Sword Drills

As a kid going to Sunday School, one of the activities we would occasionally do (and I found it fun, by the way) was called a "sword drill."  The Bible is referred to as the Sword of the Spirit in Ephesians 6, and the drill consisted of a race:  who can find the scripture reference first?  Since I had the books of the Bible memorised I never needed tabs or to look in the Table of Contents.  This certainly provided an edge over my peers.

Whilst it is of value to know the order of the books of the Bible for ease of reference, it is best to seek to order our lives according to what is written in them.  We are to go beyond racing to find a chapter and verse to learning to rightly divide the Word of truth.  The exhortation Paul gave to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:15 we ought to take to heart and make our regular practice:  "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."  Knowing how to safely and effectively handle the sword in combat takes training and practice, and it is true concerning the wielding of the scriptures.

For warriors having a sword in hand was the difference between life and death, and heeding the scripture ourselves is paramount to withstand the attacks of Satan.  Jesus was tempted and struck down every temptation with the truth of God's Word - the same words He believed and obeyed.  And this may be the point Christians must labour constantly, for unless we actually believe the Word and put it into intentional practice our memorised scriptures may as well be made of cardboard or rubber.  If Satan wasn't intimidated to take Jesus Christ on, he certainly will pull no punches with us.  Psalm 119:11 says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!"  Those who have truly hidden the word in their hearts shall have it revealed by lives marked with purity and righteousness.

I wonder:  instead of focusing a great deal on rote memorisation of the books of the Bible (as useful and practical as this is), would it be better to be able to explain what a single verse says, what the verse means, and how it can be applied to our own lives?  Sword drills have their place, but drills are of little value unless we take what we learn into actual battle.

Beggars and Receivers

"And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, "Look at us." ⁵ So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them."

Acts 3:4-5

As John and Peter walked by the gate leading to the temple, a man lame from birth asked them for alms or charity.  Instead of walking past the man without a word, Peter bid the man to look at them.  Those who beg often make themselves look as pitiable as possible, wearing pained expressions or are clothed in rags.  Beggars I have seen in Israel near the Temple Mount do not always speak or make eye contact with passers by but shake a cup which contains a few shekels.  I have also seen a savvy beggar retreat away from the crowds to empty his mostly filled cup into a hidden purse to reappear with a couple of jangling coins to attract additional donations - but that is another story.

What I find compelling about these verses is how the man gave John and Peter his full attention.  His motive is plainly stated:  he was "expecting to receive something from them."  He did not know what would be given, but he looked to them expecting to receive.  What is implied is whatever they were going to give him - food, clothing, money, whatever - he was gladly going to receive and utilise it.  I have heard it said "Beggars can't be choosers" but I have seen this turned on its head many times.  I have run into some very choosy and demanding beggars who are intent on getting exactly what they want rather than receiving what is offered.  It seems to me the desperation of those in need impacts whether they are hopefully expectant in receiving or entitled to demand.

This man is a good illustration of the condition of all people before God:  lame outcasts, needy beggars, at the mercy of God, and without strength or power to sustain our lives.  It is good when we are willing to listen to God and those who speak forth His Word and walk in the Holy Spirit.  I have been reading the book of Jeremiah for morning devotions and there were very few who listened to him, though he spoke the truth which was confirmed.  It made me think about the many times I listened to a sermon or study and I did not share the expectancy to receive of this man.  I was already full of knowledge; I had no spiritual hunger or thirst, no apparent need.  I was critical of the way things were explained so I dismissed the truth.  I have given people my attention with no expectation of receiving anything because I was not open.  And yet God many times quickened me despite my dullness to receive and utilise wisdom of great value from unexpected sources.  There are millionaires who drive old cars and wear faded denim, and no one would suspect they own great wealth.  In a similar way I have also observed people who were not learned or polished speakers share the rich truths of the kingdom of God which are beyond price.

