KnowingGodPersonallyDiscoverHowYouCanHaveaPersonalRelationshipwithGodandKnowHimMoreIntimatelyByKrystalKuehn,MA,LPC,LLP,NCC

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“HereIam!Istandatthedoorandknock.Ifanyonehearsmyvoiceandopensthedoor,

Iwillcomeinandeatwithhim,andhewithme.”

--Revelation3:20,NIV

DrawclosetoGod,AndGodwilldrawclosetoyou.

--James4:8a,NIV

TableofContentsINTRODUCTIONCHAPTERONE:

WhatDoYouBelieveandWhyAreYouHere?CHAPTERTWO:

WhoisGodandCanYouTrustHim?CHAPTERTHREE:

DoYouLoveHimandWillYouObeyHim?CHAPTERFOUR:

GrowingtoKnowHimCHAPTERFIVE:

ForFurtherStudyandReflectionAppendix

AreYouinChristandIsChristinYou?

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

INTRODUCTION

EverysinglepersonhastheopportunitytoexperienceandknowGodbyhaving a personal relationship with Him. Through the redemptive work ofChrist,wehavebeenreconciledtoGod.WearenolongerseparatedfromHimbysinbecauseJesusdied inourplace to forgiveusour sins. Asa result,ourrelationshipwithGodisforeverchanged.

Whenwe accept JesusChrist into our hearts as our Lord and Savior, aspiritualchangetakesplaceinourhearts.BythepoweroftheHolySpirit,Jesusbeginslivingwithinus.OurnatureisrenewedandweexperiencetheabsolutepowerofGodinourlives.

Webegin tochangefromthe insideoutandourunderstandinggrowsas

welearnofHimandHisways.Aswegrow,wematureinourrelationshipwithHim.OurdesiresandwillconformtoHisdesiresandpurposeforourlives.HeknowswhatisbestforusandHisloveleadsusintoalifeoffullnessinHim.

TheveryfoundationforlivingtheabundantlifethatGodintendedforus

toliveistoknowHiminapersonalway.ThoughwemightknowHimasourCreator and Savior, how many go through life also knowing Him as theirHeavenlyFather,closestfriend,andfirstlove?

WecanknowHimintimatelyaswelearnofHim,internalizingHisWord

and spending time with Him in prayer and worship. We can live our livesgrowing in our relationshipwithHim—knowingwhowe are asHis children.ThisisourGod-givengiftandopportunity.DevelopingarelationshipwithourHeavenly Father is the foundation on which to build a life of meaning andpurposewithtruejoyandhappiness.

HeistheOnewhoisalwayswithusandpromisestoneverleaveus;the

OnewhogaveHislifesowecouldliveeternally,walkinfreedom,experienceinnerpeace,andenjoyourlife.AndHeistheOnewholovesusmorethanwecouldevercomprehend.Hewantstobeourfirstlove.

Itisuptous.WecanliveourlifeindependentofGodandmakeitonour

own,orwecanlivethelifeGodhasplannedforus.TheBibletellsusthatHisplans are good because He is good, faithful, loving, and just. We need to

understandwhoHe is andwhowe are inHim inorder towalk the victoriousChristianlife.

