Faith: Knowing God

Knowing God In Jesus
 
"Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1).

For the last year I've been wrestling with faith issues and truly want to understand why some prayers seem to have no power and appear to go nowhere (1 Corinthians 2:4). I want to grow in faith, but more than that, I want to pray what Jesus is praying (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25), to pray His will so that I join Him in praying for His spiritual reality. I want to make room for Jesus to grow his faith in my spirit.
 
My mother gave me an assurance that "God is". This God is the God of the Bible whose Son Jesus came that first Christmas to save all the people; He was born far across the sea in the Northern Hemisphere, and long before even my Grandpop was a boy. I was then a child and do not remember more than this. For decades both God and Jesus were beyond my tangible knowing. Even so, I believe that I have never doubted these essential truths.
 
Francis Schaeffer wrote about this same God as "the God who is there"; now that I'm older I can truly grasp this concept. My God is "there", and also here, in my heart.
 
I believe that we can know God and believe, and that this builds our faith and makes it possible for us to "see" in our spirit "things not seen" by our physical senses. Things God shows us, through Jesus, by His holy Spirit.
 
Today our faith seems to be a fight, a daily conflict, a wrestle. So much of the world wants to undermine our faith. Friends send me conspiracy stuff; sadly these seem to be about proven facts rather than imaginings or trouble-in-the-making, not "just theories". What are we to make of all that is happening to our lives in our world?
 
"We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.  And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life" (1 John 5:19-20).
 
Praise Jesus who is always for us, otherwise we would be swept away in fear and despair like so many of our neighbours (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).
 
Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith sees what is "unseen". Faith sees God's reality, hidden from our physical eyes (Job 10:4).
 
"Blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear" (Matthew 13:16). Yes, our heart and our spirit can "know". This is the faith Jesus wants for us; that we stand firm because we know Him (John 17:3).
 
Knowing God in Prayer
 
Prayer is a profound gateway to the spiritual world; "God is spirit" (John 4:24; 1 Corinthians 2:12; 2 Corinthians 5:5). Prayer is spiritual. And remember, God commands us to pray:
 
"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
 
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
 
Many Christians say they find prayer difficult, even elusive? I learned to pray by praying, also by attending prayer meetings - people there are intercessors, they were kind and happy to help, especially when asked.
 
Often I pray Bible verses, or themes of Scripture; I will have a concern and find a similar situation in my Bible, this makes a great starting point. But mostly I pray briefly, as thoughts, troubles, hopes or joys come to mind, (so not structured or formal). This is how Trish and I will chat when we have a day together - so I talk with Jesus. We Christians are always together with Him (Matthew 28:20). This is true fellowship, and I get to know our Saviour Lord. In the early days I didn’t say much, I listened and prayed along silently. Lots of "amen".
 
Prayer is a gateway to intimacy with Jesus - prayer, and making time, asking Jesus to be with us as we wait on Him. So precious, I find this to be life changing.
 
"you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul" (Deuteronomy 4:29).
 
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him" (Hebrews 11:6).
 
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart"  (Jeremiah 29:13).
 
Knowing God in Truth
 
Our God is real and alive, we know Jesus who is "the fullness of Him [our God of all creation] who is all in all" (1 Corinthians 15:28; Ephesians 1:17).
 
We read about Jesus in our Bibles, hear about Him from teachers, preachers, friends and so many testimonies of His glorious work in people's lives, even now, in our time, right here where we are. Even now Jusus is acknowledged by serious historians. 
 

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose" (Philippians 2:13).
 
The "armour of God" includes an offensive weapon - our sword - the Word of God - the "sword of the Spirit" and this is Jesus Himself being present to us (Luke 11:28; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12). We always have Jesus in us (John 14:17, 14:20, 15:4), and with us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Matthew 28:20). He is the "Word" of God able to "to divide soul and spirit, joints and marrow" (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus is truth (John 1:14).
 
Knowing God In His Word
 
Mark 11:22: "Jesus answered them, 'have faith of God'". Our modern English Bibles read "have faith in God", but the original Greek of this verse has "of", meaning, "have God-like faith", or (essentially) "have My certainty"! This is my desire.
 
This is key for us Christians - we are "people of faith" (Colossians 1:4). I've been pondering faith for years; many authors and teachers have helped in my (still limited) understanding.
 
"Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Hearing Jesus' Gospel is key, the "good news" that a Saviour has come to redeem the people (Luke 1:68). More than our salvation, Jesus by His Holy Spirit will grow us (present tense continuous) "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). Father God knows that we will be a "radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" when it is time to marry our bridegroom, Jesus, a great mystery (Ephesians 5:27).
 
We "hear" through Jesus' own Word in our Bibles, from Christian teaching and also from testimony - testimony from our own life or ministry, or from another close to us, or from Hudson Taylor or William Wilberforce or Billy Graham, or King David or Saul/Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6).
 
Ephesians 6:10-19 tells us what to look for in times like ours, and something of how we are to be, Jesus wants us to be able to "stand". He wants us to see that He knows about our situation and that He is present with us to shield us and come to our aid, to bring us His "shalom" (John 14:27): "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).
 
We need Jesus to help us in our faith. Our Jesus is "Lord of all" (Acts 10:36, 17:24); He has given us "authority" (Matthew 10:1) and "power" (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
 
This is where, I believe, faith comes from. Because we have come to "know" our God, "We are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul [and our shalom, our integrity, our ability to love]" (Hebrews 10:39).
 
Faith is linked with perseverance, and also with suffering:
"Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring" (2 Thessalonians 1:4). 
 

"The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever" (Psalm 121:7-8). We can believe these words, even when things are hard. People who survived the WWII concentration camps and the Russian gulags lived the truth of this verse even when they were in such peril. Many of Jesus’ "twelve" were killed horribly, yet they were able to remain true to Him. Jesus asks us to cling to Him, to hold and to stand to the end.
 
Jesus has given us His "authority" (Matthew 28:18-20). We sing "demons will have to flee", these are true words. When we believe that our authority is as Jesus describes it, we will see faith at work. We will be aligned with Him. We will have responded to what we know to be true, demons will flee.
 
"Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:3-4).
 
Again and again our Bibles assure us that we can rely on our God of all Creation; to me this is the "substance", the very "proof" of faith; we have something which, as Christians, we can "know" and thus "see" in our spirit; our spiritual eyes have been empowered by Jesus' Holy Spirit, by His Word. This is an essential element of the New Covenant where we are brought inside God's Kingdom as sons and daughters (1 John 3:1).
 
