Five Ways to Know God Better

When I first started in ministry, an African Bishop visited our church. We were helping his churches in that continent. He spent the night with us, and the following day as we were having breakfast together, he looked at me and said, “Young man, you need to understand something. You're young, so this is important. The enemy's going to come at you. He's going to try to get you to fail with sexual Immorality. He’s going to try to get you to make a mistake that will damage your ministry and distance you from the presence of God. And, if he can't get you to fail in that regard, he'll try to get you to do something inappropriate with money like the misappropriation of funds or greedily stealing something that doesn’t belong to you so that he can distance you from your destiny. If that doesn’t work, he'll try to offend you. He'll try to make you bitter so that your heart will be hardened, and once again, he wants to make you feel distant from God’s purpose in your life. But, if none of the first three attempts work, the enemy will not stop. Instead, he will transform his attack and chase you with the spirit of hindrance. Distractions, interruptions, disruptions will surround every facet of your life. This attempt will get you so focused on “putting out fires” that you lose touch with any meaningful connection with God. Your prayer life will suffer. You will feel distant from God. Your decision-making processes will lack prayerfulness. Young man…the last of the four strategies of hell may be the most dangerous. So, if you overcome the first three by running away from what’s chasing you, never forget victory over the fourth attack requires you to BE STILL.”

I’m sure you can relate. The enemy is so insistent on keeping you distracted that it makes you feel like you have to be constantly moving. You have to be doing something continually, and you wrestle with the anxiety of “missing out” if you’re not present here or there or somewhere. Even the desire you struggle with to be constantly connected is probably directly related to the spirit of hindrance. Most likely, you’ve probably noticed, you are very uncomfortable with stillness, even when you’re tired. You need noise visually or audibly to make you feel normal. Stillness is awkward. Stillness feels very odd because we are so unaccustomed to it. The truth of it is that we are not comfortable with being still. And, therein lies the issue.

Many want to hear the voice of God. And, of course, God can speak in many ways, but repeatedly in Scripture, one of the things you will discover is that God's favorite way to speak to us is in moments when we are still.

So, how can we become STILL?

1. TURN EVERYTHING ELSE DOWN

We often want God to turn his voice up, but God prefers that we turn everything else down. Elijah learned God’s voice wasn’t in the fire, the wind, or the earthquake but rather the “still” small voice. In other words, one of the greatest prophets of all time did not hear God until he became still.

2. STOP MOVING

When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, God commanded Moses to take his shoes off. Although there is a lot of revelation about why he took his sandals off, most likely, in most remarkable simplicity, it meant, Moses, you need to be still. Maybe it’s just the country boy in me, but I like to view it from the vantage point of God saying, “Moses, if you want to hear my voice, then we're going to have to take off our shoes and stay awhile.”

3. CHOOSE A TIME

Adam and Eve met with God to hear his voice. As part of their relationship journey, he instructed them to take the seventh day of every week and be still. Interestingly, man’s first day (he created them on the sixth day) was God’s seventh day. The first day that humanity was on Earth, God required them to be still as he rested. Imagine how they looked around and saw all the “good” God had done on the Earth. The stillness allowed them to celebrate it, and it was a stillness that God required rather than suggested. Today, God still expects us to take a Sabbath day; although the teaching of Jesus seems to imply it does not have to be the seventh day, there must be a day of stillness, or we are in sinful violation of God’s plan for humanity.

4. SELECT A PLACE

A chosen time requires a selected place. Remember, Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 6:5-14 when praying, one should find a private place and shut the door. No hindrances, no distractions, and no public audience. And, when wrapped in the full context of the Bible, Jesus implies within this same passage, “If you want to engage the Heavenly Father in prayer, identify a space that is conducive to this approach, and be still.” Because his discourse also includes a rebuke of vain repetition and many words. Meaning – when praying – don’t just talk to be talking. Instead, offer your petition in a personalized but patterned approach, and then pause, opening your spiritual ears to hear God speak to you from his word – most potently, his written word.

5. SILENCE YOUR STORM

If you want a meaningful connection with God, you're going to have to silence your storm. We all want God to quiet the storm on the outside, but we rarely want to acknowledge the storm that’s on the inside. When you read Scripture, it is hard to find a place where God ever says that he will guard your mind for you. It reveals he will guard your heart, but he seems to put a responsibility on us to be disciplined in silencing the storms associated with our minds. For that reason, I find this verse fascinating:

Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be STILL. Psalm 4:4 (NKJV)

In other words, you and I have a personal responsibility to bring stillness to the storms inside of us!

Thankfully, if you let God settle what's happening on the inside, you'll discover that he can speak to what's happening on the outside. Jesus calmed the seas in the New Testament with three words, “Peace, be still.” Then, he rebuked the disciples as he spoke to the storms inside them – doubt, fear, and unbelief. He made them aware that those spiritual issues were affecting their ability to manage the physical storms on the outside of their life correctly.