Jesuscametogiveuseternalandabundant life throughfaith inHim. It is thekindoflifethatbeginsatthemomentofsalvationwhenHecomestoresideinthebelieverbyHisSpirit. Oncewebegin to live inHim,wecanwalk in theabundantlifeHepromisestoeachofus.Jesussaid,“Thethiefdoesnotcomeexcepttosteal,andtokill,andtodestroy.Ihavecomethattheymayhavelife,andtheymayhaveitmoreabundantly”(John10:10). Jesus came to give us life,His life. He offers us abundant life. Wedon’thavetotrytofinditinothersorinpower,prestige,materialgain,etc.Heismorethanenough.ForinHimweliveandmoveandhaveourbeing(Acts17:28).Tohave life in all of its fullnessdoesn’tnecessarily imply aproblem-free lifewith no hardships or trials. Nor does it mean having all of our wishes anddesires granted. When Paul said, “I have been crucifiedwith Christ; it is nolonger Iwho live,butChrist lives inme; and the lifewhich Inow live in thefleshIlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholovedmeandgaveHimselfforme”(Galatians2:20)hewastalkingabouttheexchangeofhisoldlifeforhisnewlifeinChrist. Paul lived theabundant life. Hesaid,“Christgivesmeaning tomylife (Christ is my life)” (Colossians 3:4a, CEV). To knowHim, to seek Hispresence,toexperienceHisamazingloveandgrace,todelightindoingHiswill,towitnessHispowerandstrength…thesearethethingsthatbroughtfullnessandmeaningtoPaul’slife.Life in Christ is a life of joy. Joy is to be distinguished from the kind ofhappinessthatisdependentoncircumstance. Onecannotbefullyhappywhenthere is cause for distress, grief, or sadness. However, joy can coexist withdistress,grief,sadnessor trouble. JoyisnotdependentonanythingoutsideoftheSpiritofGod.JoyisafruitoftheSpirit.FruitoftheSpiritaremanifestedinthebeliever’slifeasaresultoflivinginChristandgrowinginfaith.Havinganything inabundancemeanshavingmore thanenough,more thanweneed,anamplesupply.WhenJesusgaveusHislife,Hegaveusmorethanwewouldeverneedtoliveafulfillinglife.InHimweareempoweredtolovetheway He loves unconditionally and give selflessly. In Him we experienceunspeakablejoyandpeace.InHimwehavepurpose,hope,andmeaninginlife.

ItisGod’swillthatHischildrenwalkinwholenessandjoy,livingtheabundantlife. Tolivetheabundantlife,wehaveestablishedtheimportanceofhavingarelationshipwithGodasfoundational.Inthisbook,KnowingGodPersonally,wearegoingtoexploremanyareasthatwillhelpyoutohaveandenjoyapersonalrelationshipwithGod.WewilllookatwhattheBiblesaysaboutwhoGodisandtheroleHeplaysinourlives.WewilllookatwhoyouareasachildofGodandwhatthismeans.AndwewilldiscussHisloveforusandourdevotionandcommitmenttoHim. Each section has thought-provoking questions that are intended to help youidentify areas in which you may need to learn more about God and yourrelationshipwithHim.TheyareintendedtohelpyougrowinandapplyGod’struthtoeveryareaofyourfoundationoffaith.Thisisthesolidbaseonwhichtobuilda fulfilling life,growing inandwalkingwith theLoverofyoursoul, theOnewhowants to bless you, guide you, strengthen you and be in fellowshipwithyou.Mayyoudrawclose to theLordandgrow inyourunderstandingand love forHim.Andmayyouenjoythemostamazingjourneyandprivilegeofyourlife!Krystal

CHAPTERONE:

WhatDoYouBelieveandWhyAreYouHere?

YourFaithinGodandIdentityasaChildofGodDoyoubelievethatGodexists?Explain.

TheBible tellsus that“Fromthe time theworldwascreated,peoplehaveseen theearthandskyandall thatGodmade. TheycanclearlyseeHis invisiblequalities—hiseternalpoweranddivinenature. Sotheyhaveno excuse whatsoever for not knowing God” (Romans 1:20, NLT). TheBiblealsosays:“Hehasmadeeverythingbeautifulinitstime.Hehasalsoseteternityintheheartofmen;yettheycannotfathomwhatGodhasdonefrombeginningtoend…IknowthateverythingthatGoddoeswillendureforever,nothingcanbeaddedtoitandnothingtakenfromit”(Ecclesiastes4:11-14, NIV). What kinds of excuses would you or others have for notknowingGod?Listanddescribe.

God has made himself known to man in many ways. We see Him innature:“TheheavensdeclarethegloryofGod;andthefirmamentshowHishandiwork”(Psalm19:1).Heisrevealedtousinourconsciences.TheJewshadGod’slaw.TheyweretaughtGod’scommands.However,theBibletellsusthat those who didn’t have the law are also accountable because the law iswrittenintheirhearts.

