by leaps and bounds

Thus saith the Lord, “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the Lord” (Jeremiah 9:23-23).

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him” (I Corinthians 8: 3).

Scripture informs us that every person must give an account of himself/herself before God. In light of eternity, some things are not that important and should not be gloried in. Worldly wisdom – what we know – will not count when we stand before our God. Our might will not sustain us here and will have no weight on that day. Certainly, our riches will not buy our way into Heaven.

What really matters? Knowing Him and being known by Him are the only things that have any bearing on our eternity.

Think of it this way – knowing the Lord is a necessity. The Apostle Paul wrote: “I have suffered the loss of all things and do count them but dung, that I may know Him” (Philippians 3: 8-10). He is well worth knowing!

Knowing Him means we know His voice. John 10:27 says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” He speaks to us through His Word and through other people. He speaks to our hearts and spirits. He can speak audibly to us.

Knowing Him means we know His ways. Psalm 145:17 tells us He is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works. Holiness, love, forgiveness, and compassion are evident in how God deals with people.

Knowing Him means we know His will for us. We know His will by living out the words of the following verses:

“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. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:1-2).

Think of it this way – to be known of Him is assurance. People in the Bible were definitely known of God. Following are examples of this:

Job – in Job 1:8, God said there was none like Job on earth.

Cornelius – Acts 10:1-2, God knew him to be devout, God-fearing, giving and prayerful.

Ananias – Acts 9: 10-11, God sent him to meet Saul and pray with him.

Like the shepherd, our Good Shepherd knows our names. The following verses assure us that He knows us well:

“To him (the shepherd) the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out” (John 10: 3)

“Nevertheless, the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal, THE LORD KNOWS THEM THAT ARE HIS” (II Timothy 2:19).

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Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.

Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children  — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter  — Breanna. 

Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. 

Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.