1 Jul 2012; Jude

We have the bible. Some read it, some don't. Some read it because, they need to follow a routine.

For those who read, good - but what is the motivation? To know the bible and its contents? If there is no desire, then there is no need to expound the need to why you need to read the bible. For those who read, ask about the intent.

Ultimately, the real reason to read the bible is to know God. It is like reading a car manual and the reason is so that we can know all about the car, but more importantly, what beats knowing the car better than the experience of able to drive one.

It all begins with God through the word given for us. Today Proverbs 1:7
 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;
  fools despise wisdom and instruction.
(Proverbs 1:7 ESV)

 In Jude 1-2, 
 To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:
 May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.

We care called, loved and kept by God the Father. (CLK)

Called (identity)
It is God who first called us, identify us, divinely summoned by God as in Isa 43:1 - 
  I have called you by name, you are mine.

What have I been called into? It is the King, our God who called us. Who has he called? You and I, and that set the identity we that we have been set aside.

I have been called - as the head of my family, in my work place of influence. As such, it is my duty to response for that calling - take care of the sheep that is below you. From Sunday sermon, an bibilical application is to put a hedge of protection over them. Through putting on the full armour of God for yourself and be ready for battle. And in all

 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
(Ephesians 6:18 ESV)

Loved (intimacy)
We are not called into the business like a cold called, but is love by God. we are not going to walk alone. We have the intimacy with God the Father, who is our best source of guide. Isa 43:1, He knows us by name.

Without the passion, the intimacy, we are just doing and working for someone KPI, without knowing why are we called and what purpose.

It is my desire to leave a godly legacy for my family. Who is God? I know Him, but who is He to me? It is that intimacy and therefore, allow me in and into your love.

Kept (security)
It is His soveign power that kept us. Our secuity.

In yesterday Proverbs 30: Every word of God proves true;
  he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
(Proverbs 30:5 ESV)

In Him, the protection and the refuge. In does not matter to me the state I am in now. If I refuse to hide in Him and take that shelter, I am outside.

Conclusions
I am called, let that be the desire. I am loved by God. It does not matter that state I am in.
The Lord, my God has called me to raise up, to take that headship over my family and my work place. I am not alone and I will not walk alone. I need to grow in intimacy with the one who called me and knowing that the all powerful God is with me. Of who shall I fear.

I pray therefore for my self to continue a walk close with God, knowing Him. I pray as the head of the family to kept my family protected with prayers building a hedge over them, that they too may experience (caught that experience) with God through intimacy. Amen.