So, my challenge to you comes from God’s command for you:

Be STILL, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

If you want to KNOW GOD and desire to be in MEANINGFUL CONNECTION with him, consider it might be time just to BE STILL.

I invite you to view this message in its entirety at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABgZzWZtqHs

We want to connect with you and help you take your next steps!

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving peace in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.
   

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.
   

3. Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin
   

4. Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.
   

5. Subscribe to EricGilbert.org using this link: https://www.ericgilbert.org/subscribe. You’ll be able to receive updates directly to your email inbox as we post blogs every Monday, Thursday, and Friday morning.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE| MESSAGE NOTES

You Can Live a Strong and Meaningful Life

A woman called a pastor to visit the house where her father was battling a terminal illness. He goes to the house not knowing whether the man is a Christian or not, but he notices as he talks to him the man must be a Christian. Interestingly, there is an oddly placed chair sitting close by. Convinced it has meaning, he asks, "What's the chair for?'' The man replied, "Well, I'll tell you, but don’t tell my daughter; she’ll think I'm crazy…I've always had trouble praying. I knew a man in my early years who said to me, 'All you need to do is put an empty chair in front of you. Envision God sitting in that chair and that you’re getting to talk to him.’ So, I put an empty chair in the middle of the room and started talking to God as if he were sitting there, and it got so good that now I talk to him for hours at a time…and, he talks to me! But, if I tell my daughter, she'll think this disease I’m battling is also taking my mind." Upon departure, the pastor thought about the profound wisdom in such a simple act. The story of the man’s approach to prayer stuck with him. But, some months later, the man died. When the Pastor called to check on the daughter, the conversation eventually led to the question, "How did he pass?" The daughter explained, "Well, the sickness just finally got him. When I arrived, he had already passed, but we found his body in the strangest position. I discovered a chair sitting in the middle of the floor. He had pushed himself out of bed, crawled across the room, and put his head in that chair…he died kneeling with his head laid in the chair…"1

In Scripture, we find a man named Samson. Perhaps, he was the strongest man who ever lived, but unlike the elderly man in our story, he didn’t have a chair. The Spirit of God would come upon his life, equipping him with supernatural power, but his life does not end well. I think it’s because he seems to have never valued prayer. In fact, Scripture only records Samson as praying two times in his entire life. Last week’s message focused on Samson’s First Prayer, while this pass records his second prayer:

Then Samson called to the Lord, saying, “O Lord God, remember me, I pray! Strengthen me, I pray, just this once, O God, that I may with one blow take vengeance… for my two eyes!” -Judges 16:28 (NKJV)

If we can learn anything from Samson, it is that: prayer changes everything. And, if we want to live a meaningful life, we MUST be people who lead prayerful lives.

---

Cynthia Lewis offers this imagery of prayer, “If your day is hemmed in with prayer, it is less likely to come unraveled.”

E.M Bounds, a great author on the subject of prayer, says, “God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world, the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil…”

Elisabeth Elliot shared, “Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between His will and its accomplishment on earth.”

Charles Stanley, the well-recognized pastor from Atlanta and of an international radio ministry, states, “An unschooled man who knows how to (prayerfully) meditate upon the Lord has learned far more than the man with the highest education; who does not know how to meditate.”

---

God used him in powerful and mighty ways, but Samson failed to live a meaningful life despite being so strong because he did not prioritize prayer. Allow that to sink in.

So here is a lesson we can learn from Samson’s life: your gifts can take you where your character is not prepared to keep you. When you have a gift or some release of God’s power in your life, it’s easy to start thinking that everything is okay. But, we neglect one crucial fact, we must allow God to keep working on us, shaping and developing our character. This development happens through prayer.

Because of Samson’s prayerless life, we repeatedly see him in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong people, even though he came from a prayerful family. His parents were faith-filled, and they had an intentional prayer life. Their prayer life was meaningful! Even Samson’s birth was a blessing from God due to his mother's prayers. As a result, his parents declared over their home that their child would be in a covenant with God upon his first breath. Samson was blessed because of his parent’s prayers!

---

Do you want to be a parent who prays powerful prayers over your family? Then, check out this post: Five Blessings to Ask God for That Will Change Your Life Forever.

---

But, unfortunately, although his parents prayed, blessed him, and entered into a covenant with God, Samson never developed his own personal relationship with God. Instead, he relied too much on his family’s faith and not on his own. Personally, he only uses prayer as a last resort – when he is already in undesirable situations and turmoil.

Each of us must have our own personal and intimate relationship with God. And, let me be clear, because this is important, just because your life looks good on the outside does not mean you are right with God.

You could simply be riding on the coattails of faith and prayers offered by someone who really cares about you (such as your parents) while the enemy lulls you to sleep and sets you up for destruction in the future. AND, unfortunately, this is what happens in Samson’s life! His demise reveals it is possible to overlook the fact that God’s power is starting to distance itself from our life, but we can avoid this disaster by asking God to ignite your prayer life and to strengthen you with His Spirit.