This inside-ness is the focus of PsalmsOfJohn post "Inside Out" of June, 2019
• Permalink https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2019/06/inside-out.html
 
"For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Peter 1:5-8).
 
"Jesus answered him, 'Do not fear; only believe'" (Mark 5:36; Luke 8:50).
 
At Bible College we were taught to ask: "what does the Bible text say?" These verses are so clear, so simple, right? But often not easy to do.
 
Knowing God In Testimony - Here And Now, Effective In People's Lives
 
We find that God is faithful; many times our Bibles assure us of this. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).
 
These wise words continue: "It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones" (Proverbs 3:8). Don’t we all long for "healing" and "refreshment"? This is a promise, not a suggestion.
 
"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23). It is God's faithfulness (Romans 3:3), our belief leads us to faith in Him, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, remembering that Jesus is the centre and the fullness of God (Colossians 1:15-20).
 
"Jesus answered them, 'This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent'" (John 6:29).
 
I will see someone in need and know to pray, know the words to pray, and know that the person will be healed (or their heart or their circumstances made right), they will be (or begin the journey to be) set free. My spiritual eyes see what God sees (Proverbs 15:3), the Kingdom of Heaven comes near (Luke 10:9, 21:31), and the physical world responds as it must. This is sovereign, God is at work (John 5:17). Our Lord Jesus always leads in these encounters, my compassion or desire to help or the fervency of my prayers does not bring them about; it is Jesus. 

Then the "confidence", "confirmation", "conviction", "evidence", "assurance", "proof", "substance", is clear to me, I see clearly and pray. I am confident that I am in the will of God (Romans 8:27), even that I have "the mind of Christ" (1 Corinthians 2:16). Just think about this: me, a mortal man, often distracted, faulty and weak (2 Corinthians 11:29), being so gifted, so able, even for a moment! You too. This is for every Christian.
 
Jesus drew me to Himself - to me this was the ultimate revealing of Himself. Jesus took a grip on my arm and pulled me in to Himself in love; this was physical – I truly felt His grip on my arm, and His drawing me against His breast. A miracle. Finally He had broken through all my fears and doubts and mistrust.
 
This is one view of my faith. Jesus' touch. Certain knowledge. Unshakeable. There is a sweet song: "To get a touch from the Lord is so real", so true.
 
I learned that this God that my mother knew is faithful before I had a personal "knowing" of Him or of Jesus. He gave me a miraculous healing. I had no faith, yet Jesus revealed Himself to me by saving me from lung cancer. After Christians prayed I felt God's hand reaching into my lungs and drawing out all the black gunk and damage from years of heavy smoking. I felt His touch, His fingers working, all the harm being drawn out. I knew then that I will never have lung cancer. This was from Trish's faith, thank you Jesus for your obedient people.
 
This story is told in post "My Lungs: T2"  from May 2010. I have tears in my eyes as I remember.
• Permalink https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2010/05/t02-my-lungs.html
 
I know that Jesus is, I remember His physical presence. Sometimes I see Him, He will be looking at me: I have His attention, He smiles. He often speaks to me, clearly so that I cannot doubt.
 
Our Bibles explain this in the lives of many godly people who have gone before us: "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2). We look at these witnesses' lives and take heart from them.
 
Heroes
 
I believe that my experiences are normal for Christians. I have sat under the teaching of John G. Lake who prayed for thousands of people who were healed; he believed that his understanding, and his gifts, were completely normal as told in the Bible; he is one of many who can be found in Christian literature. My experiences and testimonies are similar but smaller, and less frequent.
 
It was the teaching of John Lake which led me to pray about, and then embark on "30 Days In Jesus' Hands", one of the most profound and love-filled times of my life. John Lake, my Christian hero, taught me scriptural truths in a way I could understand.
 
• For my testimony of this season of Jesus' love, kindness and power, search "Jesus Hands" or "In Jesus' Hands" in PsalmsOfJohn.com. Jesus heals; He encourages and He heals.
 
Those heroes of faith commended in Hebrews 12:1 were people of action; they pushed ahead into what their spiritual eyes saw; they were not content to simply know what Jesus was thinking or planning, but trusting that they knew God, they obeyed and moved forward, often before they could see physical doors opening. In the events we read about, the doors did open. They are heroes to us because so many miracles came from their lives and their belief, their faith, and so many were helped.
 

Our God is very big and nothing is beyond his reach. Jesus wants all His disciples to minister in His name, all of us who receive the living Word of God (Matthew 10:8), thus bringing God’s love and power to people in need.
 
With the blind man (John 9:6), Jesus knew before He made the mud and smeared it on his eyes that God was healing him and he would see.
 
George Muller could see, before he asked the hundreds of orphan children to sit down for breakfast, that someone was bringing the food they would eat, and would soon be at their door. He "saw" through his certain knowing that God's Word is true (Luke 12:22, 30).
 
George Müller is another hero. He never asked people for money or let anyone but our God of Heaven know his needs. Gifts of many kinds came for his work as they were needed, God provided in ways we find amazing; Müller saw the physical reality conforming to God's Word Jesus. He built and ran orphanages, brought thousands to Jesus, and gave away Bibles, scholarships and money. He said he simply trusted God to do what He said in His Word.
 
John G. Lake knew the Bible; to him God's Word was perfectly clear - Jesus came to heal the sick, the demonized, (the mentally ill), and the brokenhearted, to set people free (Isaiah 61:1-3; Matthew 10:8a). Jesus expects us to continue this work now (Matthew 10:8b). He has gone to Heaven to rule and reign with Father God. John Lake knew Jesus, the Word of God, and knew that He is true (John 1:14).
 
Are these men all exceptional? I think so. I used to worry that my faith seemed so small beside theirs. Then I thought about Edmund Hillary and Roger Bannister, I was 11 years old when Hillary (also from New Zealand) climbed the worlds highest mountain, Mt Everest, in the Himalayas, and was 12 when Roger Bannister, an English medical student, first ran the sub-four-minute mile.
 
Like Edmund Hillary, I love the mountains and spent months in the Himalayas; I was so thrilled to climb a peak of 16,500 feet (5030 metres), much less than Everest - my mountain did not even have its own name. From that peak I could see Everest, magnificent in the distance, with many other snow-capped mountains all around. The same thing with running, rowing, basketball and so much else; I loved to participate but was never exceptional. I am simply me. Don't we all like to achieve? But we do well only at some things, and then not always. Only a few people truly excel and are newsworthy. But we can all do our best (Colossians 3:23), especially in our availability to Jesus (Isaiah 6:8), and in our obedience to Him (1 Peter 1:1-2; Philippians 4:9).
 