God has given us all a conscience. “When outsiders who have never

heardofGod’slawfollowitmoreorlessbyinstinct,theyconfirmitstruthby their obedience. They show that God’s law is not something alien,imposedonusfromwithout,butwovenintotheveryfabricofourcreation.There is somethingdeepwithin them that echoesGod’s yes andno, rightandwrong”(Romans2:14-15,Msg).

WecometoknowGodinthevariouswaysHerevealsHimselftous.He

hasmadeuscapableofknowingHimandreceivingHim.WeareencouragedtoseekHim. “Andyouwill seekMe and findMe,when you search forMewithallyourheart”(Jeremiah29:13).

WhenbelieverscometoGod,theycometoHiminfaithbelievingthatHe

isreal. “WithoutfaithnoonecanpleasetheLord. Anyonewhocomesto

HimmustbelievethatHeisrealandthatHerewardsthosewhotrulywanttofindHim”(Hebrews11:6,NCV).DoyoutrulywanttofindHimandknowHim?WhatkeepsyoufrombelievinginHim?DoyoubelievethatGodcaresaboutyouandwantsyoutohaveapersonalrelationshipwithHim?Explain.

Manypeoplewonder ifGod really cares about them in apersonalway;caresabout thedetailsof their livesand thesimple things. InMatthew10:30,Jesus said that “the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” He wasassuringusthatwearesovaluableandimportanttoGod.Heevencaresaboutthe simplest details of our lives. And He knows them with so much moreprecisionthanwedo. Doyouknowhowmanyhairsyouhaveonyourhead?What areas of your life can you entrust toHim, knowing thatHe understandsandknowseverythingaboutyou?

YouaresospecialtoGod.Hemadeyouunique,oneofakind,preciousinHis sight. He loved you and cared about you before youwere ever born.KingDavidwrote,“ForYou formedmy inwardparts;Youcoveredme inmymother’swomb. IwillpraiseYou,forIamfearfullyandwonderfullymade; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well”(Psalm139:13-14).

YouhavebeenreconciledtoGodsothatyoucanhavearelationshipwith

Him.HewantsyoutoknowHimandloveHim.Jesussaid,“Hewhohasmycommandmentsandkeepsthem,it ishewholovesMe. AndhewholovesMewillbelovedbyMyFather,andIwilllovehimandmanifestMyselftohim(John14:21).”Tomanifestis“tomakevisible,clear,known;touncover,lay bear, reveal (Vine’s Expository Dictionary). Other translations of thisScripture passage express it from Jesus’ desire as: show you what I am like,reveal myself, make myself plain, and disclose myself. Are you obedient toGod’scommandmentsinyourlife?DoyouevertellHimyouloveHim?HowdoyoushowHimthatyouloveHim?

Jesus told His disciples, “I no longer call you servants, because amasterdoesn’tconfideinhisservants.Nowyouaremyfriends,sinceIhavetoldyoueverythingtheFathertoldme”(John15:15,NLT).Thosewhohaveexperienced good friendships know how much they are to be cherished.

Friendships can provide support, love, encouragement and enjoyment in life.JesuscallsusHisfriend.Heisthebestfriendwecouldeverhave.Jesussaidthat“Greater lovehasnoonethanthis, thanto laydownone’s life forhisfriends” (John15:13). Jesus lovesyousomuch thatHedied foryou. HaveyoumadeJesusyourfriend?DescribeyourfriendshipwithHim.Howdoesitdifferfromyourotherfriendships?Haveyoueverwonderedwhetheryouhave tobe“goodenough” inorderforGodtoacceptyou?Andthatyouaresavedbythegoodthingsyoudoorintryingtobeagoodperson?

ThereisnothingyoucandotomakeGodloveyoumorethanHealreadydoes.Godlovesthesinner.BecauseweinheritedthenatureofsinfromAdam,weareallborninsin.“AllhavesinnedandcomeshortofthegloryofGod”(Romans3:23).

