Be Still and Know that I am God

"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Look at the way we work, the way we drive and so on....Our lifestyle is "fast-paced".Have you ever seen anyone running up an escalator? Sure you have. Perhaps you have been guilty of it yourself–trying to catch that plane or get to that interview.

So many of us are getting nowhere fast! Like ants disturbed on an anthill, we scurry hither, thither and yon. Taut nerves are snapping, and over-wrought minds are cracking, with the result that there are more mental patients in hospitals than any other kind.

“Be still and know that I am God!” “In returning and rest shall you be saved; In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

But Lord, its so hard to be still with all that’s happening in our world. The information highway beckons to me; she lures me to her side with promises of news, current events, politics, entertainment, sports, weather, and a whole host of other facts. Its important that I stay up-to-date and improve my scope of knowledge, isn’t it?

“Be still and know that I am God.”

But Lord, this is a fast-paced society. We have to keep up or we will be left behind. There are schedules to keep, deadlines to meet, projects to complete. The prize is always to the swift. Everyone wants it ASAP. In fact, they want it yesterday. The pressure is on to produce in record time. You understand, don’t You, Lord?

“Be still and know that I am God.”

But Lord, how can one be still when the world is so filled with constant racket? Highway noise, sirens, car stereos, television, crying babies, telephones, cell phones, factory whistles, clocks, lawn mowers, chain saws, barking dogs. There is no end of clamor. Even nature offers no help for there is always the distant sound of modern society and/or the call of the wild.

“Be still and know that I am God.”

I wish I had more time for You, Lord, but the demands are great. There is so much to do. The church needs my gifts of service. My boss expects me to finish that project. My spouse wants me to devote more time to our relationship. My children want me to help them with their school work. And beside all of this, I need to take time to care for my body–exercise is important, isn’t it?
“Be still and know that I am God.” In the midst of teaching, healing, traveling, and preaching, Jesus never allowed the pace of life to deter Him from spending time with His heavenly Father. Mark wrote, "In the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed" (Mark 1:35).

“Be still and know that I am God.”

I am so tired, dear God. My strength is sapped, my energy depleted. The demands upon my time have left me weak and numb. I can’t think straight. A quiet time is the last thing I am interested in, even thought I know it is the very thing I most need. After I have rested, I promise to get alone with You. You do understand, don’t You, Lord?
"The one thing we need is to know God Better." (J Hudson Taylor)

Angels

"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2)

ANGELS IN ACTS:
5:19 - an angel opened the prison doors and brought the apostles out
8:26 - an angel appeared to Philip and gave him directions for ministry
10:3 - an angel appeared to Cornelius in a vision and gave him directions
12:7 - an angel freed Peter from prison
12:23 - an angel struck Herod and killed him because he didn’t glorify God
27:23 - an angel stood by Paul at night and encouraged him in a storm

WHAT IS AN ANGEL?
- OT Hebrew name “malak” = ambassador or deputy
- NT Greek name “angelos” = messenger
1. Angels are not cute little naked babies with wings, they are MIGHTY WARRIORS.
CS Lewis wrote, “Fra Angelico’s angels carry in their face and gesture the peace and authority of heaven. Later come the chubby infantile nudes of Raphael; finally the soft, slim, girlish, and consolatory angels of nineteenth century art… In Scripture the visitation of an angel is always alarming; it has to begin by saying, “Fear not.” The Victorian angel looks as if it were going to say, “There, there.”
(The Screwtape Letters).
2. Angels are spirits CREATED by God; people do not evolve into angels when they die (Ps. 148:1-5).

PROFILE OF AN ANGEL:
1. Some angels have wings - but not all do.
2. Some angels appear dressed in white garments (Acts 1:9-11).
3. Some angels play musical instruments (see Rev. 8 - trumpets yes, harps no!)
4. Some angels have the appearance of men. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware.” (Hebrews 13:2).
5. Angels may be present and unperceived at any time (see 2 Kings 6:15-17).

DIFFERENT KINDS OF ANGELS:
ARCHANGELS: CHIEF angels. Michael, Gabriel, and Lucifer (who fell and became Satan). (see 1 Thess. 4:16 & Rev. 12:7).
CHERUBIM & SERAPHIM: First mention of cherubim in Gen. 3:24 was the angel with the flaming sword that guarded the tree of life. The seraphim in Isaiah 6 have six wings.

THE THREE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF ANGELS:
1. SERVICE to God. “Praise Him, all His angels, praise Him, all His hosts.” (Ps. 148:2). Angels are created beings, and God is the Creator. Their first function is toward God.
2. Service to CHRISTIANS. Angels are “God’s ministering spirits sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).
3. Performance of GOD’S WORD. “Bless the Lord, you His angels, Who excel in strength, who do His word, Heeding the voice of His word.” (Psalm 103:20).
"Your home should be a haven, a place of security where hospitality is given without grudging.  People should be able to sense immediately the openness and peace of your dwelling."

The Fruits Of The Spirit

"But the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness..." (Galatians 5:22)

Love (agape) - Of course, this heads the list, for this is primary, as Paul has just declared (v.14). Like Paul said in Col. 3:14, “above all these things put on love.” One reason this heads the list is because most of the other fruit are manifestations of love.  It is an unconditional love. Such love is willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the one loved (Rom. 5:8; John 15:13). Love is always doing something for others (1 John 3:16, 17).