We celebrate George Muller still, he said: "I live in the spirit of prayer; I pray as I walk, when I lie down, and when I rise up" and "faithfulness is not only about belief but also persistent action".
 
This aligns with God's promise to His people: "I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people" (Leviticus 26:12) and Isaiah's understanding of the truth of this, even unto the New Covenant that we live under today: "for unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulders: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6).
 
Our Lord Jesus, "the mighty God", is "an everlasting Father" to us, who "provides" (Luke 12:22-24) and "heals" (Matthew 8:16) and "sets free" (Galatians 5:1). Thousands (millions?) of testimonies show all this to be true.
 
Can I stand as Paul commands? "So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you" (2 Thessalonians 2:15; Ephesians 6:13).
 
Some Conclusions 

I have come to see that having "faith" does not make us miracle workers, rather we grow into the assurance that "the God of all the earth shall do right" (Genesis 18:25). We believe that our God in Jesus is who He says He is. He is faithful and can be trusted. We do see miracles, things which cannot be explained in physical terms or by science; our Jesus intervenes by the power of His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:19-20). I can neither predict nor demand these, but I expect to participate with my Saviour Lord and rejoice with Him. I remember that Jesus did only what He saw His (now our) Father doing; praise Jesus that He asks us to "follow" Him (John 16:13; Matthew 4:19): "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8).
 
In spiritual conflicts, we can stand on Jesus' name and the Devil will have to "flee from you" (James 4:7), our faith together with His name is our "strong shield" (Psalm 140:7).
 
In our family we have had times of crisis and have known other times of achingly unanswered prayer with sickness, unemployment and other big troubles. My response is to cling ever tighter to Jesus (Acts 11:23; Hebrews 10:39). I have reported that "my faith became like bullet proof steel" and "my dependence on Jesus became radiant", even though things seemed mot to be improving. I know that I know my God and His faithfulness and I can fully trust Him. Jesus has faith enough for both of us, He is our source: "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17).
 
Praise Jesus, praise His name. Amen.
 
In June 2010 I posted "Jesus’ Faith in Me", It seems to me that today I am saying the same thing with different words:
• Permalink to web page
https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2010/06/jesus-faith-in-me.html
 
Praise Jesus our lovely Master, Teacher and Friend.
 
Favourites
 
(John 14:1, Jesus’ words)
"Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me".
 
(Philippians 1:6, Paul writing)
"[I am] confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in me will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ".
 
John Lake’s prayer:
"O God, our Father, let our lives be once and forever and for all be settled on the eternal rock, Christ Jesus, Lord God, where our lives shall stand".
 
Hallelujah. Amen.
 
Permalink to this post "Faith: Knowing God"
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Faith: Now Testimonies

Jesus lives. He said: "My Father is working until now, and I am working". Testimonies abound to the truth of these words.

 
"Therefore [Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:25).
 
In recent days our family have twice seen our God Jesus intervene with intensely personal and uplifting help.
 
Like people everywhere, those near to me all experience trouble and difficulty; my understanding is that every generation sees troubles. We all think that we are very up-to-date and doing things in the very best up-to-date way, yet life is not perfectly smooth.
 
Job's friend Eliphaz was clear: "Humankind is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward" (Job 5:7).
 
Jesus said: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).
 
When we see God's hand at work in our life we are encouraged. Our faith is affirmed and we know joy and peace. We find the strength to "press on" (Philippians 3:12).
 
 
Becky's and Chris's House - January 2026
 
Our youngest, Rebecca, married Christopher, then last May Sophie was born, she is now an 8 month old delight.
 

The couple have been looking for a house for some time. This is hard here because there is a severe housing shortage, more people are immigrating here than homes are being built. Prices have been rapidly rising. Even so, every "for sale" property is quickly snatched up.
 

Becky and Chris are "young" Christians but have been hearing Trish's and my testimonies for years. We told them about Jesus undertaking for us when we moved to the country; He answered our prayers and helped sell our city properties in a very depressed market. This enabled us to buy our beautiful country acres where so much of our family history was lived out.
• This story is in PsalmsOfJohn.com post "Our Lord Will":
https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2010/06/our-lord-will-t3.html
 
I remember saying something like: "You may feel that you don't know Jesus well enough to ask for such a big thing as a house, but He's always known you and He loves you and put you together into a family, so pray. Pray simple prayers, ask for what you need, give detail".
 
Well, last night we received a message, their offer on a lovely house in a sweet part of the city has been accepted. It is near a primary school. Becky added: "Hallelujah! Praise the Lord". They will move in April.
 
One of our family responded: "You've done the almost impossible at the moment". So true. Thank you Jesus who cares for us and answers prayer. Our faith is well placed in our faithful and loving God and Saviour. Amen.
 
 
An Old Man's Testimony of God's Goodness in Jesus - December 2025
 
Our time at camp down South in Busselton was especially precious this summer as it was my last camp in a tent.
 
We had a few days with just Trish and I, then Becky arrived with her Chris and baby Sophie, followed by Frank and his Anlia and Jude, Hamish, Ada and Elroy. We had such great family time, lots of children, love, hugs, bush walks, fun in the sea and great food. Wonderful.
 
Jesus gave us a beautiful testimony. As we were gathering our camp gear, food, books and everything, I could see that this camp was beyond the now older me. (Last year was tough but ok, now I am notably weaker, less stable, less flexible, with less stamina).
 
But by then it was too late to say "not going"; Trish and I have so much "base camp" stuff that everyone always relies on, and they have no capacity to bring it along with their own stuff.
 
So I prayed that Jesus would undertake for me, give me strength, energy and alertness for the gathering together, loading up, travel, unloading and set-up.
 
We pressed on with the thousand-and-one tasks we have done dozens of times. The loading went so very well, Everything fitted, my Hilux truck was full, the trailer was full, even with three kayaks. We set off. 

When we were about half-way there Trish asked how I was going. My reply: "I am being carried, Jesus is carrying me along, it is Isaiah 40:41. I am not tired, I have energy, the load is perfectly balanced and I am enjoying this drive through our beautiful Western Australian countryside". Jesus’ spiritual reality was impacting our physical world (Matthew 10:7).
 
