writing Ecclesiastes, tells us:

“Also, the sun rises and the sun sets; And hastening to its place it rises there again.” 
(Ecclesiastes 5:11, NASB) 

In writing about his quest for the meaning of life, Solomon tells us that our eyes grow tired of seeing the sun. We aren’t satisfied by the beauty of every single sunrise. We grow accustomed to the beauty.

Jeremiah, in writing Lamentations, reminds us of the Lord’s compassion or mercies:

“The Lord’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, 
For His compassions never fail. 
They are new every morning; 
Great is Your faithfulness.” 
(Lamentations 3:22-23, NASB) 

Often when reading or quoting those verses, we stop at the very thought of new mercies every morning or God’s faithfulness.

In continuing to read a bit further, Jeremiah tells us what we are to do each morning. He reminds us of our responsibility:

“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” 
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him.” 
(Lamentations 3:24-25, NASB) 

We need to speak to our own souls (our personalities), and instruct ourselves to hold onto hope, to wait on God, to seek God.

Our God does not grow tired of causing the sun to rise. As the sun comes up, it testifies to the faithfulness of our God to show up once again in our lives. It is God’s way of telling us He is more than able to display His love and mercy to us.

Perhaps this is why Habakkuk recorded his prayer for us. Perhaps we need to start praying in this same way. “Repeat them in our day.” “Do it again, Lord.”

“Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord. 
Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy.” 
(Habakkuk 3:21, NIV)

If we refuse to tire of the beauty He places in our lives,
we will find new mercies, new delights, each day.
And we will see our God in every day.

 

Reflection: 

Do you need to reflect on God’s faithfulness more often? What do you need to focus on in order to find delight in God today? 

 

Image by Ludwig Bickel from Pixabay