KNOWING HIM

                              "Now He which establishes us with you in Christ....is God" 2 Cor. 1:21

      The economy of God which is operative in this age is the dispensation of grace. Many of us forget that in our hurry to establish ourselves as servants of the Most High. Paul's desperate call was simply; "that I may know Him" Phil. 3:10.

      We must recognize this above all other things. Grace through knowledge of Him is the all-governing proposition for us to have instilled in our spirits. It is the greatest of all our needs. It is the secret strength and steadfastness, the forerunner of any service we might offer to our Lord.

      This need "to know Him" explains all our life needs; suffering, perplexities and pressures. These momentary daily events are but God's grace being applied. The refining of our spirits. The expulsion of the dross. The purpose is that we may know the One object. That we may know the Lord. Therefore we must need Him.

      Our minds are often occupied with our secular thoughts which we have surrendered ourselves to by choice. We are told what we need by the world and we apply for its comfort and gifts, we acquire. Often we attempt to compensate for this diversion, make up for our lack of growth in knowing Him, by service. Now we have two barricades to a life in Him.

      Bible study and scriptural knowledge are important matters. And it is well and good that we should apply ourselves to them. Many have a great devotion and intimate familiarity with doctrines and stand for important aspects of the faith. They may even have a great desire toward the salvation of others; but have limited intimate knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ Himself as their lover and as His bride. "To know Him".

      Let us ask ourselves brothers and sisters; what will remain after this world or we pass away? Will it be the conferences we attended, the feelings of happiness in fellowship we have so enjoyed? The books and authors we so admire? Will it be our earthy acquisitions and retirement portfolios? Are will it be our real internal service which is based upon the intimate knowledge of the Lord in our inner man? Will Jesus Christ be our only Lover? All true lasting love affairs spring from a devotion and a inner personal knowledge of the Object of that love. There is no substitute!

      So many Christians have their lives almost primarily in that which is external to themselves and not the Spirit's heart calling. They are occupied by secular activities the worlds affairs or personal doctrinal and intellectual study and church work. Personal, inward reflection and spiritual inner awareness is easily and often overlooked in the fray. "Have this mind [Christ's] in you". This mind [His] could only be acquired by His Holy Spirit and its knowledge of Himself imparted to us by His Spirit. For that to take place we must be fully available.

      Living the grace life means steadfastness in troubled times. It is not necessary to struggle to be something. Not necessary to know many books, to even study over-zealously the scriptures. No the grace life is patience, confidence and rest in His spiritual and life provision, all furnished effortlessly by grace, announced by the Word. Those who know Him in a quiet strength that is patient and confident, will bear fruit. In the Lord Jesus Christ "are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden". The fathers will for us is to simply abide in a graceful reception and a ever growing realization; a personal appreciation and acceptance of Him in Whom all fullness dwells.

      This was a anthology inspiration: thank you Lord for the wise and devoted men of the past who so grace my mornings.