Godisperfectandholy,andsinseparatesusfromHim.Thereisnothing

in and of ourselves that can save us. We may try to earn God’s love andacceptancewiththegoodthingswedo;however,evenourverybesteffortsarewhat the Bible calls filthy rags. “All of us have become like one who isunclean,andallourrighteousactsarelikefilthyrags”(Isaiah64:6,NIV).InwhatwayshaveyoutriedtoearnGod’slove,acceptanceandapproval?

Because of God’s love and mercy, He did not leave us hopeless andeternallyseparated fromHimself. HesentHisSon,JesusChrist, todie inourplace for our sins. His sinless sacrifice restored our relationship to God theFather. ThereisnothingwecandotodeserveGod’sfavor. ItisbyHisgracethatwearesaved.“Forbygraceyouhavebeensavedthroughfaith,andthatnotofyourselves;itisthegiftofGod,notofworks,lestanyoneshouldboast(Ephesians2:8-9).SalvationisagiftofGod.Wecan’tearnitortakecreditforit.Allwecandoisreceiveitbyfaith.

Have you received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Explain.

ThereisafamouspaintingofJesusstandingatadoorandknocking.The

doorrepresentsthedoortoyourheart.Ifyou’llnotice,thedoordoesn’thavea

handleonJesus’side.Thehandleisonlyontheinsideofthedoor. Onlyyoucanopenit.Hewon’teverforceitopen.Hewilljustkeepknocking.YoucanhearHisknockthroughtheblessingsinyourlife.YoucanhearitinHismercyandgrace. Youcanhear it inHiscomfortand love. AndHekeepsknockinguntil you letHim in. He said,“Behold, I standat thedoor andknock. Ifanyonehearsmyvoiceandopensthedoor,Iwillcomeintohimanddinewithhim,andhewithMe”(Revelation3:20). WhenhaveyouheardJesusknockingatthedoorofyourheart?DidyoudecidetoletHimin?

SometimespeoplewaituntiltheyfeeltheyarereadytoletGodintotheirlives. Being readymeansdifferent things todifferentpeople. Some feel theyhavetogettheirlivesinorderbeforeGodwillacceptthem.Somefearthattheywillhavetochangethewaytheyliveandletgoofthingsintheirlivesthattheydon’twanttoletgo.Otherswaituntilthegospelmakessomesensetothem.

Theremayneverbea timewhenyoufeelcompletelyreadytoaskJesus

intoyourheart.However,Heisalwaysreadytomeetyourightwhereyouareat—withallyourimperfections,problems,fears,anddoubts.HepromisesthatifyouwillsimplycometoHimjustasyouare,Hewillnotturnyouaway.Hesaidthat“thosetheFatherhasgivenmewillcometome,andIwillneverrejectthem” (John6:37). He doesn’twant to lose you, and that iswhyHenevergivesuponyou. TheBible tellsus that“God ispatient,becausehewantseveryonetoturnfromhissinandnoonebelost”(2Peter3:9b,CEV).IsthereanythingthatiskeepingyoufromreceivingGodintoyourlife?

Itcomesdowntothematterofthewill—askingyourself,“WillI,orwon’tI?”Itisadecisionyoumake.OnceyouacknowledgethatGodisrealandthat“GodsolovedtheworldthatHegaveHisonlybegottenSon,thatwhosoeverbelieveinHimshouldnotperishbuthaveeverlastinglife”(John3:16),youhaveachoice.YoucanreceiveHisgiftofsalvation.Youcanhaveeternallife.YoucanbeanewcreationinChrist.For“whoevercallsonthenameoftheLordshallbesaved”(Romans10:13).YoucancalluponHisnametodayandyouwillbesaved.TheBiblesays“ThatifyouconfesswithyourmouththeLord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raisedHim from thedead,youwillbesaved.Forwiththeheartonebelievesuntorighteousness,andwiththemouthconfession ismadeuntosalvation”(Romans10:9,10).HaveyouacceptedJesusasyourLord?DoyoubelieveinyourheartthatGodraisedHimfromthedeadsothatyoucouldhaveeternallife—bejustified?

DoyouknowyouhaveaspiritualheritageasachildofGod?Whatdoyouthinkthismeanstoyou?

