When I reread this word, I was struck by Who was speaking to me. I think Jesus because He refers to ‘Our Father’ and ‘My Bride’.  I also think the Holy Spirit because He speaks to me through the Bible, the world, others, and to my heart. I think God the Father because I cannot separate Him out.  I confess that even though I have heard many explanations of the Trinity, I really don’t fully understand.  I know that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are One.  I also know that They are separate.  I absolutely believe but with very limited understanding. 

1 Cor 13:12 ¹² Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity.  All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.

From the journal .  .  .  . August 2013

I was reading in Genesis about Jacob. . .

Gen. 35:9 Now that Jacob had returned from Paddan-aram, God appeared to him again at Bethel. God blessed him.

I bet Jacob was more receptive because he was at the place God had spoken before.  It reminds me of how I seem to get more words from You, Lord, after I’ve reread past words.  I suspect it’s because I am more receptive when I am reminded of how You have communicated with me before.

And I Believe God Said:

Yes.  I speak to you through the Bible, through the world, through others, and right to your heart. I don’t always give you clear answers or directions.  I have been disciplining and teaching you to respond to Our Father, and to love the church, My bride.  You need to be available to people.  You don’t like to confront but there will be times that you must speak out My truth.  You like to encourage but you must use that gift wisely to encourage righteousness.  Praise others for the purpose of encouragement and love.

I don’t particularly like the word ‘praise’ in regard to people since it is a worship word, but I believe that was the word He imparted to me. As a verb it is comparable to admire, applaud, or commend. I’m more comfortable with those words.

In any case, I think the point is not to flatter or butter up but to love and encourage.

Job 32:22For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me.

Daniel 11:21 “The next to come to power will be a despicable man who is not in line for royal succession. He will slip in when least expected and take over the kingdom by flattery and intrigue.

Prov 7:21 So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery.

Prov 28:23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

1 Thes 2:5  Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money!

Hebrews 3:13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. NIV