Growing in the Knowledge of God - Day 15 - Stay Humble When God Does Start to Release His Knowledge to You

There are only two downsides to having God start to release His knowledge to you. The first downside is that for some, the increase in their knowledge base will cause them to start to get to full of themselves.

In the verse I will list below, it says that knowledge can “puff up.” In other words, it can puff you up. Your ego starts to swell, and conceit and arrogance can start to set in. You start to think your smarter than anyone else. You start looking down on those who do not have your higher levels of knowledge. Pretty soon, you start to present a haughty, arrogant, and know-it-all attitude to others, and as a result, you start to drive people away from God rather than to Him as a result of your bad attitudes and behaviors.

Once God really starts to release His knowledge to you, you really have to keep a sharp eye on this and make sure that all of this new found knowledge does not start to go to your head. You have to stay humble and thankful for it. It becomes very easy to start looking down on others who are not getting this higher level of knowledge. You start questioning their spiritual growth and why they are not getting what you are getting.

You have to realize that every one is operating at different levels of spiritual development in this life with the Lord. Some will go farther and progress at faster rates of speed in this realm than others will. You cannot compare your level of spiritual development and how fast you are progressing with anyone else. Some people will not go as far as you might go in this realm – but others will leave you in the dust and progress to a much higher level than you ever will in this life.

You have to realize that God is working with each and every Christian at the level of spiritual development they are currently operating at with Him. Granted, some people look like they should be making more and better progress, but there may be some personal factors operating in their lives that may be slowing down their spiritual growth that you may not be aware of. This is why God is telling us in His Word that we are not to judge one another in some of these areas.

Your job is to be the best you can be in whatever God is calling you to do in this life. Put the pedal to the metal in climbing the highest mountains you can. Seek to produce as much good fruit for God as you can. But at the same time, do not ever compare your walk and your fruit in the Lord with anyone else’s. Stay humble in your walk with the Lord, and do not let all the fruit and accomplishments that you might achieve in Him go to your head and puff you up.

Here are two very interesting Scripture verses telling us that knowledge can puff you up and that all men will only “know in part” in this life. In other words – no matter how smart and intelligent you think you may be getting, you will never have all of the answers to everything in this life. This one fact alone should help keep you humble and real as you start to grow in the knowledge and wisdom of God for your life.

“We know that we all have knowledge. KNOWLEDGE PUFFS UP, but love edifies.” (1 Corinthians 8:1)

"For we KNOW IN PART and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away with … For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” (1 Corinthians 13:9,12)

~Bible Knowledge.com

~Seeking After the Knowledge of God

PRAYER

Father, I clothe myself with humility [as the garb of a servant, so that its covering cannot possibly be stripped from me]. I renounce pride and arrogance. Father, You give grace to the humble. Therefore I humble myself under Your mighty hand, that in due time You may exalt me.

In the name of Jesus, I cast the whole of my care [all my anxieties, all my worries, all my concerns for my future, once and for all] on You, for You care for me affectionately and care about me watchfully. I expect a life of victory and awesome deeds because my actions are done on behalf of a spirit humbly submitted to Your truth and righteousness.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I refuse to be wise in my own eyes; but I choose to fear You and shun evil. This will bring health to my body and nourishment to my bones.

Father, I humble myself and submit to Your Word that speaks (exposes, sifts, analyzes, and judges) the very thoughts and purposes of my heart. I test my own actions, so that I might have appropriate self-esteem, without comparing myself to anyone else. The security of Your guidance will allow me to carry my own load with energy and confidence.

I listen carefully and hear what is being said to me. I incline my ear to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and insight. Humility and fear of You bring wealth and honor and life.

Father, I hide Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You. As one of Your chosen people, holy and dearly loved, I clothe myself with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. I bear with others and forgive whatever grievances I may have against anyone. I forgive as You forgave me. And over all these virtues I put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. I let the peace of Christ rule in my heart, and I am thankful for Your grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Father, may Your will be done on earth in my life as it is in heaven.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

Scripture References:

1 Peter 5:5-7 AMP Proverbs 22:4 NIV

Proverbs 3:7,8 NIV Psalm 119:11

Hebrews 4:12 AMP Colossians 3:12-15 NIV

Galatians 6:4,5 NIV Matthew 6:10 NIV

Proverbs 2:2 NIV

©2013 Germaine Copeland and Word Ministries, Inc.