WewereonceseparatedfromGod.OursinfulbehaviorandthoughtskeptusfarfromHim.ButGodmadepeacewithusthroughtheCross,bringingusinto His presence as “holy in his sight, without blemish and free fromaccusation”(Colossians1:21-22,NLT).Dyingforoursinsinourplace,ChristmadeusacceptabletoGod.He“hadnosin,butGodmadehimbecomesinsothatinChristwecouldbecomerightwithGod”(2Corinthians5:21,NCV).

ItwasGod’splantorestoreourrelationshipwithHimandmakeusapart

of his family. “Hisunchangingplanhas alwaysbeen to adoptus intohisownfamilybybringingustohimselfthroughJesusChrist. Andthisgavehimgreatpleasure”(Ephesians1:5,NLT).

GodwantsustoknowHimasourHeavenlyFather.Hewantsustohave

apersonal,intimaterelationshipwithHimasHischildren.AsbelieverswecanknowthatwearechildrenofGodbecause“GodsenttheSpiritofhisSonintoourhearts,theSpiritwhocallsout,‘Abba,Father.’”Soyouarenolongeraslave,butason;andsinceyouareason,Godhasmadeyoualsoanheir”(Galatians4:6-7,NIV). TheBiblesays thatyouareno longeraslave,butachildofGod.HowdoyouthinkbeingachildofGodchangesyourlife?

AschildrenofGod,weareheirstothepromisesofGod.Hepromisesto

give us eternal life. He promises to never leave us or forsake us; to be ourstrength and shield, our peace. Hepromises to guideus andgive us a life ofpurpose. Heblessesuswithgoodness and loveand joy. InHimwehaveallgood things. For He has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in theheavenlyrealmsbecausewebelongtoChrist”(Ephesians1:3,NLT).AsachildofGodandanheiryouhaveanamazinginheritance.AreyoulivinglikeachildofGod? Is there anythingkeepingyou from receivingGod’sblessingsandwalkinginyourinheritance?Prayer…DearHeavenlyFather,

Youareworthytoreceivegloryandhonor,forYoucreatedallthings.ByYourWordYou formed the heavens and earth and createdman inYour image andlikeness. ThankYouthatIamfearfullyandwonderfullymadeandpreciousinYoursight.Lord,YousaidthatthosewhoseekYouwithalltheirheartwillfindYou.Youstandatthedoorofmyheartandknock.Lord,IhearYouandopenthedoorofmyheart. IaskYoutocomeintomylifeandbemyLordandSavior,mybestfriend.IconfessthatIamasinnerandcomeshortofthegloryofGod.Irepentandaskforyourforgiveness.IbelieveinmyheartthatJesusChrististheSonofGod.IbelieveHewasraisedfromthedeadformyjustification.AndIconfessHimnowasmyLordandSavior.Thank You for sending Jesus, Your Son, to die formy sins that Imay have apersonalrelationshipwithYou.ItisthedesireofmyhearttodrawclosetoYouandtoknowYoupersonallyasmyclosest,dearestfriend,LordandSavior,AbbaFather.ThankYouforblessingmewitheveryspiritualblessingintheheavenlyrealmsbecauseIbelongtoYou.InJesus’nameIpray,Amen.YourPersonalThoughts&Notes…Spend some time reflecting on your answers to the questions in this chapter.Writedownanyinsightsyoumighthave.

CHAPTERTWO:

WhoisGodandCanYouTrustHim?YourImageofGodDescribeGodasyouknowHim.WhatisGodliketoyou?(Useadjectives.)

TheBibletellsusthatGodisSpirit(John4:24).Heis“theKingeternal,

immortal,invisible,theonlyGod”(1Timothy1:17,NIV).WearemadeinHisimageandlikeness(Genesis1:27).Thisreferstoourpersonhood.Thatis,wesharewithGodthecapacitiestothink,feelandchooseaswellasthecapacitytohaverelationshipwithHimandwitheachother.

