FACE TO FACE

John 1:1 (KJV) "In The beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Hang with me for a bit. There are times when we are praying or reading the Bible that we just all of a sudden "get it." Know what I'm talking about? I can't tell you the times I've said "God, if You were just sitting here in front of me it would be so wonderful to just talk to You face to face. To ask You some things. To get direction for some things."

This was my conversation recently, and almost like being struck by a lightning bolt the words in the book of John chapter 1:1 came to me. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God." 

The Word was God. The Word is God. What this lets me know with certainty is that every dilemma I face God has already instructed me through the Bible, which is His Word. So, if I were to sit face to face with Him and ask Him how I can forgive He would say to me exactly what He has already said.   Matthew 6:15 tells me "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

If I tell Him I can't overcome temptation any longer, His answer is right in front of me.  

1 Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

God, I do not have the strength to do this thing. 

Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

Just one more. God, I need to know how to deal with this situation. It's beyond my capabilities.  James 1:5 "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

The reason we live according to the Word of God is because it reveals His answer and His solution to all things in life. 

Close your eyes and look with your heart; He's sitting there, right there. We have the tangible evidence in our hands and when we listen closely we will hear the voice we are so desirous to hear–God is speaking directly to us through His Word! 

Paula Hill is the wife of Timothy M. Hill, former general overseer for Church of God International Offices. They have three daughters, Melinda, Brittany, and Tara, and five grandchildren: Timothy Brayden, Hailey Taylor, Lucas Reid Maness, Jaxon River, and Jameson Hill Sharpe.

Paula currently serves as the Women's Ministries Director in Tennessee, and most recently served as the International Women's Director for Church of God International Offices, Women's Ministries. Her experience is vast, having served as the World Missions Coordinator, served on the Church of God Women's Ministries Advisory Committee from 2004–2024, and as the state president for Women's Ministries in Oklahoma and Southern Ohio.

In addition, Paula served alongside her husband as a pastor's wife in Keller, Texas, and Danville, Virginia. Paula has written three devotional books: Heart Songs, A Devotional Journal for Women: Grace Notes from a Singing Heart, and Pot Holes, Stinky Stuff, and Thin Blankets. She has also spoken at many conventions, camp meetings, and conferences.