We Love God!

God: "I looked for someone to take a stand for me, and stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30)

It is a very singular thing…that the only petition recorded of St. Paul seeking something for his own individual need [removal of the “thorn in the flesh”] was refused! The difficulty, however, is this: Why did St. Paul, who had the “mind” of Christ, ask for something which he soon discovered was contrary to God’s wishes? There are doubtless many fully-consecrated Christians reading these words who have been perplexed because God has not given some things they prayed for… St. Paul was tempted to think that he could do far better work for his beloved Master if only that “thorn” could be removed. But God knew that Paul would be a better man with the “thorn” than without it.
Unknown Author

It is no answer to tell me that you disapprove of a religion of feelings. If you mean by that that you dislike a religion consisting of nothing but feelings, I agree with you entirely. But if you mean to shut out feelings altogether, you can know little of Christianity. The Bible teaches us plainly that a man may have good feelings without any true religion. But it teaches us no less plainly that there can be no true religion without some feeling towards Christ.
J.C. Ryle

Bible Reading: JAN23: Exodus 17-19

As Israel followed the leading of the Lord, they
entered into different experiences and trials; and these
experiences helped them to understand themselves better,
as well as to understand the power and grace of God.
There are three such experiences recorded in chapters 17
and 18.

In verses 1-7 of chapter 17 we read of the water
coming forth from the rock. When Moses, through faith,
smote the rock as he had been instructed to do, water
came forth to quench the thirst of the murmuring Jews.
The Jews criticized Moses and murmured against God, and
Moses turned to God in this hour of trial. When Moses
carried out God’s instructions, the needs of the people
were met.

In our daily trials and tribulations, God will
meet our needs if we are willing to go to Him, seek His
guidance, and follow His divine instructions. Too many
Christians today are spiritual pygmies. They never feed
upon the Word of God, and it is, therefore, impossible
for them to be equipped to face the world and all its
problems.