Yada, Yada, Yada

I had just gotten in my minivan after a really neat opening God  gave me to share the Gospel with 2 young ladies who were giving me my perm.  They were talking about sex outside of marriage which opened the door for me to share. When I turned on the radio, Focus on the Family was on.  They had a guest who was talking about the word "yada".  She said that you often hear people flippantly used the phrase, "Yada, yada, yada" when they mean “yakity-yak-yak”- empty words that means nothing.  That couldn’t be further from the truth.  

Then she began to talk about Genesis 4:1, when it says that Adam knew his wife Eve and she became pregnant. The word used in this context is the same word in the Hebrew to mean “to know” or to know intimately.  She said the Hebrew word is actually “ya-da” which simply means to know, to be known, to be respected. This is also the same word used for "Be still and know that I Am God." found in Psalms 46:10.

She went on to say that this word is used in the Bible so much more in terms of getting to know God intimately than it was used to refer to the physical act.  God’s desire is for us to pursuit Him to get to “know” Him.  I thought it’s probably the same word Moses used in Exodus 33:13 when he made a request for God to show him His ways that he may “know” Him.  Moses wanted more than just His ways, but to “know” Him, to know God intimately.  He wanted to get into the heart of God.  I went home, studied that word and found so much more.

  

When a couple marries, they learn to know their spouses interests, their concerns, their quirks.  Intimacy is more than just physical; it’s getting to know that person.  There are special things that only the 2 of them know.   That is the same with our Lord.   Another definition to the word "ya-da" is to be privy to.   There are certain things that God will reveal to you only in the secret place.   Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me [pursuit Me], and I will answer you, and tell you [some versions say, ‘show you’] great and unsearchable things you do not know.” 

I found it very interesting that that particular show would be on after the conversation I had with these girls.  Not only is it a lesson for these girls, it's a lesson for us as well.  So make time in that busy schedule to get to know, “ya-da” God.  Shove away from anything that hinders that kind of fellowship with Him.  It’s a price worth paying!

We Are All Different

On my way to teach Bible study this evening, I was determined to make the most of this one no matter how many came to the study.  And true to my sense, there was just 3 of us. I had prayed, "Lord, You died for the many, but You also died for the 1."  We were just going over homework tonight, so I figured I wouldn't have many.  Toward the end of the Beth Moore series, her homework take quite a bit of time, so we devote a lesson time for that.  It was also Valentine's Day so I figured the numbers would be down.  

The 2 I  had tonight are the 2 that always do their homework ahead of time & they are my regulars.  And because we were a smaller group tonight, my quiet one once again felt  that she could speak.  She asked a question that lead to a discussion about the idea of going to church.  She has a hard time feeling like she fits in in the churches she's been to.  She is quiet so I think she has a harder time allowing herself to be comfortable in a church setting if there is no one else her age there.

I think it's so important as the body of Christ to make a person feel welcomed when they step into the doors of our churches, get to know their names, & check up on them once they go out the door.  A lot of churches do well with the welcoming part, but then quickly forget them once it's over.  And sometimes it takes time for them to acclimate to their new surroundings, others have no problem just fitting right in.   You want to make them feel like they matter & that you care.

I was so glad she spoke up about her true feelings.  We have decided to check out some new churches for her to see if she will feel comfortable in the ones close by.  Since she is looking for young adults her age, that will weigh heavy on that decision.  I have come to learn that not everyone worships the Lord the same way.  I love that Lord makes us all different, & worship Him differently!  I can't wait to see what God brings of this!

TMI - Too Much Information!

The radio talk show hosts were discussing the recent presidential primary.  The comment was made that the more the candidates talk the more mistakes they will be making.  That is true of anybody not just the candidates.   The Scriptures are full of passages warning that for the one who talks too much it will become their undoing.   Proverbs 10:8b says, “. . . and a chattering fool comes to ruin.”  And verse 19 says, “When words are many, sin is not absent, . . .”   

The latest craze on social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter is to be completely open about what you are doing at any given moment, to be real about your feelings.  As Christians we are to be honest before others.  But it’s one thing to be honest and another thing to be bare.  It seems discretion is a foreign idea on these sites.  As Christians we are to be witnesses 24/7.  The more open you are, the more that is revealed about the true nature of your heart.  Jesus chastised the Pharisees when He said, “For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks.” Matthew 12:34. 

Many believe that because their settings are private that what they say will stay where it’s posted.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  People know people.  Bosses do gain access.  Colleges do find out one way or another the information they seek.  Friends talk to friends.  Not only that, what has been posted cannot be undone whether you delete it or forget it.  Don’t be quick to post or send a rash statement into cyber-space, then regret what has been said later.   The second half of verse 19 says, “ . . . but he who holds his tongue is wise.”

“But I tell you that men will have to give account

on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken.

For by your words you will be acquitted, 

and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:36-37