We arrived, unloaded and set up. Two old timers doing these big jobs. It went so smoothly. We had to have rests from time to time, we had brought lunch and drinks and pressed on in peace and harmony. The sun and the heat were ok, we were stretched but fine.
 
By about 4:30 we had a camp, it was not complete but was nicely livable. Then a swim in the ocean and a cool drink as the sun set in the West. A simple pre-planned dinner. Early to bed. Glorious.
 
That day we lived Isaiah 40:41 - it was answered prayer: "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint".
 
Jesus was manifestly present with us and gave us everything we needed to have a day accomplishing what was beyond us but was needed. We were at peace in the knowledge that we were in Jesus' hands for the purposes of restoration after a very big year for Trish, and for beautiful fellowship with family.
 
Praise Jesus.
 
Over the two weeks of camping I lost more than two kilograms in weight. Once we were home I needed to rest. I finished and posted "Faith: How We See" which I have been working on for a while, otherwise I tried to not do much. Our hearts are full. My "last camp" was an array of glorious moments – now poignant heart memories.
 
Meanwhile Trish is settling into being retired. This summer she does not have to plan her preparation for next school year, but rather is thinking about visiting her brother in Melbourne and more.
 
Hallelujah, our world may be in a worsening mess but the Kingdom of God stands and is a glorious sanctuary for Jesus' people.
 
Amen.
 
 
Favourite Bible Verses
 
When Jesus first drew me to Himself I asked for a Bible for my birthday. Trish gave me an NIV, very new at that time. This is where it opened; that day Jesus spoke to me in a way I knew was for me, and have always remembered and valued. I am so grateful.
 

"Then Jesus said to his disciples: 'Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you - you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also'" (Luke 12:22-34).
 
Praise Jesus our Creator, Saviour, Sustainer, Rabbi, Lord and friend. Thank you. Amen.

Permalink:  https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2026/01/faith-now-testimonies.html

Faith: How We See

Seeing With the Eyes of Our Heart
 

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see" (Hebrews 11:1 NIV).

This is likely the best known Bible verse describing faith, the different English translations use different words in their effort to be true to the original Greek New Testament. I like the NIV because of its clarity, and also the Amplified because it speaks, then speaks again.
 
In essence, faith can be said to be our ability to believe. When a person has faith we say he or she believes.
 
"While all believers exercise faith to some extent, the 'gift of faith', (1 Corinthians 12:9a) is distinct: it is a special empowerment by the Holy Spirit enabling a person to believe that God will act, often in extraordinary ways" (Biblehub.com).
 
Some say that Peter spoke from a gift of faith (Acts 3:6) when he told the lame man to "get up and walk"; certainly, we see that a miracle occurred.
 
In my Christian walk I have been hugely blessed with experiences and testimonies. I have seen faith in action, both from my own ministry, and from others.
 
Trish and I were present when a man was restored to life after he had a heart attack during a Christian conference in our state capital. A doctor, present with us, told us that the man had died. Our conference leader declared how wrong it was that a life should be taken as we were together worshipping our God of all Creation, praying, singing and learning. When we prayed together, the man came back to life. An ambulance had arrived and was able to take the now-restored man to hospital. We were thrilled to see God's hand working amongst us.
 
Was this an instance of our combined faith bringing a miracle? Or, was it a "gift of faith" to our conference teacher (or an unknown "other") for the man's life? I do not know. Neither do I know how to distinguish between Christian’s saving faith and Holy Spirit gifts of faith. Or, did God arrange this as a present-day demonstration of His love, power and might (John 9:3), for us who were asking God by faith (John 14:14; 1 John 5:14)?
 
Praise Jesus that He leads us to pray as He wills, for His purposes. Faith is complicated, it seems to me. We can "know" faith from time to time, but I find it difficult to understand and explain - another of God's mysteries. God’s fullness is found in Jesus, and through Him, in us: "To the Lord's people, God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
 
"And in Christ you have been brought to fullness. [Jesus] is the head over every power and authority" (Colossians 2:10).
 
"His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness" (2 Peter 1:3). By faith we see our God working this out in our lives
 
My prayer: "Dear Jesus, I pray that what we are writing together is clear to others and helps them in their walk of faith with you. Amen"
 
Faith is about belief, our faith shows our ability to believe, it is about what we "know" in our inner person to be true, in our heart and in our spirit, and therefore, in our worldview.
 
"We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:18).
 
And about trust: "Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge" (Psalm 62:8)
 
My heart truths have their foundation in what I know to be true. I can trust our God whom I know as my Savior and Lord Jesus (John 1:16; Colossians 1:16-17) because of what I have seen and learned of Him and of His Creation in which I rejoice every day.
 
Jesus is always with us (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 60:19-20; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). When we are with a brother or sister, or spouse, or dear friend, we tend to communicate more-or-less continuously. It is no different with Jesus and us. Intimacy and friendship with Jesus (John 15:15) are part of our salvation and our "full life" (John 10:10) in Him under the New Covenant (Hebrews 8:6). Relationships like this grow trust, and from that, faith.
 
(Intimacy with Jesus - see PsalmsOfJohn.com post "Greatest Gift" 

• Permalink https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2010/05/t-01-greatest-gift.html
• Podcast link https://open.spotify.com/episode/1vKKkxPKv0you75hmF6zj4 )
 

At Bible college we encountered lots of new words, including "extant" which means "existing or remaining", especially in a literary or historical context (Oxford Dictionary). I know God to be eternally "extant". He calls Himself "I AM" (Exodus 3:14).
 
For me, this is the very foundation of faith. This God who is there is eternal and without measure, nothing is beyond Him. My Bible College studies included "systematic theology" with lots of big words which, all together, try to describe the vastness and lovingkindness and completeness and complexity of our God. Our teachers showed us that even all the big words were insufficient; the concepts are outside our human experience:
Infinite (without any limit). Immutable (never changing). Omnipotent (all powerful). Omniscient (all-knowing). Omnipresent (always everywhere).
Also loving, wise, creative, faithful, glorious and more.
 
God's bigness is a mystery (Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:12) we will only grasp when we go and live with Jesus in Heaven (John 14:2).
 
When I think about faith I ponder the Creation and God's attributes. I completely believe the Bible account of those first seven days, and also the biblical history of all humankind. My eyes can see the work of God's hands, my mind assures me that the world and all life must have been made by an all powerful, loving, purposeful, pre-existing intelligence. It all makes sense.
 