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Growing in the Knowledge of God - Day 14 - A Wise Man Will Not Show Partiality in Judgment

Once God starts to enlighten you and you are able to start to see real truth from real error – then God will hold you personally accountable for this higher degree of knowledge, especially if you are in a position of leadership. This principle really applies in today’s world where everyone is trying to be politically correct. There are some issues that are not neutral in God’s eyes – yet some of His own are trying not to step on anyone else’s toes for fear of offending them.

Many of the pastor’s across our country are taking neutral stances on such issues as abortion and homosexuality. The issue of abortion is a perfect example. Many pastors are not wanting to say much about it due to many Christians still being pro-choice. They are afraid if they go fire and brimstone on these people, that they will lose them and the money they were contributing to the church.

Per the article that I did titled, “The Sin of Abortion,” I really felt God wanted me to come down with a hammer on this topic. This issue is not open to any kind of debate or compromise with Him. Abortion is first degree murder in the eyes of God, and many Christians who are actively supporting any of the pro-choice movements in this country are going to be in big trouble on their day of judgment with the Lord!

The two verses I will list below state that the true wise man of God will not show partiality in judgment on topics such as these. Study the intense wording in these two verses very, very carefully – especially if you are in a position of any type of leadership within the Body of Christ.

“These things also belong to the wise: IT IS NOT GOOD TO SHOW PARTIALITY IN JUDGMENT. He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” him the people will curse; nations will abhor him. But those who rebuke the wicked will have delight, and good blessing will come upon them. He who gives a right answer kisses the lips.” (Proverbs 24:23)

“TO SHOW PARTIALITY IS NOT GOOD, because for a piece of bread a man will transgress … He who rebukes a man will find more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue.” (Proverbs 28:21,23)

Notice in the first verse that it says that if you are willing to take a stand against something evil and call it out for what it really is – that you will then receive a “good blessing” for it!

To those pastors who have been too afraid to call out issues such as abortion and homosexuality for what it really is for fear of offending too many people – consider the intense wording of these two verses. When God says that it is “not good” that you show partiality on issues such as this – He is giving you a major and solemn warning!

Bottom line – you are working for God – not for man! The only thing that matters as far as you are concerned is what God thinks of your performance as a leader within His body, not what the flock thinks, or what other people outside of your church may think!

You will be eventually judged by God for your performance – not by any other human being. Study the prophets of the Old Testament – not one of them minced any words when God had them call out the evil that His people were engaging in.

I truly believe that many, many Christians are looking for their pastors and leaders to take strong stands on these type of issues with no compromise. You may lose a few people at the outset for offending them, but I believe that the word will then get out on you that you are a man that will not compromise the truth and Word of God, and you will then end up drawing many more people into your church as a result.

People are really looking for God’s opinion on a wide variety of issues and problems facing our world today. Now is not the time to try and be politically correct. Now is the time to stand up and tell the world what God’s opinion really is on some of these hot topics.

God’s people are going into captivity and are being destroyed for lack of knowledge and guidance from their pastors and churches on these issues. The truth will set these people free – but you first have to tell them what the truth really is before it can start to work to set them free.

God’s Word and Truth is your sword – do not be afraid to use it to set these captives free!

~Bits and Pieces of Seeking after the Knowledge of God

PRAYER

To Walk In Love

Father, in Jesus’name, I thank you that the love of God has been poured forth into my heart by the Holy Spirit Who has been given to me. I keep and treasure Your Word. The love of and for You, Father, has been perfected and completed in me, and perfect love casts out all fear.

Father, I am Your child, and I commit to walk in the God kind of love. I endure long, am patient, and kind. I am never envious and never boil over with jealousy. I am not boastful or vainglorious, and I do not display myself haughtily. I am not rude and unmannerly and I do not act unbecomingly. I do not insist on my own rights or my own way for I am not self-seeking, touchy, fretful or resentful. I take no account of an evil done to me and pay no attention to a suffered wrong. I do not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but I rejoice when right and truth prevail. I bear up under anything and everything that comes. I am ever ready to believe the best of others. My hopes are fadeless under all circumstances. I endure everything without weakening because my love never fails.

Father, I bless and pray for those who persecute me – who are cruel in their attitude toward me. I bless them and do not curse them. Therefore, my love abounds yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment. I approve things that are excellent. I am sincere and without offense till the day of Christ. I am filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Everywhere I go I commit to plant seeds of love. I thank You, Father, for preparing hearts ahead of time to receive this love. I know that these seeds will produce Your love in the hearts to whom they are given.