Let’s explore some of the attributes ofGod. God is faithful, just, and

forgiving. In1John1:9we read“Ifweconfessoursins,He is faithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursinsandcleanseusfromallunrighteousness.”DavidwroteofGod’sgraceandcompassion.Godismercifulandslowtoanger.“ButYou,OLord,areaGodfullofcompassion,andgracious,longsufferingandabundantinmercyandtruth(Psalm86:15).TheBibletellsusthat“Godislove”(1John4:8).DoyouseeGodasalovingGod?HowelsedoestheBibledescribeGod?

Ourearthlyfathershaveastronginfluenceonhowweunderstandafathertobe.Wetendtohavecertainexpectationsabouthowadadistocareforandlove his children. Although there are fathers who exemplify God’s love andcare, not everyone has these experiences growing up. Some dads are notaround.Someareabusive,uncaring,ordistant.Whenthisisthecase,itmaybedifficult to perceive our Heavenly Father in a favorable way. Our HeavenlyFatherunderstandsthis.ItisbyHisHolySpiritthatHehelpsustoreceiveHislove and trust that which the Scriptures tell us about Him. How would youdescribeyourearthlyfather?Whatwasyourrelationshiplikewithyourearthlyfatherasyouweregrowingup?

DoyoubelievethatGodisgoodregardlessofwhathappensinyourlifeandintheworld?

PeopleoftenquestionGod’sgoodnesswhentheylookat thestateof theworldwithall its sufferingand injustice. Theywonderhowa lovingand just

Godcouldallowforitall.It’snotwhatGodwantedforman.EverythingGodcreatedwas good and blessed. However,God createdmanwith a freewill.MancanchoosetoobeyHimordisobeyHim.Andinman’sdisobedience,sinenteredtheworld.Manwasforewarnedoftheconsequencesofsin.“AndtheLordcommandedtheman,saying,‘Ofeverytreeofthegardenyoumayeatfreely;butofthetreeoftheknowledgeofgoodandevil,youshallnoteat,for in thedaythatyoueatof ityoushall surelydie’” (Genesis2:16). ThedeathreferredtohereisspiritualdeathorseparationfromGod.InHisgoodness,GodsentJesustopaythepriceforourreconciliationwithHimself.WearenolongerseparatedfromourGod. Yet,allcreationstillsuffers theconsequencesofthefallofman.

TheBibletellsusthatGodisgoodanddoesonlygood(Psalm119:68).

A lovingGodcanbenoneother thangood. We’reencouraged to“Tasteandsee that theLord is good” (Psalm 34:8). All blessings and goodness comefromHim.“Everygoodgiftandeveryperfectgiftisfromabove,andcomesdownfromtheFatheroflights,withwhomthereisnovariationorshadowof turning” (James 1:17). God’s goodness doesn’t change like shiftingshadows. Heisn’tgoodtoyouonlysomeof the timewhenthingsseemtobegoingwell.Heisgoodinthebadanddifficulttimesaswell.DoyourecognizeGod’sgoodnessinyourlifeatalltimes?OrdoyouthinkHisgoodnesswaxesandwanes?

Whenbadthingshappen,itseemsGod’sgoodnesscomesintoquestion.Ifourperceptionsquestionhisgoodness,it’ssimplybecausewedon’tyetknowor understand His attributes. As we grow near to Him we will learn of HisgoodnessandgrowinHisgrace.OnceweunderstandthatHeisgoodnomatterwhat happens in our individual lives or in the world, we will begin to reallyknowHim.WhatdistortsyourconceptofGodasgood?

InJeremiah29:11itsaysthatGodhasgoodplansforyourlife.“ForIknow theplans Ihave for you," says theLord."Theyareplans for goodandnotforevil,togiveyouafutureandahope”(TLB). DoyoubelievethatGodhasgoodplansforyourlife?Whyorwhynot?IsitdifficultforyoutotrustGodandHispromises?Why?

