Knowing God
- God is Father, Son & Spirit
Want to know about God? Go to church and Bible Study. Want to Know God? Immerse yourself in His Word through scripture memory and meditation, Obey His instruction, and Worship Him.
Am I deceiving myself?
I can think I am satisfied with my relationship with God in the fact that I attend church, and even attend a small group Bible study on a regular basis. But these activities are basically like attending an event, and while I may come away knowing more about God, these activities do not bring to know God. I can deceive myself into knowing more about Him, but not growing in my relationship with Him. I struggle trusting Him, because I don't know Him, just know about Him.
In Luke 13: 25 Jesus said "When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,' and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you, where you are from,'
God only wants me to love him with all my heart, soul, mind and strength. (Matthew 22:37, Deuteronomy 6:5) How can I love him if I am not immersed daily in reading, memorizing and meditating on His word, worshiping Him, and talking with Him throughout my day.
He wants me to plan all of my day around Him first. He is the first one I greet, He is the one who I bring all my concerns to, He is the one I listen to, He is the one I share all my joy and pain. He is the one I spend time with.
A relationship is a commitment to make someone first in your life over all else. What does this look like in action for us?
The Navigators Church Discipleship Ministry is a great practical resource to support your spiritual growth.
Intimacy with God
I have been reflecting on how intimacy with God is a key to be able to have intimacy in marriage. Many marriage books, when I have looked up "intimacy" are quick to talk about sexual intimacy, but not much on spiritual and emotional intimacy. In my opinion, intimacy in sex is simply a by product of good spiritual and emotional intimacy.
So what does the Bible say about intimacy with God?
Psalm 139:1-24 ESV
...O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. ...
I need to know God
Knowing God takes focused study of His Word, contemplative meditation on His Character and ways, and dedicated time to commune with Him.
Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.
If I don't know God's pain then I can't know his heart.