Father, I thank You that as I flow in Your love and wisdom, people are being blessed by my life and ministry. Father, You make me to find favor, compassion, and loving kindness with others (name them).

I am rooted deep in love and founded securely on love knowing that You are on my side, and nothing is able to separate me from Your love, Father, which is in Christ Jesus my Lord. Thank You, Father, in Jesus’ precious name. Amen.

Scripture References:

Romans 5:5 

Philippians 1:9-11

I John 2:5 

John 13:34

I John 4:18

I Corinthians 3:6

©2013 Germaine Copeland and Word Ministries, Inc.

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Growing in the Knowledge of God - Day 13 - Walk With Other Wise Men

These next set of verses will tell you two things – that he who walks with other wise men will he himself become wise – but he who has fools as his friends and companions will be destroyed! Per the article I did titled, “Choose Your Friends Carefully” - the Bible makes it very clear that we are not to be yoked together with unbelievers, that we are to choose our friends carefully, and that evil company will corrupt good habits.

Once you enter into a full surrender of your entire life with God the Father, one of the first things He will start to do is to prune out some of the bad and negative people that you may have in your life. These negative people will do nothing but try and hold you back if you start to try and grow in the Lord. God will not be putting up with their negative influences in your life, and He will thus be taking these types of negative people out of your life very early on in your walk with Him.

Many Christians never make it into what God’s true call was for them in this life because they did not want to give up their negative friends. As a result, these negative people kept these Christians bound up in their lower way of living in this life. As a result, these Christians never reach their full potential in the Lord in this lifetime.

The very first verse I will list below says that he who walks with other wise men will become wise himself. The reason for this is that you can learn from other wise people besides what you will get direct from God on your own. Learning from other wise people will really help in accelerating your knowledge in the Lord and whatever else God wants to give you His knowledge on. These verses will also perfectly line up with the verses mentioned above about safety being found in the multitude of counselors.

“He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed.” (Proverbs 13:20)

 “Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.” (Proverbs 23:9)

 “A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands. Go from the presence of a foolish man, when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.” (Proverbs 14:6)

 “A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness.” (Proverbs 12:23)

 “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; when he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.” (Proverbs 17:27)

Notice God says in the second verse that fools will be despising the knowledge and wisdom that you may have in Him. This lines up with the verse in that we are not to give what is holy to the dogs. The knowledge and wisdom that you will be receiving from the Lord will be very holy, and you will be wasting your time trying to feed it to other people who have no desire for it.

~Bits and Pieces of Seeking after the Knowledge of God

PRAYER

Developing Healthy Friendships

Father, help me to meet new friends — friends who will encourage me. May I find in these friendships the companionship and fellowship You have ordained for me. I know that You are my source of love, companionship, and friendship. Your love and friendship are expressed through my relationship with You and members of the Body of Christ.

According to Proverbs 27:17 CEV, as iron sharpens iron, so friends sharpen the minds of each other. As we learn from each other, may we find a worthy purpose in our relationship. Keep me well-balanced in my friendships, so that I will always please You rather than pleasing other people.

I ask for divine connections — good friendships ordained by You. Thank You for the courage and grace to let go of detrimental friendships. I ask and receive, by faith, discernment for developing healthy relationships. Your Word says that two are better than one, because if one falls, there will be someone to lift that person up.

Father, You know the hearts of people, so I won’t be deceived by outward appearances. Bad friendships corrupt good morals. Thank You for quality friends who help me build a stronger character and draw me closer to You. Help me be a friend to others and to love my friends at all times. I will laugh with those who laugh, I will rejoice with those who rejoice, and I will weep with those who weep. Teach me what I need to know to be a quality friend.

Develop in me a fun personality and a good sense of humor. Help me to relax around people and to be myself — the person You created me to be. Instruct my heart and mold my character, that I may be faithful and trustworthy over the friendships You are sending into my life.

Father, Your Son, Jesus, is my best Friend. He is a Friend Who sticks closer than a brother. He defined the standard when He said in John 15:13, “Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends.”

Thank You, Lord, that I can entrust myself and my need for friends into Your keeping. I submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Scripture References:

Proverbs 13:20 NIV 1 Corinthians 15:33 AMP

Ephesians 5:30 NIV James 1:17 NIV

Philippians 2:2,3 NIV Proverbs 17:17

Proverbs 13:20 NIV Romans 12:15

Psalm 84:11 NIV Proverbs 18:24

Ecclesiastes 4:9,10 NIV Psalm 37:4,5 NIV

©2013 Germaine Copeland and Word Ministries, Inc.

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