Trust isa“firmbelieforconfidence in thehonesty, integrity, reliability,

justice,etc.ofanotherpersonorthing;faith;reliance”asdefinedbyWebster.Weplaceourtrustinmanythingseveryday.Wetrustthatourcarwillstartupwhenweturnthekeyintheignition.Wetrustthatourkitchenchairwillholduswhenweconfidentlysitdownonit.Wealsoplaceourtrustinpeople.Wetrustthatourfriendwillkeepasecret.Wetrustthatourspousewillbefaithful.Nowifsomethinghappensthatshakesourconfidence,wecanworktoreestablishit,or we can lose our sense of trust in that person or thing to some degree oraltogether.

TheBibletellsus,though,that“Jesusisthesameyesterday,today,and

forever”(Hebrews13:8).WecanrelyonHisloveandgoodnessknowingHekeepsHisword and promises. We can trust inHim knowingHe is true andhonestandjust.Heneverchanges,butwedo.

We can trust God with our lives. Our times are in His hands (Psalm

31:15).AndwecantrustGodtoleaduseveryday.“TrustintheLordwithallyourheart,and leannotonyourownunderstanding; inallyourwaysacknowledgeHim, andHe shall direct your paths” (Proverbs 3:5-7). HepromisesthatwecanputourtrustinHimandHewillguideusonthebestpathsforourlives.WhatkeepsyoufromtrustingGodwithallyourheart?DoyoueverthinkthatGodisdisappointedinyou?Angrywithyou?Hasgivenuponyou?Explain.

ThereisafamousparableintheBibleaboutawaywardsonreferredtoas

theProdigalSon(Luke15:11-24).Onedaythesonaskedhisfathertogivehimhisshareoftheestate.Hewanteditnow.Sohisfatherdivideditbetweenhimand his older brother. The prodigal packed his bags andmoved far away toanothercountry.Itwasn’tlonguntilhismoneywasallgone.Hehadwasteditonwildandfoolishliving.Thenfaminehitthelandandhebegantostarve.Heendedupfindingajobfeedingpigs.Hewassohungrythatthepodshefedthepigslookedappetizingtohim.Atthispointhehadanawakeningandrealizedwhathehaddone.Hewashopinghisfatherwouldatleasttakehimbackasaservant ifhehumblypleadedwithhim. Whatasurprisetherewasinstoreforhim! His father had deep compassion for him. He saw him coming and

preparedacelebrationforhisreturn.Whenhissonarrived,hewastreatedlikeroyalty.Thefatherjoyfullyproclaimed,“Forthismysonwasdeadandisaliveagain;hewaslostandisfound”(v24).

Jesus shared this story to illustrate the love and compassion of ourHeavenlyFather. There’snothingwecando tomakeHim turnusaway. Hejoyfully receives us when we humbly come to Him in repentance. He is aforgivingGodsofullofgraceandmercy. HecaresaboutyouevenwhenyoufeelyouarenotworthyofHislove.YouareofinfiniteworthandvaluetoHim.WhatdoesthisparableteachyouaboutGod?Prayer…O Lord my God, You are clothed with honor and majesty. You are patient,alwaysfaithfulandreadytoforgive.Youarefullofcompassionandlove.YouareanawesomeGod!Lord,nomatterwhatIamgoing throughIknowthatYouarealwayswithmeandthatYouareagoodGod.Youhavegoodplansformylife.InYouIputmytrustandconfidence.YouaremyGod.Thank You, Lord that You are forgiving and full of grace and mercy. Yourmerciesareneweverymorning;great isYourfaithfulness. IcancometoYouandknow thatYouwill embracemewithYour everlastingarmsandunfailinglove. IcanrestassuredthatnothingcanseparatemefromYour lovebecauseYourloveneverfails.InJesus’nameIpray,Amen.PersonalThoughts&Notes…Spend some time reflecting on your answers to the questions in this chapter.Writedownanyinsightsyoumighthave.*IfyouwanttolearnmoreaboutGodanddispelthemanymisconceptionsabout

Him, I highly recommend reading: The 10 Biggest Lies About God and theTruthThatWillSetYouFree.YouwilldiscoverthemanyliesaboutGodthataffectyourapproach,understandingandrelationshipwithHim.AndasthoseliesareexposedinthelightoftheTruth,youwillknowGod-yourHeavenlyFather,the Lover of your soul, yourBest Friend - and draw closer toHim than everbefore!

