For the first time that I can recall, there is now serious talk about whether Israel will attack Iran. The skyrocketing gas prices are driving up the price of food, heating oil, and just about anything that has to be shipped.

I heard yesterday that our denomination is changing its policy on printing books because of the prohibitive cost of shipping them. If Iran makes good on its threat to close the Straits of Hormuz, these inconveniences we are now experiencing will pale by comparison to the global nightmare that will result from the cessation of oil production from the Mideast.

There is a feeling of helplessness. There is anxiety. And there is confusion. What should we be doing in times like these? What sorts of people ought we to be to please our heavenly Father? I know I have been preoccupied lately with trying to hear the Lord amongst all the competing voices.

I remember a little tract that was given to me in a catechism class. "The whole purpose of man, is to know, love and serve God." Wasn�t that easy? There you go. All we have to do is to know, love, and serve God.

You probably had the same feeling that I did when I read that. Knowing the Lord is not easy. It is not impossible, either, or else the Lord wouldn�t have told us it was. I think you�ll agree, though, that He is to be known on His terms, not ours. How then can we get to know Him? Communicating with the creator of the universe is no mean thing.

This morning I want to get into His Word to see what He has said, and to learn how to know Him better. I get the distinct feeling that none of this saber rattling in the Mideast has escaped His notice, or His care. I also have the feeling that there is a much closer walk with Him waiting for those who are serious about getting to know Him.

I do know one thing for sure. Knowing about God is not at all the same thing as knowing Him. Serving Him is not possible unless we love Him, either. It behooves us then, to get serious about knowing Him.  Amen?