You need somewhere to lay your head, and as we will further evaluate on Thursday, it is not the lap – or chair – of Delilah.

I invite you to view this message in its entirety at this link: https://youtu.be/yQcFRq9R8Dk

We want to connect with you and help you take your next steps!

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving peace in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.
   

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.
   

3. Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin
   

4. Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.
   

5. Subscribe to EricGilbert.org using this link: https://www.ericgilbert.org/subscribe. You’ll be able to receive updates directly to your email inbox as we post blogs every Monday, Thursday, and Friday morning.

1 Story of the prayer and chair adapted from a sermon illustration by Ricky Nelms; originally delivered in his message, Hallowed Be Thy Name, 7/14/2010.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE| MESSAGE NOTES

How to Live a Life of Thanksliving

This past Sunday our church had the opportunity to hear a powerful message from Pastor Jason Hood, Thanksliving, encouraging us to have a heart that is not only thankful in a particular season but stays in a spirit of gratitude and thanksgiving continually as a way of life.

Have you ever walked through a season of depression? Or maybe a season when your Spirit felt down, discouraged, or disengaged? We have all probably faced challenging seasons like this at some point in our lives. But did you know you have the power to choose joy? There is power in thanking God for what you do have, instead of what you are lacking. The enemy wants us to focus on what's wrong in our lives, but gratitude for what you do have is a powerful tool to change the way you live your life.

We serve a God who makes a way where there seems to be no way. He is a God of hope. He is a God who has promised us an abundant life and future. His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.

And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing.

-Psalm 107:22 (KJV)

It’s easy for us to forget that ungratefulness is a sin- it’s truly ugly, wrong, and offensive. Knowing this should cause us to pay incredible attention to our thoughts and actions regarding being ungrateful. Paul, speaks about unthankfulness in our last days...

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

-2 Timothy 3:1-5

Oftentimes we are caught grumbling and complaining more than we are speaking about the things we are grateful for. True gratitude is an overflow of our hearts.

...out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.-Matthew 12:34 (NKJV)

If you are thankful, and you're living a life of Thanksliving, then communicate it. Declare your thankfulness, by doing so you are shining a light into darkness!

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. -Hebrews 13:16 (KJV)

So how do we keep these truths close to our hearts, avoid the sin of ungratefulness, and start living a life of Thanksliving?

We offer sacrifices to God. In the Old Testament, Scripture teaches us that sacrifices of thanksgiving were made of animals, fruits, and grains. In the New Testament, Scripture teaches us that we are to offer spiritual sacrifices.

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. -1 Peter 2:3-5

Pastor Jason provided us with these 3 Spiritual Sacrifices we can offer God. This is how we live lives of thanksliving:

1) THE SACRIFICE OF PRAISE

It is a Biblical command that we continually praise and worship Jesus, it is not a suggestion. God considers your praise to be very valuable! But you must enter into praise from your free will, God knows the posture of your heart.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. -Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)

Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. -Psalm 119:108

2) THE SACRIFICE OF PRAYER

God enjoys hanging out with a thankful heart. Just like us, God doesn’t want to hang out with someone who just ate dill pickle soup, is a sour patch kid, or is a negative Nancy. God enjoys positive, thankful, and joyful people. Tell God in prayer all the things you are thankful for, list them out and speak them out loud! Draw near to God through choosing joy and choosing thanksgiving. Rejoice in prayer!

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. -Psalm 141:2 (KJV)

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. -1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)

3) THE SACRIFICE OF YOU

Jesus gave His life for you. Have you given your body, your life, to Him? Are you all in with God, because He wants all of you! Are you giving everything you have and everything you do to God to be used and guided by Him? We are blessed to be the hands and feet of Jesus here on Earth.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. -Romans 12:1-2 (KJV)

Maybe it’s time to evaluate your life. Are you living a life of thanksliving? Or have you let the sin of ungratefulness sneak in and take root. Are you grumbling and complaining more than you are praising and worshiping? Are you asking God for more things in your prayer life than you are saying thank you for? Does God have your whole heart? It’s never too late to choose joy, step into an attitude of gratitude, and allow thankfulness to pour out of your heart in abundance to the Lord.

This is how we shed light, overcome darkness, and defeat the enemy.

I invite you to view this message, “Thanksliving” in its entirety at this link:

We want to connect with you and help you take your next steps!

1. Do you have a relationship with Jesus? This decision is the first step in receiving the anointing in your life. If you are ready to give your life to Jesus, we would love to celebrate with you at 3trees.com.

2. Do you need to rededicate your life to Jesus? If yes, please connect with us at 3trees.com.

3. Do you feel God prompting you to take your next steps? If yes, BEGIN is waiting for you! You can walk through our ONLINE BEGIN class at 3trees.com/begin

4. Would you like to make a difference in our community? Join our captivate team! Visit 3trees.com to find out how you can participate in community outreach opportunities.

WATCH IT | DISCUSSION GUIDE| MESSAGE NOTES