Our Passion and Pursuit
Worship Articles
by EXW Staff
August 09, 2009
– Knowing God Intimately - By Jim Feiker
C. We begin taking ownership of God's people (these are my disciples, my church, and my people). We become concerned about our reputation and building our little kingdom. We start shaping our own legacy for God, not allowing Him to shape His legacy through us. We form our own objectives for ministry and then ask God to bless them.
D. We end up skimming through life in our most important relationships - with God and people. Our ministering without boundaries hurts our family and closest friends.
E. We place ourselves in a very vulnerable position to the enemy and to temptation when we are looking to people and not to Jesus Christ to satisfy us.
F. We experience emotional and physical burnout. With our wanting a quick fix, sin becomes very attractive.
PROMISES OR REWARDS OF KNOWING GOD
It is my belief that we will not be willing to pay the price of sacrifice unless we know the end product...what that pursuit will produce. What does God promise for a person who sets their heart on the lifelong passion of pursuing an intimate knowledge of God? What are the rewards of a Christ-centered, Word-centered life? Is God really a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him? (Hebrews 11:6).
Let's consider the end result of some of the godly people in the Scripture who made God their ultimate passion.
1. Jacob - Jacob wrestled with God and asked God to bless him.
Result - God blessed him and his offspring to bless the nations (Gen. 35: 9-11).
2. Joseph – "One in whom is the Spirit of God," "Discerning and wise man..."
Result – the phrase "the Lord was with Joseph," is mentioned four times in
Genesis 39. God gave Joseph wisdom and favor with the King and success in all
that he did (39:23). And it continues, "Joseph prospered in all he did," including
blessing the King's household.
3. Moses - "Show me your ways that I may know You" (Ex. 33: 11).
Result – Moses' life revealed God's glory and His very presence and character
to those whom Moses led (Exodus 34:29).
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This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.