The beggar could have paid John and Peter no mind, by trade being fishermen from Galilee.  They were not dressed like the pope or bishops with rich robes or princely headgear but looked like ordinary men with calloused hands, worn clothes, and dirty feet.  Yet the beggar expected to receive something from them because they stopped and personally addressed him, and it was not long before he received physical healing in the name of Jesus Christ with joy and gladness.  The lame man expected to receive something, and what he received was not what he could have expected.  So it is with us before God:  let us humbly come to Him and read His Word, expecting to receive something - not on the lookout to confirm our bias or meet our demands - because we know God knows our needs and will supply all according to the riches of His grace.  Are you willing to receive what God supplies when it isn't what you asked for, even from an unexpected source?

The Oil Spill

It is the most simple, basic aspects of Christianity - like actually trusting God in all circumstances - which provide a constant challenge and confront followers of Jesus on the deepest levels.  We born-again Christians remain in corruptible bodies of flesh in a world of sin with Satan firing flaming arrows at us.  Trials and tribulations, pains and troubles constantly work to rob us of peace only faith in Jesus brings.  The cumulative weight of the cares we carry can unknowingly overwhelm and threaten to overcome those who are overcomers through Jesus.  It is only by the grace of God we can be strong in the power of His might and having done all to stand.  He provides perspective which lifts our eyes above our enemy the devil, the inner turmoil, and circumstances to fix our focus on Jesus Christ.

Last week after my eldest son returned home from school he said, "Dad, you have to take a look at my car."  This did not sound good, and though I figured I was ready for anything I was a bit shocked by what I saw:  a massive pool of oil ran from underneath the engine block of his car into the road.  To say the car was "leaking" was an understatement.  The car was haemorrhaging litres of oil from a place I could not pinpoint, and after mopping up what we could even jacking up the car shed no light on the exact source.  "I noticed a little oil at the station but didn't think anything of it," Zed told me.  I was grateful he only needed to drive a short distance or without a doubt the engine would have seized from lack of oil as the dipstick was dry.  During the week my son contacted roadside assist to have it towed to a local mechanic where the car remains.

Because the car is in the shop I have made some extra trips to the nearby train station when Zed needs a ride.  Much to our amazement, there was not only one trail of oil but two - one trail leaving our house and one returning!  I felt a bit like I had witnessed a miracle involving oil like Elisha and the widow in 2 Kings 4.  After her husband died she was left with debts and no money to pay.  The creditors were coming to take away her sons to be slaves unless she somehow paid the debt.  All she had in the home was a small vessel of oil.  Elisha told her to gather all the vessels she could, then shut the door, and pour from her vessel into the other vessels to sell.  Miraculously the oil from her small vessel was multiplied to fill all the vessels they had gathered.  The oil was sold and the debt was paid.

It is a strange thing to glorify God over a dirty trail of motor oil, but even in the breakdown of the vehicle God's grace is evident:  the engine did not seize, the leak is repairable, and Zed has the money to fix the car.  The situation reminds me how things can always be worse, and with God's help even trails and obstacles can be redeemed for good and His glory.  Even if the car had been a write-off, God's goodness, grace, and provision would have been revealed to those who trust and look to Him.  A person could look at those oil trails and curse the dealer which sold them a lemon, or with eyes of faith we see God's protection and help.  When an engine fails and the oil spills, God knows about it.  When you are afraid or alone and the tears flow, God sees those too.  He realises the depth of your grief and worry.  Do not fear, beloved of the LORD, for He sees, heals, and restores lives.  If He cares about a leaky old car (and its young owner), He most certainly cares much more about you.

The Good Old Way Makes New

The ceiling in our garage has slowly degraded over the years, largely a result of failed adhesive and lack of nails to hold it.  Thankfully shoring up the sides with blocks of wood has kept the sagging Gyprock from falling down on top of our car and property.  It isn't only my garage where I have seen this same method of hanging plasterboard fail, but in other homes.  Had I been the one who installed the ceiling using that adhesive and nailing technique, without a doubt I would have changed my approach going forward.  Obviously the adhesive was not suitable for Australian conditions, and to continue to use the failed technique would court future disaster.

