Looking out the Window: Keon Lindsey Discusses Have You Heard from God Lately? Shares Two Chapters. Giveaway.

 

A Warm Welcome to Keon Lindsey

To read the first two chapters of Have You Heard from God Lately, a Bible study devotional, click on the link below. * Keon gives away either a print or Kindle copy (U.S. Residents only). Winner's choice. To enter to win leave a comment and email address and enter the Rafflecopter Contest.

Readers will find questions and answers similar to following in Have You Heard from God Lately?

Does God Keep His Promises?

Can you trust God? How can you know? If He has shown Himself trustworthy in the past shouldn’t that give confidence to trust now and in the future?

“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

The beauty of the world around us comes and goes like grass and flowers, but not God’s Word. It is sure and steadfast. When the Lord speaks, we can count on it and rely on what He said to be true. Let’s prove this by looking at specific promises God made and how He kept them.

Example Promise 1

In Genesis 28:15 the Lord promised divine protection for Jacob when he left home. Years later, we see God kept His promise when Jacob’s scheming uncle was mad at him.  His uncle Laban said,

“It is in my power to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.’” (Genesis 31:29)

The scheming uncle knew he could not touch Jacob because the Lord was with him. Laban let Jacob go in peace and unharmed.

Example Promise 2

You might remember when Jesus came back from the dead, He gave the disciples the Great Commission to tell the world about Him (Matthew 28:19-20). But how could 11 poor men do that? Jesus promised them supernatural help. He said,

“But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

This was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost in Acts 2 when the Holy Spirit came to live in and empower Jesus’ followers, just as He said. They were specifically empowered to speak about Jesus and do miracles to back up the words.  Even when persecution broke out in Jerusalem, they could not be stopped. Instead, they were scattered and carried the Gospel with them. We are told,

“They were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles…Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:1b,4)

Even when things were really bad for the early Christians, God was with them, as He promised. The Lord also helped them spread Jesus’ message in the exact method He said, out of Jerusalem, to Judea, then Samaria, then to the world. 

These are just two examples, but there are many more in the Bible which show God has a 100 percent record of keeping His promises. Therefore, we can have complete and confident assurance when He said such wonderful things as: 

“whoever believes in Him [Jesus] should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:15)

“I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20b)

Be Careful with Promises

These are great promises to rely upon in a world of uncertainty. As you read through the Bible, you will come across many more. However, it is important to realize that God has not promised you everything in the Bible.  For example, He said, “And I have also given you what you have not asked: both riches and honor, so that there shall not be anyone like you among the kings all your days.” (1 Kings 3:13)

Did God promise that to everyone?  No, He was specifically speaking to Solomon, in answer to a specific prayer, in a specific circumstance. As Dr. J.V. McGee of Thru the Bible used to say, “all Scripture is for us, but not all Scripture is to us.” This means all the Bible has general lessons and blessings for us. However, the specific application of each verse must be found in the context where it was given.  

For example, the verses around Solomon’s promise show us he was seeking wisdom to be a good leader of God’s people (1 Kings 3:7-9).  The principle for all of us is that the Lord equips His followers for their mission and rewards godly motives (1 Kings 3:10-14). So please do not think God promised you wealth and health and then get discouraged because you don’t have it. Instead claim the promises that are to you!

All Things

With that in mind let’s see a big promise that the Apostle Peter said is “to” you. 

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” (2 Peter 1:3)

The Lord has given us “all things” that we need for godly living.  What do you need to live holy?

Instructions – God has given His Word (Psalm 119:105).

Power – God has given His Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

Encouragement – God has given Christian friends (Hebrews 10:24-25).

A way to call for help – God has given access through prayer (Hebrews 4:16).

Understanding – God has given Bible teachers (Colossians 3:16).  

A place to be refreshed – God has given the local church (Acts 2:46-47).  

“All things” is a big promise, so how do we get “all things”? God gives them by His divine power to those who know Him. Remember the Lord has called every man, woman, boy, and girl to come to Him for new life. Once we are saved and know the Lord, “all things” are ours.  However, you may see some followers of Jesus who do not seem to have “all things”. You may feel like you don’t have them either.  Why might that be?

Imagine a rich relative opened a bank account for you and put $1,000,000 in it. You would have all you need, but if you never went to the bank to access the funds, you might live in poverty. This happens all the time in the spiritual world. If we don’t read the Bible, we won’t know God’s instructions or blessings.  If we don’t communicate with Jesus’ followers, the Christian community can’t support us.  If we don’t pray, we don’t give God the opportunity to minister to us.  It is not enough to know that the promise of “all things” exists, we must accept the promise and put it to work like the Lord intended.

How about you? Are you accessing the promises of God? Make some time to spend with the Lord reading the Bible and praying so you can learn about the instructions and blessings it contains. Then put them into practice. If you need help, ask a Christian friend. We are here to support and encourage one another with the love and wisdom of God.

More about Have You Heard from God Lately?

Have you Heard from God Lately is a Bible study devotional sharing 30 messages from Heaven showing that God has spoken to us individually and collectively.  It helps answer some of life’s most important questions about the Lord and humanity. It also addresses some of the promises God has for us.

*Learn more and read 2 chapters free here   

What Others Are Saying

This book will inspire mature Christians to deeper accountability, but will also provide those who are new to the Bible with answers to questions they have about God."

- Ginger Harrington, Award-winning author of Holy in the Moment (Abingdon Press)

You will hear from God and you will be driven to the Word of God eager to learn more of what the God of the universe has to say to you!

- Dr. Tavis J. Long, Ph.D. Religion, 20-year Veteran Navy Chaplain

Buy Have You Heard from God Lately on Amazon

Bio:

Keon Lindsey is a family man, Christian Author, former Business Consultant, Project Management Professional, and Navy Veteran with a variety of life experiences. He has earned a Black Belt in American Freestyle Karate, worked for himself, flown small airplanes and large jets, and has a master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Yet, what brings him lasting satisfaction is studying and sharing God’s Word, the Bible. He has been a student of the Bible more than 40 years and has taught Bible studies for adults and youth. Keon hopes that his writings inspire you to seek the great satisfaction found in God’s Word. 

Connect with Keon on his Website