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From The Chaplain's Desk
From The Chaplain's Desk: The Word is Very Near You
 

By Charles Dimmick, CT State Grange Chaplain

  August 5, 2017 --

While it is true that there are many things we do not know about God, and many that we may never know, nevertheless it is also true that if we open up our hearts to God we will find him already present in us, and ready and anxious to teach us his ways and lead us in the paths of righteousness “for His name’s sake”. Why should God want to lead us “for his name’s sake”? Because if we do what God wants us to do we are glorifying God by our actions.

There are many mentions in scripture of the relationship between God’s Word and following God’s path. One that especially comes to mind is verse 105 of Psalm 119 that says ““Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”.

Moses told the assembled tribes of Israel:

“Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ “Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will cross the sea for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it? No the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it. (…) For I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws.”

A similar concept is carried by Jesus’ statement that “The Kingdom of God is within you”. It is foolish to look for God in other places; God dwells within our heart, the Grace of God is manifest in our inner being. We need look inwardly, not outwardly, if we truly seek God. And we will recognize the Kingdom of God within us and within our fellow beings by being filled with the Holy Spirit, and living in peacefulness and righteousness.

In conclusion, remember Paul’s blessing at the end of his letter to the Romans:

“Now may the God of hope fi ll you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

 
 
 

 
     
     
       
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