The thought occurred to me how this circumspect approach to building could be wrongly applied to Christian ministry.  As builders use quality products for a predictably durable finish, so Christian ministers seek to teach sound biblical doctrine and make disciples of Jesus Christ.  The challenge comes when scriptural approaches seem to be ineffective at producing desired results or fail.  One might think, "This isn't working.  What seems to be working for other people?  What is a new method or program I can employ which will guarantee quick and good results?"  But building the church isn't at all like building a house.  People are not at all like structures nailed and secured into place without a will of their own.  And let us not forget the enemy Satan is a liar, thief, and destroyer, a saboteur who tirelessly works to undermine the truth of God's truth.

Perhaps it is better to look at Christian ministry as physical therapy for those who bodies are broken, in a spiritual sense doctors and dietitians for those who struggle with addictions, gluttony, and physical conditions.  Whilst on earth we dwell in these bodies of flesh, and some of us deal with arthritis, diabetes, and depression which can have a genetic origin.  Others continue to be confronted with decisions of their past like complications of alcoholism or troublesome relationships.  We come to Christ broken, and though He heals us spiritually we continue to live in a broken world with failing bodies.  It is not that Jesus is powerless to save, but sometimes we do not trust or obey Him.  The problem is not that the Bible is flawed:  we are.  The spiritual reality of the new birth transcends our old life and ageing bodies, but we are still living down here on earth in them when an enemy who seeks to destroy us.

Satan would love for us to be discouraged and give up in the face of our struggles.  He wants us to turn from God and His Word in bitter disappointment because only the almighty God is the source of true hope and salvation.  Only God can deliver us from the power of Satan and redeem us for God's glory, and Satan has seen this too many times for his liking.  But there are many more fish in the sea, many more wavering Christians who, in light of their own failings, could be duped into thinking the problem is in God.  Chicken Little thought the sky was falling because a small apple dropped onto her head, and we can run around in a panic trying to fix the world, people, or ourselves when God has said, "Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD.  Be strong and courageous:  have I not commanded you?  I will never leave you or forsake you."  Will we trust Him when we are afraid, fearful, weak and alone?  Will we go to His Word for nourishment rather than the equivalent of an alcoholic drinking away his sorrows, a glutton finding solace in food, or a diabetic gorging on sugar?  God and His Word and even the devil often isn't the issue, but it's us.

What refreshment, salvation, and hope is in our God and in the truth of His Word!  Don't let your feelings, physical conditions, past failures, or the devil tell you any different.  Let us praise the name of the LORD on high who heals us, sees us, and provides abundant, eternal life through Jesus Christ.  The God who created the earth says, "I make all things new."  New techniques or approaches are not needed by the God who provides the good old path to salvation through faith in God.  2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."

The Blessing of Blessing

I was reminded this morning of God's word to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:17:  "You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you."  When we are in physical danger, realise we are powerless, and don't know what to do, our natural tendency is not to stand still.  Fear causes our minds to go in hundreds of directions, worries and cares plague us, and we forget the almighty God is with us.  In his distress King Jehoshaphat prayed to the LORD, and God responded with clarity and calm.  This most tumultuous time during the reign was to provide a great blessing.

King Jehoshaphat and the people rejoiced at the promise from God, though powerful enemies camped outside the city.  Their position was one of praise and thanksgiving, as 2 Chronicles 20:18-19 relates:  "And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem bowed before the LORD, worshipping the LORD. ¹⁹ Then the Levites of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with voices loud and high."  I wonder if the enemies of Israel could hear the voices and songs of praise rising from inside the walls of Jerusalem, from people who were outgunned and helpless?  They were not without hope because they trusted in God.

The next day God fought for His people according to His promise as wrought a miraculous victory.  The text says the people of Judah spent three whole days gathering the spoil from the slain because it was so abundant.  The point emphasised to me during my Bible reading this morning is found in 2 Chronicles 20:26:  "And on the fourth day they assembled in the Valley of Berachah, for there they blessed the LORD; therefore the name of that place was called The Valley of Berachah until this day."  The people went to the place where God fought for and saved His people, the valley where their enemies were slain, and where they spoiled those who came against them.  We might imagine the people called the place the Valley of Berachah because of the blessings God provided them, but that is not why:  the text states they called it the Valley of Berachah (blessing) because that is where they blessed the LORD.

