I, Paul, myself entreat you, by the meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who am humble when face to face with you, but bold toward you when I am away! 2 Corinthians 10:1
Oh the differences between text (1 dimension), and in person (3 dimensions) communication. Text requires the reader to use their own ‘filters’ to discern the inflection, and possible intonation of the writer / speaker. It by far is the least expressive in the fullness of communication. If I was to read this devotional to you — I would consider that (2 dimensions) as it would add more context and information as you could actually hear how exactly I am saying what is on my heart.
Paul also wrote with great boldness, to instill the direction of the Holy Spirit to the reader the best he could. But in person, he could come with the gentleness and all of the fruit of the Spirit that can be expressed to those he came to visit. Text is difficult to discern at times, and the most likely to be misunderstood and confusing to the reader. This is where the Presence of the Holy Spirit is SO helpful, as He can help you understand His heart in the words / text. Without Him explaining it to you, and illuminating the meaning — all you can do is guess. This is where we get text SO wrong so much, as we are often ‘hearing’ / reading it through all of our own filters that can be clogged with hurts, wounds, and predetermined expectations and prejudices. Sadly, this happens all the time now as texting has become such a widely used communication mode today. This is certainly done in translation of ancient texts, for we can’t really know what the original writer was meaning without major guessing, unless… the translator is getting help and advice from the Holy Spirit.
Can you see how important it is that you learn to discern His Voice within you? All of scripture will take on whole new dimensions with His Voice and Presence. It really is the difference between the words Logos and Rhema which are the Greek words for ‘Word’ in the NT. Rhema is HIS Voice within you, speaking directly to your heart and mind. The ‘living’ Word! Are you working on learning how to discern His Voice within you .. better? Like any relationship it takes time and LOTS and lots of conversations. So begin asking Him questions in prayer. Ask Him to help you understand Him and hear Him. Talk to Him just like you would talk to your best friend — throughout your entire day.
Prayer becomes an ongoing conversation — like Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof. We should get comfortable talking to God like He is always listening and wanting to know what we are thinking. Obviously He already knows — but He made us to have relationship with Him. That’s His heart’s desire — to spend time with us. In the way a parent loves to spend time with their children and even more so as a grandparent with their grandchildren — so God LONGS for us to want to spend time with Him.
Don’t you want to open up conversations with the Creator of the Universe? The mysteries! The revelations! The depths of love and understanding bringing wisdom! The knowing of the love in His heart towards you in deeper and deeper ways. Oh the JOY of fellowship with Him! So take the time to spend time with Him … everyday! It definitely is worth the investment. Time spent with Him is by far the most rewarding investment any person can make. It will have eternal rewards.
Begin today… now. Whisper to Him your heart wherever you are right now.