Man-taught vs. God-taught
I recently read a Christian article suggesting that scripture not be included at the beginning of a blog posts. I sat stunned and wondered why a servant of God would put the Words of God secondary to man.
I use a lot of scripture in my writing because my words could never convey God’s perfect Word. I can't promise you anything, but God can promise you everything. His promises are outlined in the Bible.
We attend classes, read books, and learn, but God is the one who gives wisdom. Exodus 31:3 One may have test scores above average, but there is a big difference being man-taught vs. God-taught.
The knowledge of mankind combined since the beginning of time cannot be compared to the capability and knowledge of God. Man will always be limited. God is not and never will be.
God’s creativity is endless; therefore, I wake up each day and ask God to open my eyes to see the unfamiliar and to receive knowledge beyond what I’ve read in books. I crave God’s teachings.
This blog is primarily to help us recognize how God operates supernaturally in the natural realm through dreams, visions, and other manifestations of the Holy Spirit. What I write must be supported by the written Word of God.
Frankly, I stand amazed at the unfathomable complexity of God’s wisdom and God’s knowledge. How could man ever understand His reasons for action, or explain His methods of working? For: ‘Who has known the mind of the Lord? Romans 11:33-35 (PHILLIPS)
Blogging is one of those adventures where God pushed me with no formal training. I failed an English class my freshman year of college and no matter how hard I tried, I simply couldn't put words together to convey what I really felt.
Failing at the very thing God called me to increased fear and self-doubt until I valued His Words more than what I know and don’t know. God is Creator and all-knowing, therefore, I must leave no room to doubt God.
There are days when writing is painful and I’m in utter despair. In those moments I’m where God wants me - reliant on Him. It’s where my understanding of things becomes secondary to the wisdom that is of God. James 1:5
This sounds overly dramatic, but after five years I can say I’m becoming a writing enthusiast. My greatest inspiration comes from being in God’s presence. Entering God’s presence includes opening the Bible and seeking the treasures that are found in the Word.
To operate in the will of God I'm continually learning to get out of the way. It doesn’t mean it’s easy and I don’t make mistakes. It means that God turns my agony into confidence and my confidence into passion.
God designed us to dream and to dream big. I will not see my God bigger than what I did yesterday if I don’t know Him through His Word today.
I have a lot to learn when it comes to writing with ease and grace, but I know the most important thing is to hear God's voice and let Him be my teacher. God’s Word is where I obtain heavenly knowledge, not man-taught information.
Don’t arrow back from a website when you come across a verse. Value God’s Word enough that you don’t skip or skim familiar verses. Digest scripture.
Below are a few things I'm doing in my pursuit to acquire skills to continue God’s call on my life. Take a moment to reflect if your knowledge is primarily man-taught or God-taught. What are you doing that you cannot accomplish on your own?
Devour the Word of God: “Eat this scroll … eat it all. And when I ate it, it tasted as sweet as honey.” Ezekiel 3:1-2
Devour means to feast on, consume. Are you consuming the Word of God or are you nibbling on it? Is it just a “snack,” a taste, and no substance? The more you know the Word, the better it will taste.
Be teachable. I cannot do all for God without setting aside what I know
Receive direct revelation and insight from the Holy Spirit. Crave heavenly knowledge, not just earthly knowledge. See things from God's perspective. Colossians 3:2
Don't interrupt God. Sometimes I find sitting in silence during times of prayer is because I can't form words of God's being. He is too great to fathom. Learn this level of awe being in God's presence.
What’s New? If someone were to ask you what God is teaching you today or in the last week, how would you answer? If the answer is nothing, I challenge you to stop reading this, grab your Bible, read it, and ask God for heavenly knowledge and revelation. Don’t leave God’s presence until you learn something new.
Below are a few prayers of mine on the subject of seeking God-knowledge:
God, what do you want to teach me today? Increase my understanding of things I didn’t know yesterday. Lord, grant an increase of wisdom.
God, help me to discover uncharted territory for your glory and purpose.
Lord, how do you want me to use this new-found knowledge?” Teach me. I’m listening. Psalm 71:17
Pause and let God be your teacher. Don't ignore scripture.
Expect a generous outpouring of knowledge and the presence of God. James 1:5
Believe God’s Word that in the last days there will be an increase of knowledge. Daniel 12:4
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7
Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:6-7
John 21:10-19 (PHILLIPS) “I will give you such eloquence and wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to resist or contradict it … “
It’s imperative that I include scripture supporting what God is speaking into my spirit. I wouldn’t have confidence to launch a blog on a subject that is often controversial in the church without standing on God’s promises.
Related post: Treasure God’s Word