Jesus was all the light that was needed for the first three days (Genesis 1:1-4; John 1:10) - and will be all the light for the new heaven and new earth He will create after this one is "rolled up like an old garment" (Isaiah 51:6; Revelation 21:1).
 
Then, on the fourth day, God created the galaxies, the constellations (Job 9:9), the billions of stars (Isaiah 45:12); He reached out His hand and placed each one where He wanted it (Psalm 8:3), and gave them all names (Psalm 147:4) Then He created our sun and moon, so that they would be there for us (Genesis 1:14-17).
 
Big. Creative. Capable. Forward thinking. Love in action. God made the Creation so we would have a glorious place to live, then He made us. (I'm writing this at a favourite camp-site by the sea in our South-west, I am "close to nature" here, so lovely - with every breath I know that I am in God's Creation).
 
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1). I hear His declaration and His proclamation; I know that our God knows all things and can do all things, I can trust Him.
 
Because we see and acknowledge what God has done in the past, our spiritual eyes are able to see and our ears are able to hear what God is saying and doing now; we can have "the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 ESV), the "evidence" (KJV) of a certain faith.
 
Jesus asks us to be available (Matthew 16:24). When I was still a "young" Christian we were in a fellowship where one person could begin singing a song and the whole congregation would join in and sing it through - sometimes I would start "Here am I, Send me!" (a hymn from Isaiah 6:8 and Luke 1:38). I was available to Jesus' prompting in my heart, at the same time, obedient (Matthew 7:21) to the passion He had given me. The entire congregation happily joined in; at one in the Spirit.
 
Our obedience comes from Jesus' call: "follow me" (Matthew 4:19; John 21:22). God's great plan includes us, each one: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10). (See also Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 4:2; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Philippians 4:9; Colossians 3:23-24; 2 Timothy 2:15).
 
Jesus acknowledges our works: "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first" (Revelation 2:19). Our hearts can know our Lord's approval. Our faith grows.
 
Seeing With Our Awakened Spirit
 
The new thing I've found in Hebrews 11:1 is "see". The writer is talking about us not seeing. But, truly, faith is seeing - seeing in our spirit what we "do not see" with our physical self.
 
Jesus said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand'" (Luke 8:10).
 
Our spirit "wakes up" when Jesus takes hold of us, and makes us "born again" (1 Peter 1:23), and "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). We begin to learn to "see" spiritual things (Ephesians 1:18-19).
 
For me, the mystery is: how do I discern God's plans at any time? How do I align with His will? How do I bring my faith into line with God's moving, here and now?

By faith - this is what our Bible is telling us - "Jesus said, 'only believe'" (Mark 5:36). I have known teaching along these lines, it is clear and fully supported in our Bible. But I am able only sometimes to "believe". I struggle, perhaps that is why Jesus has had me pondering "faith". It is good to remember Mark 9:24: "help my unbelief!"
 
It seems to me that we almost never talk in terms of things being spiritual. We mostly talk and behave as though our "reality" is the physical world around us, our health, work, abilities, social circle, the political situation in our country, what is in the news or on social media. You know, what we all see and experience of life.
 
Truth is, the highest part of us is our spirit; the spiritual is greater than our body and our soul, always. God is Spirit (John 4:24); He spoke and His Word created the Universe, our world and all life.
 
So many times I have sought God's help in prayer. I look to my faith so that I can stand on the promises of God and can see the truth of His Word, Jesus. Reading my Bible always helps, it affirms that we are God's people. Jesus is always with us (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5), and always for us (Romans 8:28). There are so many accounts of Him saving, rescuing, healing and setting free when people are in need (John 14:14).
 

When my heart's desire for a person or situation is not met, when my faith seems to be insufficient, Jesus does give me peace when I pray. I love to pray with Trish; we will spend time together, some of it praising our Lord, some in silent prayer, some in conversational prayer and some pouring out our heart's. Always we find a deep sense of shalom; "the kingdom of God has come near" (Mark 1:15).

A miracle is a "supernatural" event, meaning "something greater than natural laws would allow", it will have a spiritual source. I have seen hundreds of miracles; that I am alive today is the result of miracles - praise Jesus. All those miracles were stronger than accident or disease or death.
 
God has a plan, we read about it from Genesis 1 to Revelation 22. "God is spirit" (John 4:24); by His Spirit He is ultimately over everything that is, and everything that happens, the precious, the beautiful, even the ugly and hurtful things which come as a result of sin (2 Chronicles 7:13).
 
Paul's words: "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know [1] the hope to which he has called you, [2] the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and [3] his incomparably great power for us who believe" (Ephesians 1:18-19). Father God wants us to see who we are in Jesus by His Spirit.
 
When faced with a problem, we men, (I believe this is a very "man" thing), jump right in to find solutions; logic demands and our flesh cries out "show me, I can help". By Holy Spirit and our spirit, we can see deeper. Then we will have the "assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 WEB). When we seek the will of God, we align our self with Him - we look to see what He sees, His reality.
 
Gifts to Help People
 
Jesus gives us spiritual gifts to help people: "gifts of the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:1-13). These enable us to do more than ever we could by our self with our own strength, thoughts, skills and resources.
 
Jesus told His disciples what to expect: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
 
John Baptist foretold this same blessing in Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:7-8, Luke 3:16, and John 1:33. Baptism in Holy Spirit is for all Christians and enables us to do what is explained in Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do". This is true today, we are "God's handiwork", just as were young Timothy and John Mark in Bible times.
 
My testimony is that spiritual gifts are widespread in Jesus' church today. Trish and I have been blessed by Jesus' spiritual gifts for decades; some givings are long-lasting and others especially for a person or event.
 
The spiritual gifts I see most often are gifts of prophecy, knowledge, and discerning of spirits.
 
Gifts of "speaking in different kinds of tongues, and the interpretation of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10) are widespread in Jesus' church. Some people feel uncomfortable with this. I have heard people say that the Christian is losing control. "Tongues" are "spiritual languages". My experience and observation is the opposite of loss and confusion; we are able to pray and sing in harmony with our Lord Jesus and the heavenly host. For myself, this gift helps me to "fix my eyes on Jesus" (Hebrews 12:2); later I will be aware that things I have been pondering are now clearer; my spiritual conversation in "tongues" will bear much fruit.
 
"Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" (2 Corinthians 3:5-6).
 