Have you considered what a wondrous blessing it is to bless the LORD?  These were people who were only a day from death, yet God was with them and saved them with a mighty hand.  They were divinely enabled to stand where their enemies gathered against them and bless the LORD because He lives and spared their lives.  The destruction of enemies, wealth gained by spoil, and the prolonging of life were all temporary, but the blessing of the eternal God is forever.  What joy it brought to the hearts of God's people!  What fear came upon the neighbouring nations when they heard God fought for Israel!  What peace the people enjoyed in the land because God was with them.  David wrote in Psalm 34:1-2, "I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. ² My soul shall make its boast in the LORD; the humble shall hear of it and be glad."

Everyone wants a blessing, right?  We all desire good things from God.  What do you know of the blessing of blessing God, of praise, worship, and bold proclamation of His greatness?  Many enemies will come against us, and even some from within the city walls.  But through faith in God as our eyes are fixed upon Him, the battlefield can become a place of blessing because God saves and gives eternal life to those who bless His holy name.  Let's praise God for the blessing of blessing:  because He lives, we will live to praise and rejoice in Him.

Chalk and Cheese

"The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; and he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?" says the LORD. ²⁹ "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD, "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?"

Jeremiah 23:28-29

There's a saying used in Australia to contrast two very different things:  "That's different as chalk and cheese!"  At a distance one might say they look similar, but a closer inspection reveals they are nothing alike.  Chalk is a form of limestone from the calcified remains of shells or algae.  Chalk has many practical uses, but is far from cheese which is edible and delicious.  They feel different when scratched with a fingernail.  The composition of chalk and cheese is a stark contrast.  If a simpleton wasn't sure which one was chalk or cheese, a simple bite test would quickly put an end to all doubt.

God revealed to the prophet Jeremiah the dreams of prophets with their fanciful interpretations and His word were as different as chalk and cheese, chaff to the wheat.  Chaff is the worthless husk threshed from the kernel which contains all the nutrients of grain.  After grain was harvested and threshed, tossing it in the breeze carried away the chaff and all that remained was wholesome food.  In Jeremiah's day there were a lot of people quite infatuated with sharing their dreams with others, claiming to have a "word" from the LORD.  It seems a majority of the time these supposed divine messages appealed to the desires of people and were contrary to God's revealed truth.  The people preferred a diet of chaff over the spiritual nutrition of God's word, but God told all who had His Word to keep speaking it faithfully regardless.  No matter how much chaff was blowing around, God's Word remained good and healthy.

God compared His Word to a fire no chaff could withstand:  in seconds a great amount of chaff would be turned to ash and blown away.  God had pronounced judgment on Jerusalem, and no amount of dreaming or interpretations would change the facts.  In due time the truth of what Jeremiah spoke would be made plain, though it was nearly rejected by all who heard it.  God said His Word was like a hammer which breaks the rock in pieces.  A hard rock can be broken by a well-directed stroke from a hammer, and God's Word is spiritual truth which shatters deceit and lies.  The rock has no means of defence as it rests in position held fast by gravity and dirt.  God's Word is active and powerful, sharper than a two-edged sword which pierces hearts and reveals motives (Heb. 4:12).

If as person started a diet which consisted solely of chaff, they might be very pleased with the initial weight loss.  But before too long fatigue would set in, gnawing hunger, and unless nutritious food was eaten the body would waste away until death.  At the onset a new diet of dreams, visions, and interpretations today may be interesting and initially seem to be garnering the desired results, but like fad diets there can be a dangerous downside.  Metabolife was the rage in the States in the 90's until it was discovered the ephedra-based supplement was causing illness and many deaths.  Even as it is important to discern what is in the supplements or food we ingest, it is critical we never depart from the wholesome and powerful Word of God to sustain and guide us.  Chaff shouldn't be on the menu.  With wisdom granted by the Holy Spirit, we can know God and His Word.

