Month: June 2023

by John O’Malley

I am learning about living with a high view of God.

Considering this idea, I began an indefinite series for my monthly articles for Headquarter Happenings. This series began when I read what John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” John 3:30.

To write this series, I took the sense from John the Baptist’s word ‘must’ as it is necessary. I must make room for God in every area of my living.

When I write of making room for God, I equate this with holding a high view of God. When I decrease, I am making room for Him. I make room for His omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.

How do we get to the place where we hold a high view of God? I think we must begin with John the Baptist’s parents. John the Baptist’s mother walked with the Lord. Zacharias, John’s father, prophesied:

And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel. Luke 1:76–80

God embedded in Zacharias’ prophecy the four truths for living with a high view of God. A high view of God means we:

• • • Point to Him – prepare his ways
    • Speak of Him – give knowledge of salvation
    • Shine for Him – give light to the world
    • Guide people to Him – guide our feet

John knew Christ had to increase; it was John’s philosophy. I am here to point to Jesus. I am here to speak of Jesus. I am here to shine for Jesus. I am here to guide people to Jesus.

The influence of our living will set the context of how our children, spouses, and ministries will see Jesus.

Do the people around you see you have a high view of God?

Yours for the harvest,
John O’Malley

by Cody Carden

Sometimes, it seems like I am at a place in life where everything is constantly changing. Within a four-year span, I will have graduated high school, been through a family tragedy, married off my sister, and soon to graduate from college. These are just a few recent major events, but if I stop to think of more, there are plenty. Everything seems so temporary at times. The unknown future is so vast yet imminent.

I can remember being so overwhelmed at times and just wanting to have a mental breakdown. That would be so easy, wouldn’t it? Sit in silence and weep over the constantly moving parts in your life and let the uncertainty and doubt overtake you.

It was in these moments I clung to Psalm 46.

“God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in trouble.
Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:
God shall help her, and that right early.” – Psalm 46:1-5

When things that are planned and thought through ahead of time change, or things that you thought you had control over suddenly become out of reach and above you, know that God is in control. The comfort of knowing God is unchanging and always present is priceless. No matter the circumstance, God’s unchanging character needs to be the source of our strength; He needs to be our place of rest, our place of recovery, and our place of replenishment. He gives the peace that passes all understanding, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart or constantly changing.

This is a simple truth and testimony, but life-changing.

Cody Carden is completing a missions internship with John O’Malley this summer. If this was an encouragement to you, please click here to let him know.