Seeing Through God's Prophetic Word
 
My testimony is that Jesus often gives me a prophetic understanding, (also Trish and others we know). He speaks and I will be able to see something, a Bible phrase, an idea or thought or picture, at other times Jesus will instruct me, simply and clearly in my mind. Sometimes Jesus’ word will be for another; Trish and I have been truly blessed to hear God’s thoughts toward us expressed by a Christian brother or sister.
 
We can be ready for Jesus to give a practical "word" or spiritual "glimpse" of what He is doing or planning to do. This will be His doing; we can ask, but not demand. Jesus is "truth" (John 1:17, 14:6, 18:37); He will always reveal truth. We can ask Holy Spirit to help us; He always reveals Jesus (Psalm 19:1; Daniel 2:28; Amos 3:7; Amos 4:13; John 14:17).
 
I have vivid dreams. Sometimes Trish will interpret them; they are clearly Jesus speaking by His Holy Spirit. Her interpretations enrich our life together; they are "seen" by her spirit.
 
After I began work on this piece I awoke one morning and Jesus told me: "Get your hot drink John, pray, then review what we have written. After that, focus on your taxes", (our tax returns were due the next week); Jesus wanted me to work to his priorities. My testimony is that Jesus leads and encourages in all the work of PsalmsOfJohn. Last night I awoke briefly and "saw" a sentence which truly completed a paragraph I had written that day.
 
Many times I have been interrupted with His conversation about family and household things, always with love, I know He is smiling as He speaks, He is always gentle, I know I am safe with Him. This grows my faith. Because Jesus is a man and human, just as I am, I can easily relate to Him. I know He is God. I find this very encouraging. Old Testament people like Abraham and Elijah heard Him as a distant and un-seeable Lord.
 
For me, words of knowledge are less frequent; I will be praying and "know" to pray in a certain way, with a particular emphasis. After my prayer I'll experience a deep satisfaction; there will be an answer to that prayer: "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1 KJV).
 
"Yet Abraham did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised" (Romans 4:20-21).
 
Every day I "press on" with what I know to do, with my life and work (Philippians 3:12). Mostly we do not need constant guidance because we have been taught and trained (Hebrews 12:11), other times Jesus' leading is minute-by-minute.
 
A week or two ago I was walking for exercise in our community pool, two women shared my lane. I heard one say "This problem is so big, I'm glad that I can talk every night to God about it. I know that we can't know if God is real but I certainly feel better".
 
I apologised for overhearing and asked if I could say something; my spirit believed that Jesus wanted me to speak. I shared the truth that we can know that God is real and that He is approachable in Jesus, the same Jesus who is the centre of Christmas, the One who came to set us free and Who is always ready to help people who look to him. The woman was thrilled and thanked me, grinning, understanding, relieved. Her friend was amazed, her expression said "Really? I did not know". Our God is the God who reveals Himself (Psalm 19:1; Daniel 2:28; Amos 3:7; John 14:17). Our lovely Jesus brings comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4) and help (Matthew 11:28). "He is not far from any one of us" (Acts 17:27).
 
I spoke what I know by faith to be true; I am shy and often stumble over words, but at these times I and am so grateful when Holy Spirit gives me words, and puts them into clear sentences. Those words were for the two women; Holy Spirit gave me what Jesus wanted them to hear. Holy Spirit always reveals Jesus (John 15:26; 1 John 4:2).
 

Eyes to See – The Prophetic in Scripture
 
The word "prophesy" describes our being able to hear God's voice, and then to share His thoughts with others, (regardless if it is Father God speaking, or Jesus the Son, Saviour and Lord, or Holy Spirit, our teacher, counselor, comforter and guide).
 
Jesus spoke about "eyes to see" and "ears to hear" (Mark 8:18). In 1st Corinthians 14 Paul tells us about God's prophetic gifting; he says "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy .. the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort ... the one who prophesies edifies the church ... I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1,3,5).
 
Trish and I were blessed to meet a couple who saw a lack in the church around them. They studied Christian prophecy, (Holy Spirit's prophetic gifting), and were led to start a school. Wonderful. In the beginning I found it scary but soon saw that, throughout the Bible, God speaks to people all the time. Then I truly wanted to learn.

 
(The phrase: "the word of the Lord came" is more than 100 times in the Old Testament).
 
"Behold", we are in the family of God, God's children (1 John 3:1), we are able to call our Father "Abba", just as Jesus does; that intimate Hebrew name for a loving father one fully trusts, (Romans 8:15). It is natural that our Father wants to talk to us and guide us.
 
When Jesus told His disciples that they were His friends, He was teaching all of us, all His disciples through all time. The Bible is alive, it is Jesus, the living Word of God (John 1:1), in written form. This truth is for us, each one. As Jesus' "friends" we can expect to communicate freely, just as we do with our family and friends in the world.
 
Like many aspects of Christian life, some find the idea of us receiving, and being empowered by ministry gifts from Holy Spirit easier to accept than others.
 
(Some believe that the giving of spiritual gifts ended when the Holy Bible was completed. Perhaps you have been taught this? I ask that you examine this teaching in the light of what you know of our God, and what you see in your Bible study. I see nothing in Scripture to support this belief, and so much which tells us that Jesus' ministry work in the world is still needed, and we are being equipped and led to participate and continue with Him as He leads us from His place in Heaven, and that this will continue until Jesus returns., Hallelujah).
 
My testimony is that I often talk with Jesus and gladly receive His gifts. Others say that they communicate with Holy Spirit. (I believe that such distinction is unimportant and comes from our individual growing knowledge of who God is, and our self in relation to Him, Father, Son and Spirit). At Bible College we learned that where our Father is, there are Jesus and Holy Spirit too, and what Jesus is doing, Father God and Holy Spirit are also doing - the Holy Trinity is always united in all things).
 
I see that many Christian people are conforming into their "born again-ness" (Galatians 5:22-23) and showing more fruit from being "filled with the Holy Spirit" (1 Corinthians 12:1-11), particularly in their ability to hear what God is saying through Jesus and by His Spirit (Matthew 10:20, Mark 13:11, John 16:13, 1 Corinthians 2:13). This can be called "hearing God's prophetic voice" and, Scripture tells us, is a normal part of the life Jesus wants for us. This is good, it helps us, individually and as the body of Christ, to "stand" (Ephesians 6:11,13,14) and to "do" (James 1:22) "But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves".
 
