Knowing the Father (Part 2)
He Teaches Us
“But I don’t want to stay home from school!”
Did you ever say that as a child? Maybe not, but I was one of those geeky kids who loved school and had to be forced to stay home when I was sick. Sometimes, even when under the weather, I would still attempt to go to my classes, only to be sent home later in the day. Awwww.
I haven’t changed, and my favorite place of discovery is the Bible. The Word of God is more than a history book like some believe. It is “alive and active, sharper than a double-edged sword,” (Hebrews 4:12) and teaches us how to live on a daily basis. The Bible contains everything we need to be a survivor in a topsy-turvy world. It is our lifeline—the spiritual food that sustains us. So in today’s blog, let’s enter God’s classroom and do a quick tour of some of the subjects in our heavenly Father’s curriculum.
He wants to teach us His ways. I made a lot of mistakes in my younger years when my nose wasn’t buried in the Bible. Because I wasn’t connected to the Word, I didn’t educate myself about God’s boundaries and laws, equipping me to live a more righteous life. Knowing what I know now, I’d love to have a do-over, but that’s not possible. Instead God’s amazing grace covers my sin, and through the knowledge I now possess as a result of daily study, I will be held more accountable. In Psalm 119:11 it says we should hide what we learn from God’s Word in our hearts so we won’t sin against Him. Psalm 119:66 assures us that studying God’s word will give us knowledge and good judgment so that we make the right decisions.
He wants to teach us what’s true and negate lies of the enemy. What are some of the lies you speak to yourself? Here are mine: “You’re not pretty enough.” “You’re not loved.” “You’re a has-been.” However, because I know the Word of God, I am assured that I am created in God’s image, so I am beautiful in His eyes. God promises that He loves me with an unfailing love, and even though I have not achieved the same “success” in a ministry career as I did in my television career, I am confident that God has me right where He wants me because He is in control of my life. When the Devil tempted Jesus in the desert, Jesus came up with the antidote to Satan’s lies—truths from scripture, and through the Word, counteracted all the enemy’s claims. A good prayer to remember is Psalm 25:5: “Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”
He wants to teach us what to say in difficult situations. Nehemiah provides a great example of this truth. He was the King of Persia’s royal cupbearer, yet he had been summoned by fellow Israelites to return home and take a temporary job as superintendent over the building of the wall around Jerusalem. It had been destroyed during the Babylonian siege and subsequent exile. He prayed fervently before asking the king for a leave of absence, because such a request could result in death. He even prayed in the middle of his conversation with the king. (Nehemiah 2:4) The king not only allowed Nehemiah to return home, he also provided extra provisions for the journey. When Jesus was giving instructions to the disciples, he said, “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach at that time what you will say” (Luke 12:12).
He wants to teach us revelatory things. When I start my morning quiet time, I often say, “Lord, show me something I haven’t seen before.” Jeremiah 3:33 says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Our heavenly Father wants to stretch us and expand our horizon concerning our knowledge of Him. I have received many prophetic words from people and believe prophecy is still alive and well. God will use others or hand us a direct word if we ask him. In seminary I learned that the way you can determine if a prophet is real is if his/her prophecy comes true. In 1 Corinthians 14:1, the Apostle Paul said we should desire the spiritual gift of prophecy.
God is our Teacher. Let’s think a little deeper. Who taught the cows to eat grass? Who taught the wild goats to live in the mountains? How do birds know how to make a nest? God is also a teacher of creation. In our case, how do we know to work? God created work. (Psalm 104) Meanwhile, to learn more, His Word contains bountiful treasure if we dig deep daily. If we stay connected to our Father through prayer, the Holy Spirit will provide guidance and revelation that could only come from God. What are you waiting for? It’s time to delve into higher education.
As Christians, God’s laws are also inscribed on our hearts, but we have to listen for those heavenly warnings when we’re about to make a wrong move.
He wants to teach us how to do his will. (Psalm 143:10) (John 14:26) I have hidden your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)