What steps can we take to ensure we "know the LORD" personally? The Call to Know Him—Hosea 6:3 “Let us know, let us press on to know the LORD. His appearance is as sure as the dawn; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth.” Recognize the Invitation • God Himself urges us to “press on”—the relationship is offered, yet it requires response. • He guarantees His nearness “as sure as the dawn,” removing any doubt that seeking Him is worthwhile. Step 1 – Pursue Him Intentionally • Set deliberate time in His Word each day (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Approach Scripture expecting to meet a Person, not just gather information (John 5:39–40). Step 2 – Persevere Persistently • “Press on” implies steady, ongoing effort even when feelings lag (Philippians 3:12–14). • Establish habits—regular worship, Bible meditation, and obedience—that keep momentum when enthusiasm wanes. Step 3 – Cultivate Expectant Faith • Trust His promise to “come…like the rain.” • Pray believing He hears (Jeremiah 29:13; Hebrews 11:6). • Thank Him in advance for revealing Himself, just as farmers trust the seasonal rains. Step 4 – Receive His Refreshing Grace • Like spring showers, His presence revives weary hearts (Isaiah 40:29–31). • Yield sin, guilt, and self-reliance; accept cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Let the Spirit renew your mind (Romans 12:2). Step 5 – Obey What You Already Know • “By this we know that we have come to know Him: if we keep His commandments.” (1 John 2:3) • Immediate obedience opens deeper understanding; delayed obedience dulls spiritual perception (James 1:22-25). Step 6 – Walk in Ongoing Communion • Talk with Him throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). • Invite His counsel in decisions (Proverbs 3:5–6). • Respond to His promptings quickly, maintaining an open dialogue. Step 7 – Engage With His People • Shared worship sharpens our view of God (Hebrews 10:24–25). • God often makes Himself known through the gifts and encouragement of fellow believers (Ephesians 4:15-16). Step 8 – Guard Against Counterfeits • Reject idols of culture, success, or self that compete for affection (1 John 5:21). • Test every teaching by Scripture, preserving pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). Step 9 – Anticipate Increasing Revelation • “His appearance is as sure as the dawn”—expect fresh insight each season. • Spiritual growth is progressive: “the path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till midday” (Proverbs 4:18). Putting It All Together 1. Seek Him daily in Scripture and prayer. 2. Persevere through dry spells. 3. Trust His promise to draw near. 4. Receive His cleansing and renewal. 5. Obey promptly. 6. Foster unbroken communion. 7. Stay rooted in Christian fellowship. 8. Refuse rival affections. 9. Look for continual growth in revelation and intimacy. Following these steps, we move beyond theory into living knowledge of the LORD—personal, vibrant, and ever-deepening. |
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