God had strong words for prophets who stole His words to use as a springboard for their opinions in Jeremiah 23:30-32:  "Therefore behold, I am against the prophets," says the LORD, "who steal My words every one from his neighbour. ³¹ Behold, I am against the prophets," says the LORD, "who use their tongues and say, 'He says.' ³² Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams," says the LORD, "and tell them, and cause My people to err by their lies and by their recklessness. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all," says the LORD."  There were self-proclaimed prophets in Jeremiah's day, and there are many today as well who exhibit lies and recklessness in the handling of God's Word.  Their chaff can be eaten but men will not prosper thereby:  it is God's Word which leads a person to Christ and establishes us in the true faith.  Man's word and God's Word are more different than chalk and cheese.

Jesus is the Man (and infinitely more!)

I have seen the fruit of repeated failures turn out to be sweet success.  Many times professional athletes and teams fall short before they win the big game.  Failure is no guarantee teams that earn a trip to the finals every year will win when the season hangs in the balance.  Every person on the planet plays for stakes far higher than million dollar contracts and grand final winning immortality:  will we live a life pleasing to God?  If our souls are weighed in the balances by the almighty God and Judge of all the earth, will they be found wanting?

The awesome thing about the walk of faith in Jesus Christ is the redemptive value He brings to even our failures.  He perceives flaws in us we cannot see and works wonderfully to bring us to a place of recognition and repentance.  I was reminded recently how I went for an interview (and subsequently was told I was the front-runner) but quick out of the gate didn't mean finishing first.  It was a painful blow to learn the senior pastor position and visa I desired was offered to another despite my best efforts.  Looking back I can see with clarity I had begun to imagine myself suitable and capable for a work I could never accomplish.  The lesson didn't even look like a lesson at the time because of the sting.  But God brought it to a gracious and marvellous conclusion when months later the offer was made to me.  Having been humbled by the LORD, the final step of necessary preparation was done.

In the exuberance of my youth I remember saying to God, "I want to be a catalyst for you!"  His response was swift and clear:  "You're nothing but a hindrance to me."  And He was absolutely right and remains so.  In my flesh dwells no good thing, and if there is any quality fruit from my life it is His doing.  2 Corinthians 4:5-7 says, "For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus' sake. ⁶ For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ⁷ But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us."  What a miracle that God would dwell within sinners He has made saints by grace through faith.  We cannot do the first of God's works to live in the way that pleases Him by our best efforts, but He sanctifies us as we follow Jesus.

I was in darkness - I was darkness (Ephesians 5:8) - but inside me the Light of the World shines.  One could say failure has led to some of my greatest successes, but the reality is not one "success" is mine:  every victory belongs to Jesus Christ my LORD and Saviour.  Even if I never was offered the job, it still would have been a lesson learned greater than money could buy because I was made more fit for the Master's use.  At times I have been deceived to think I was "the man," but Jesus is and will ever be.

Unexpected Love

Years ago when I worked at a church in the States as I unlocked the front door of the building I was accosted by a man who demanded money:  "Hey, give me five bucks."  When I declined, his demeanour became more aggressive and said something like, "This is a church, man!  And you say you love and care about people?"  Apparently I wasn't the soft target he was expecting, and I was not about to cave to a guilt trip because I didn't respond how he wanted.  In fact, it was because I cared about him I was not going to give him money to enable his addictions or embolden him to panhandle at our premises.  Love doesn't always look like we think it should.

Recently I read about when Jesus received word his beloved friend Lazarus was sick.  His  condition was dire enough to prompt his sisters to urgently send word to Jesus so He might come and heal him.  John 11:4-6 says, "When Jesus heard that, He said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God may be glorified through it." ⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. ⁶ So, when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was."  Now this was unexpected!  The penman John stressed Jesus loved not only Lazarus but his sisters Mary and Martha too because the actions of Jesus were not what we might expect from someone who cared.  We might think one could safely assume if Jesus really loved Lazarus He would drop everything to be by His side.  But God's love is revealed in unexpected ways, by waiting when we believe urgency is required, by seemingly ignoring the plight of His close friend as he lay dying.