Joy (chara) - When love is present, joy cannot be far behind. Joy is the product of a right relationship with God. Did you hear that? I want to say it again, “Joy is the product of a right relationship with God.” As in the case of love, joy is a part of God’s own nature. Jesus said in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.  Furthermore, this joy is not conditioned upon favourable circumstances. Not only that, but we can experience the greatest joy when we go through a trial. Remember, Paul said, “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4). Do you remember the story in Acts 16 of Paul & Silas in prison, and at midnight they were singing joyful praises to God? Yes, true joy is independent of circumstances. Instead of having its source in externals, its true source is from within.

Peace (eirene) - This is an inner peace that is first based upon a consciousness of a right relationship with God. Rom. 5:1 says, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Furthermore, true peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from faith in God and from the experience of the presence of God. Even in bad circumstances, we have peace for we know “that God causes all things to work together for good (Rom. 8:28). That is why Jesus could say, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1). There is absolutely no reason for a believer to be anxious or afraid.

Longsuffering (makrothumia) - This is a patient endurance under ill-treatment or provocation, without an outburst of anger or thought of revenge. How true this was of Jesus! Are you about to be sweet and serene under provocation? Or are you quick-tempered and easily provoked? Do you lash out at people with your tongue, or with physical violence? This is a fruit of the Spirit for this is an attribute of God that is mentioned often in the Bible (Ps. 86:15; 2 Peter 3:9). He is slow to anger and slow to inflict judgment. Paul indicates that longsuffering is not a sign of weakness (Col. 1:11), but a sign of moral strength. It takes great strength to keep from striking back at someone with angry words or an angry blow. Once again,

Kindness (chrestotes) - It means to be kind, good, and pleasant. We can even use the word “sweet” to describe this disposition. It includes thoughtful consideration, courteous and kindly action. Doesn’t this also describe Jesus? The Gospels contain numerous illustrations of Christ’s kindness shown to sinners

Goodness (agathosune) - This is love in action. 2 Th. 1:11 lists this as an attribute of God. Paul said in Rom. 15:14, “Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness [agathosune]….” He knew this fruit of the Spirit would manifest itself  in the lives of true believers. Believers are commanded to exemplify goodness. He later said in this epistle, “Let us do good” (Gal. 6:10). If you are indwelt by the Spirit, and filled by the Spirit, you will be prompted from within to do good deeds for people. That may include visiting a lonely person, or helping a young mother care for her young children.
 
Faithfulness - Here the word means loyalty, fidelity, and trustworthiness. This character quality is where God and man can count on you to do what you say you will do. Once again, this is an attribute of God. He is faithful. In fact, Jeremiah declared, “Great is Thy Faithfulness”.
 
Meekness (prautes) - This is the very opposite of vehemence, violence, and outbursts of anger. The meek Christian does not throw his weight around or assert himself selfishly. Instead, meekness is the right use of authority and power, as well as submission to authority. Moses is said to have been a meek man in this sense. Meekness is also related to humility. The meek person has accepted God’s estimate of his own life. Compared to God and our vast universe, we really are insignificant. But paradoxically, God says that we are greater and more important than angels. Jesus identified Himself as meek & humble (Mt. 11:29). Furthermore, the meek person recognizes that God is in charge. In meekness, we accept God’s dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting.
 
Self-control (egkrateia) - The person who is blessed with this quality possesses the power to keep himself in check. It is mastery and restraint of all our appetites and desires. The word is used in I Cor. 7:9 of the control of sexual desire. In I Cor. 9:25 it is used of the control of the athlete over his body and its desires during his period of training. The previous mention of immorality among the works of the flesh shows that it was very appropriate to list self-control as an opposing virtue. When someone says, “I couldn’t help myself,” he may be right. But with God’s help we can control our passions and desires. God can give you control over nicotine! He can give you control over food cravings.

"The furit of the Holy Spirit should be magnifest in every believer's life.  If not, seek God diligently for wisdom and instruction."

The Words Of A Wise Man

"The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallog up himself" (Ecclesiastes 10:12)

A wise person knows that he is responsible to God for all his words and actions (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Because he respects God, that person is careful and sensible. That fact is clear from the wise person’s words, which are full of kindness and goodness.

But the words of a foolish person have a completely different character. Ecclesiastes 10:12 uses a strange and terrible word-picture: the fool’s own mouth eats him up. In other words, the words from his own mouth are like a wild animal that attacks him fiercely. The foolish things that he says ruin his own life. They are the cause of his troubles. They are the reason for his punishment.

In the Bible, a fool means someone who refuses to respect God. Such a person cares only to satisfy his own desires. When he begins to speak, his words may only express his silly thoughts. Such words are without any real meaning. But as he continues to speak, his true character becomes clear. And in the end, his words are completely wicked.

The foolish person adds more foolish words as he prepares his evil plans for the future. But he knows nothing about the future! In the future, God will be his judge. And that will be the end of all those wicked plans.

A fool does not work as other people do. His work is to say and to do evil things. But those efforts still make him tired. In Ecclesiastes 10:15, he seems even more tired than the honest workman. After all his hard work, the honest man still manages to get back to his home in the town. But this fool does not. Perhaps he has become a drunk (see Ecclesiastes 10:16-17). He will have to sleep outside the town. His foolish desires have ruined his life.

 

"Graciousness is hospitality, kindness and love united.  It is the sensitivity that never lets one intentionally hurt another's feelings."