Some years ago when I was a struggling Christian, Jesus gave me a series of visions to show me how sure and "faith filled" He was of how He was growing me. I wrote about it and called the piece "Jesus’ Faith in Me", It seems to me that today I am saying much the same thing with different words:
• Permalink to web page
https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2010/06/jesus-faith-in-me.html
"Jesus’ Faith in Me" is now a podcast on Spotify under PsalmsOfJohn
• Public link to podcast
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6o9LlqVi6RRzfNtaok0EM5
 

Some Conclusions
 
Jesus is our source: "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Romans 10:17). Let us stay close to Him.

I have come to believe that we can grow our faith only by drawing near to Jesus (Matthew 11:28). He has given us so much teaching on how to grow as Christians, in "devotion" (Matthew 22:37; 1Co 7:35), in "following Him" (John 21:22), in "humility" (Luke 18:14) and "service" (John 12:26), in "caring" (Matthew 10:8), in "generosity" (Luke 12:22-32) and one-anothering "one another" (Romans 12:10).

 As we grow in Jesus, so we will grow in "knowing God" (Ephesians 1:17) in all His love, beauty, foresight, wisdom and power. We will also learn to see and hear God, what He is doing and what He is saying. Thus our faith also grows.

 We cannot make miracles happen, but it is the glorious grace of God that we can participate with Jesus as He works our Father's will in this very troubled world.

I know that I have faith. Jesus leads me, He asks me to participate with Him in His work, and I love to do this. How does my faith compare with that of Abraham or George Muller or John Lake? It does not compare - I am uniquely me. You are uniquely you. This is one of the blessings of being human, and especially of being Christian; we are each hand-made by God, intentionally for His glory and His purposes.

I am not perfect in my seeing, my availability or my obedience, but I know that my Lord Jesus loves me completely and is happy with my growing towards "the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13). This is good!

"Our God who began a good work in me will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6). I am so grateful.

And grateful too, that Jesus "helps me with my unbelief" (Mark 9:24), and, praise His name, He has enough faith for both of us (Mark 11:22)

 As our lovely theology teacher so often assured us: the answer is always "Jesus".

Amen.

 

I am reminded of a favourite old hymn:
 
"I Know Whom I Have Believed"
by Daniel Whittle, 1883
From 2 Timothy 1:12 and Jude 1:24
 
I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
 
Refrain:
But "I know Whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day".
 
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
 
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.
 
I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.
 
I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.
 
 
"Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]" (Hebrews 11:1 Amplified).
 
Praise Jesus. Amen.
 

Permalink  https://www.psalmsofjohn.com/2025/12/faith-how-we-see.html

Separate

Our God wants to have a people for Himself; He wants to share His and Jesus' glory (Matthew 16:27; John 1:14) and to have a bride for His son Jesus, a bride holy and pure, without "spot or wrinkle" (Ephesians 5:27; Philippians 2:15). 

Elohim God began "in the beginning" when Adam and Eve were made in their "image and likeness" (Genesis 1:26). We see something of God's glory here, in those early days. Adam and Eve will have known God as "Father", in the same intimate and loving way that Jesus does. They will have "known the Father's business" (John 15:15), and what was "good" and what was "evil" (Genesis 2:9); they worked with Father God during the day and "walked and talked together" in the beautiful and fruitful garden "in the cool of the evening" (Genesis 3:8).
 
Then came "the Fall" (Genesis 3:11), sin entered the world; "sin" is everything that does not please God. Sin causes separation between humankind and God, the opposite of God's loving desire.
 
Many generations after Adam and Eve, God chose Abraham and made covenant to form a people for Himself, the nation of Israel: "For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, His treasured possession" (Deuteronomy 7:6).
 
God cares for "His treasured possession" to this day. We Christians are "chosen" (Ephesians 1:14) to be "different", "holy" (1 Peter 1:16), set aside for our God who calls on His people to look only to him: "I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy" (Leviticus 11:44).
 
Jesus calls to us: "'Come out from among them, and be separate', says the Lord. 'Touch no unclean thing. I will welcome you. I will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters', says the Lord of Hosts" (Isaiah 52:11; 2 Corinthians 6:17-18; Revelation 18:4).
 
I still ponder all this in relation to my life and my worldview; Jesus is growing me into the John He always planned that I would be. Jesus' work continues: "He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber or sleep" (Psalm 121:3).
 
In Old Testament times God saw that His people were being corrupted by their non-Jewish neighbours, (and even by their Kings and those in leadership over them). Do we see something of today in these prophetic Bible words from centuries ago? "Yet my people have forgotten me; they burn incense to worthless idols, which made them stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths. They made them walk in byways, on roads not built up" (Jeremiah 18:15-16). Do we give our time and money to what Father God would call "worthless idols", with what is popular or "trending"? I find myself avoiding more and more what our culture presents.
 
Jesus is front and centre of the whole Bible and is the "all" of God (Colossians 1:15-20). (Some say: "He is hidden in the Old Testament and revealed in the New", I found this to be true at Bible College where we were assigned psalms to present as pre-class devotions, I always found Jesus in the psalms I was allocated). It is clear that Father God wants us to look to Jesus in "all things" (Hebrews 12:1-2). 

I have come to see that Jesus is now in a deep and eternal relationship with me, and through that He has brought me into His Father's family as a son, and into the constant care of His lovely Holy Spirit. My response is to love in return. "Jesus replied: 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind'" (Matthew 22:37).

I find that I do love our Father and Jesus and Holy Spirit, and also that Jesus is my focus; His humanity and the New Testament stories make Him so approachable. As I read my Bible I can see Him in my mind's eye (Luke 6:19). Now, through Holy Spirit's prophetic gifting, (1 Corinthians 14:1,3), I often see Him, feel His touch and hear His voice (2 Samuel 23:2). Jesus is my friend (John 15:15) and I know this to be true. Even as I write this I am singing "Jesus at the centre".. "Nothing in this world will do".. "Everything revolves around You", (Houghton, Massey, Ranney: 2014).
 
Jess Ray sings: "it may seem too good to be understood, but it's not too good to be true" - we hear her joy as she testifies to her certain knowledge of her relationship with our Saviour and Lord.
 
"But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions — it is by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5).
 
I see Jesus as front and centre of everything, the "fullness" of God (Ephesians 4:13; Colossians 1:19), and that "the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ", (Ephesians 1:3), reveals Jesus endlessly (Matthew 3:17; John 14:6-7), as does Holy Spirit (John 16:14).
 
Jesus mediates a New Covenant for us, a covenant which gives us spiritual closeness to Father, Son and Spirit, a spiritual confidence (2 Corinthians 3:3-6; Ephesians 3:12; Philippians 1:6), an understanding that, although we live in "this present darkness" (Ephesians 6:12), Jesus is with us, we have spiritual authority and can know shalom, God's peace (John 14:27).
 
