21-Day Growth Challenge | Day One: "Know God"
Key Verses:
Psalms 103:7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel.
John 14:8 (NJKV) Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.
Insight
What does it mean to know God? If we focus mainly on what God has done or will do, our knowledge and relationship with Him is based on "deeds." In this, we are like the people of Israel, who needed experiences to sustain them; seeking signs like people who did not know God. (Matt. 12:38-39)
If we focus on biblical truth and principles for living, our knowledge and relationship with Him is based on His "character" (or "ways). In this, we are like Moses, who was a friend of God because he valued relationship with God above everything else. Moses carried the heart of God to the people. He also kept God's larger purposes and processes in view.
Example:
When Jesus feed the thousands with a few fish and loaves, most people only recognized the "deed" of feeding. In John 6:50-52 Jesus show the "character" behind the deed by declaring that He was the "Bread from heaven" and that partaking of Him would lead to eternal life.
In our text, Philip said, "Show us the Father," he desired a "shortcut" to knowing God by asking for a manifestation of His presence, Jesus answered Philip by showing Father God's character and nature in His own life and ministry.
Because of the new birth, we have relationship with God. Technically, we "know" Him. However, as with other relationships, we can grow deeper and more intimate with God.
Prayer
In your prayer today, thank God that you are becoming increasingly aware of the character of Christ in your heart. Thank Him for His mighty deeds in your life, but ask Him to reveal the greater lessons of character through the circumstances of life.
Day One | Exercise
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