God's love is manifested more by meeting deepest needs than in doing what we think He should.  By allowing Lazarus to die Jesus would bring many more to eternal salvation by the revelation of His deity through miraculously resurrecting he who was dead and buried four days!  I expect if you had spoken to Mary before Lazarus was raised from the dead she genuinely wondered if Jesus loved them or not.  When she heard he was coming to town, she didn't even bother to go out and greet Him so great was her grief.  After she met with Jesus His love was unexpectedly shown when he wept at the tomb of his friend.  We might have expected Jesus to be cavalier or smug knowing in minutes Lazarus at His word would emerge from the tomb wrapped in grave clothes in the presence of many witnesses.  Again, the scope of God's love reaches beyond our assumptions or expectations.

John 11:45 proves the eternal fruitfulness of Christ's love and power:  "Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him."  Had Jesus done what Martha and Mary hoped, Lazarus would have been healed and out of danger of death.  They would have confirmed in their minds Jesus is indeed a handy fellow to have around in times of trouble, a personal super-medic to call on when a family member or friend was ill - not the Resurrection and the Life!  Jesus demonstrated His love by tarrying, and He tarries today at times as well.  His tarrying may not be for a couple days but for weeks, months, and years so "the Son of God may be glorified through it."  He knows exactly what He will do and accomplish through times when we wonder if God is hearing our cries or not.  "That's fine for you to say when you aren't the one hurting or having to wait," you might say.  Fair enough, but consider how Jesus demonstrated His love by dying on the cross for the sins of wicked men:  no disciple of Jesus saw that coming, but we all rejoice in it.  He was willing to suffer pain and grief for us, and we should marvel at the fruitfulness of His sacrifice and the benefits we have received.

May the reality of God's great love towards us be established in our hearts and minds by faith regardless of our circumstances, choosing to trust and look to Jesus.  His everlasting love is infinitely greater than our thoughts, assumptions, or imagination.  His love may be unexpected but it is good and never fails.

Obedience in Faith

"The word which came to Jeremiah from the LORD, saying: ² "Arise and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear My words." ³ Then I went down to the potter's house, and there he was, making something at the wheel."

Jeremiah 18:1-3

God isn't into what I would call "efficiency," but He is big on obedience in faith.  Does it seem strange to you God didn't just tell what in the first place what He intended to say?  But this perspective might be borne out of our impatient and slothful mindset where convenience is king.  It was not a question of God knowing what to say, but obedience from Jeremiah the prophet was required to hear more.

I imagine we would be excited to tell others in light of Divine revelation, "God spoke to me!  He told me where to go!"  We would feel pretty special to hear from God, but for many people it ends right there.  God speaking is a key component of our relationship with Him, but we are then responsible to take action to do what He says.  In Jeremiah's case, rising and going to the potter's house was a key to hearing God's Words.  Jeremiah did not delay in obeying God's directive and went straight away.

As Jeremiah watched the potter throw clay on the wheel, God used the skilled hands of the potter to illustrate concerning God's power to shape the nation of Israel as He desired.  The point I am led to linger over is how important it is to hear and obey what God says.  I wonder how many times I missed out on the message God intended me to hear because I was not willing to rise up and in obedience go where He led me!  Now there are times I physically went to a specific location because I thought God wanted me to and I candidly say nothing happened.  But it is better to err on the side of faith by doing what we believe God to be telling us rather than allowing doubt to dictate.

How can I know God is speaking? some might ask.  I honestly don't know how God will speak to you, but I have no doubt the almighty God who created mouths to speak, ears to hear, minds to comprehend, and hearts to feel is perfectly capable to communicate with His individual subjects.  There is no need to complicate the matter, for God gave infants the ability to communicate with those who love them though they know not a word - and how He loves us.  I am grateful for God giving us the Bible where God speaks continually, and not on a pre-recorded loop because the Holy Spirit dwells in our hearts leading us into all truth.  The question is not "Does God speak?" but will we listen and obey because we trust Him?