July 17

“He has blessed us, ‘with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ’ (Eph. 1:3), and it only remains for us to go up by faith and possess them.  If we do not, it will not be because of our weakness or the strength of our enemies but because of unbelief.  It will be because we measure our enemies with ourselves instead of measuring them with the Lord.”  Hannah Whitall Smith, God is Enough,  7/18

How often do we buy gifts for friends and family because WE like the item.  If you have impeccable taste, then perhaps that’s not a problem.  But if you don’t, chances are the gift receiver may not find your selection to their liking especially if your lifestyle is different than theirs.  We too often measure things by our own likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses.  We assume far too much about other people.  Hannah says we do this with God as well.  If we don’t have a right understanding of God we will make assumptions that will cause us much pain and suffering.  Sometimes in a physical way, but always in an emotional way--God doesn’t live up to OUR expectations.  When Hannah speaks of unbelief I feel she’s not just referring to whether or not we believe God.  I think she also means, do we really know God?  It doesn’t matter how much we believe if what we believe is wrong!  God reveals Himself to anyone who desires to know Him, but He has some requirements.  Let’s make sure we know what those requirements are and then let’s make sure what we believe about God is true.

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14