It may seem that the "powers" in the world, (Ephesians 6:12), are gaining more and more control and influence over us, our societies and our cultures, but we can choose to "abide" in Jesus (John 15:4), and live a "full" and "abundant" life (John 10:10); only Jesus offers this, "by His Spirit" (John 7:39).
 
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3) - note "every", a big word.
 
"You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 2:5).
 
When we think in terms of "Jesus", we recognise His desire for intimate relationship with us, each one, and that He has brought us into His "team", (more than simply His salvation and His protection). Jesus is risen; He rules and reigns from the throne room of God; He equips us and commands us to "do the works I have been doing" (John 14:12). This is "boots on the ground" living in faith; there is no guarantee of comfort or glory. We are His "friends" (John 15:15), and also His "servants" (Revelation 19:5): "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matthew 20:28).
 
Paul reminds us: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things" (Philippians 4:8), this verse is now on many hearts. See also Romans 13:14.

How Then Should We Live
(Also see post www.psalmsofjohn.com/2023/06/how-then-should-we-live.html)
 
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).
 
As a Christian I have found a sense of being "foreign" to my old life, but with no desire to "fit back in" with the worldly culture I consciously left behind. This was hard, and still is; we lose friends, some enjoyable activities are now "out of bounds". Happily it is rewarding too, richly satisfying.
 
I have lived in four countries. The early days in each place were exciting and also difficult. Everything was so new, truly "foreign". I assimilated over time; I "fitted in" to the local way of things, and to their kind of "English"; (birth language to all of us but with different ways of speaking, a different idiom or vernacular). I am still "assimilating" into Jesus' "way" (Ephesians 4:13), praise the Lord.
 
"Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household" (Ephesians 2:19).
 
"And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine" (Leviticus 20:26).
 
"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8).
 
Testimony
I worked in an office where (I believe) I was the only Christian. I was blessed to be there, work was scarce and the money was good. Still, it was hard. Not only was I new, but I was "different"; I asked that people would stop using foul language in the office. Some became hostile; ridiculing or contemptuous. I was isolated and excluded from much of the comradery of the workplace.
 
Jesus found that work for me, it was not advertised. I was given some interesting and knotty problems to solve, one of which had defeated two programmers before me; my business users were overjoyed with my solution, they had been waiting more than a year.
 
By the time all my work there was finished I had found some welcome. I had opportunity to talk to some of my workmates who were experiencing deep personal troubles; they thanked me and said I was "wise and kind". This was Jesus work, He gave time for "divine encounters"; perhaps these ones saw something of Jesus' love and healing, and "Christ in me, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
 
The job was timely, and the money was welcome for our family. But perhaps I was there for those struggling, so that Jesus could touch them? I survived having to "be separate”; I know that I grew from it; this was, and still is, precious. I was aware that Jesus was "always" with me (Deuteronomy 31:8; Isaiah 60:19-20; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

 
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20). 

Thank you, my lovely Lord and friend.

Rick Joyner wrote about a study which showed that about 65 percent of all Americans considered themselves to be born-again Christians, but only 3 percent had a Christian or biblical worldview; viewing the world as Christ does, knowing and adhering to His teachings. [Similar numbers appear in other studies]. These results show how poorly the church is accomplishing Jesus' Great Commission; we are commanded to "make disciples", not just converts, and to "teach them everything [Jesus] commanded us".
 
"Being a committed Christian, being baptized in the Spirit, involves a reorientation of life that is significantly different from the way the ordinary modern person thinks - it is a revolution in outlook on the world [our worldview]. We are able to explain the gospel message in a way that allows people to see how great the salvation is that is being offered, and how great a difference there is between living under the rule of Christ – life 'in the Spirit', and the rule of the world - life 'not in the Spirit'". (Discerning the Times, Part 53, 2009).

 
We are saved from sin and death by Jesus' great and sacrificial work; our salvation brought our "justification" (Romans 8:30), we have been given Jesus' "righteousness" (Romans 3:22), henceforth we are being "sanctified" (present tense continuous), being set apart, separated, for our Lord, (John 17:19). Our salvation is forever. (See Note 1).
 
Go
Jesus said: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
 
Later, Paul declared: "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Ephesians 2:10).
 

Our God of all the Creation has plans for each one of us, His people, plans which will require our commitment and dedication. Let us ponder the words of the songs we sing to Him, and our heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and our life (John 14:6).

 
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you" (Deuteronomy 31:6).
 
"But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you" (John 14:26 Amplified).
 
"Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus" (Philippians 1:6).
 
Jesus said "Come unto me" (Matthew 11:28).
 
My prayer, for all of us, Jesus’ people: "O Lord, you have brought so much to our lives (1 Corinthians 2:12). Go before us please, guide us into a greater commitment to you, your way (Acts 2:42-47), and your work (Philippians 2:13). Let it be clear, both in our selves and in our lives, that we are yours. Amen". 

Jesus' words, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35).

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Note 1. Our Salvation Is Irrevocable
Even now we can be diverted, as we were before Jesus got a-hold of us: "You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God?" (James 4:4). These are strong words, but they do not mean that we will lose our salvation if we slip and briefly befriend the world.
 
Once we are in our Father's heavenly family we are there forever. Sometimes we see people "fall away" who appeared to be fully part of Jesus "body"; this is a mystery and only Jesus knows. Jesus is "our redeemer" (Ephesians 1:7).

 

Our Bible is clear; once we are "saved" and "in" Jesus' Kingdom, vital aspects of who we are, are changed, renewed:

• Ezekiel 36:26 - He gives us a new heart and puts a new spirit in us; He will remove from us our heart of stone and give us a heart of flesh.
• Romans 8:30 - Jesus' plans include our glorification.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19 - Our bodies are now temples of Jesus' Holy Spirit.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 - We are a "new creation", the old has gone.

• 1 Peter 1:23 - We are made new, "born again".
• 1 Peter 2:5 - We are "living stones", a part of God's house.
• Titus 3:5 - He "saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit".

(Also see post www.psalmsofjohn.com/2011/02/lukewarm.html) 

 
Bless us all. Amen.

  

P.S. The photos for this post were taken on Trish and my winter-school-break holiday in the bush a couple of hours South from our house. Lovely, cold but beautiful. A true holiday, Jesus was with us :-)

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Amen.