April 8, 2018 Sunday

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life —  the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us —  that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” (1John 1:1-4 NKJV)

            How do you see God?  In comparison how does John see God?  Take time to list and try to understand each way in which John experienced God.  Each one is in itself amazing but when put together they are absolutely mind blowing!

            It is so sad some Christians do not experience God in their lives.  Some get bitter at God because they feel betrayed or turn from God either believing God isn’t there or does not care.  Some experience a terrible emptiness that cannot be filled by drugs, sex or money.

            How do we experience God?  It might be easier to see what keeps us from experiencing God:

1.       Do you make an effort to read and study the Bible and spend time in prayer to develop a two way relationship with God?

2.      Do you grow close to those who are close to God and can help you learn how?

3.      One reason we do not experience God is that we only talk and do not “wait” and listen for God.

4.      If you have said no to God or not wanted to listen to God about something you will not experience God until you go back and make that right.

5.      Are you sure that you really do want to experience God and ask God to help you any fear you may have?

6.      Realize that you cannot experience God by yourself but God must reveal Himself to you!  “Seek and you will find”.

            There are many other ways but these are very helpful to begin with.  We must put aside our arrogance and realize because of our sin we have no right or ability to come into God’s presence but are dependent on God revealing Himself to us.

            John goes on to say that they declare this so that our common experience with God will bring the unity we need and bind us together in God and each other.  Only through our unity with God and others who experience God can we receive the fullness of joy we need!

            Have you experienced God?  What are you doing to be open for God to reveal Himself to you?  Looking at the list above is there one item in particular that is helpful or is there something else you need?

Worship

My pain and weariness abound this day

But from worship will not keep me away

At times pain knocks breath out of me

But I worship the God who set me free

Some will miss because of bad weather

Some will miss because of good weather

But remember the pain He bore for you

And give thanks for all Jesus did for you