CHAPTERTHREE:

DoYouLoveHimandWillYouObeyHim?YourLoveandDevotiontoGodWould you say that you love God with all your heart, soul, mind, andstrength?Explain.

When one of the religious teachers heard Jesus’ discussion with the

Sadducees (Jewswho believed people did not rise to life after death), hewasimpressedwiththewayJesusansweredtheirquestions.Sohethoughthe’daskJesusaquestionhimself. Heasked“Ofallthecommandments,whichisthemost important?” Jesus replied, “The most important commandment isthis:‘Hear,OIsrael!TheLordourGodistheoneandonlyLord.Andyoumust love the Lord yourGodwith all your heart, all your soul, all yourmind,andallyourstrength.’Thesecondisequallyimportant:‘Loveyourneighborasyourself.Noothercommandmentisgreaterthanthese”(Mark12:28-31).TheMessageBible(seeitalics)translateshowwearetoloveGodthisway: with all your heart (passion), all your soul (prayer), all yourmind(intelligence), and all your strength (energy). Is there any area which youstrugglewiththemost?Isthereanyareainwhichyouneedtodevelop?

Jesus said the second commandment is just as important as the first.That’s becausewewould not steal fromorwantwhat our neighbor has ifwetruly love our neighbor. Wewouldn’t be unfaithful in ourmarriages, andwewouldn’t takeanyone’s life. Ifwe really lovesomeone,wewouldn’tdo themany harm. So in loving God and loving others, we fulfill God’scommandments. TheBible tellsus to“Owenomananythingexcepttoloveone another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. For thecommandments,‘Youshallnotcommitadultery,’‘Youshallnotmurder,’‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ ‘You shall notcovet,’and if there isanyothercommandment,areall summedup in thissaying,namely, ‘You shall love yourneighboras yourself.’ Lovedoesnoharm toaneighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Romans13:8-10).

PeoplecansaytheylovetheLordwithalltheirbeing,butitisexpressed

mostclearlyintheirloveforothers.InJohn4:12,itsays“NoonehaseverseenGod. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has beenbroughttofullexpressionthroughus.”Doyouknowthatyoucan’tloveGodandhateyourbrothersandsisters? TheBiblesays thatyouwouldbea liar ifyouwere to sayyou lovedGod,yethatedyourbrother (1 John4:20). Whatmakesitmostdifficultforyoutoloveothers?Doyouloveandacceptyourself?AreyoulivingalifeofrighteousnessandobediencetoGod?Tellhowyouareorhowyouarenot.Explain.Jesussaid,“IfyouloveMe,keepmycommandments”(John14:15).Itisinour obedience toGod thatwe demonstrate our genuine love toHim. And inkeepingHis commandmentswe abide inHis love. Jesus said,“I have lovedyouevenastheFatherhaslovedme.Remaininmylove.Whenyouobeyme,youremaininmylove,justasIobeymyFatherandremaininhislove.Ihavetoldyouthissothatyouwillbefilledwithmyjoy.Yes,yourjoywilloverflow!”(John15:9-11).

You sometimes hear people say that living theChristian life is difficult

becausedoing theright thing isn’talwayseasyor themostdesirablepath theywould like to take. But here, Jesus tells us the reward to living our lives inobediencetoHim.WewillremaininHisloveandindoingsowewillbefilledto overflowing with His joy! It seems it would be more difficult and lessdesirabletoliveourlivesanyotherwaybutinobediencetoHim.AndthewayweliveinobediencetoGodistosubmitourwilltoHiswill.It’samatterofourwill—ourwantsanddesires. It isaboutmakingchoices. Wecan’tservebothGodandtheworld.InMatthew6:24,weread“Noonecanservetwomasters.The person will hate one master and love the other, or will follow onemaster and refuse to follow the other. You cannot serve both God andworldlyriches.”InwhatwaysdoyoufinditmostdifficulttoobeyGod?

DavidwantedtolivehislifeinobediencetotheLord.Heknewthatwas

theonlywaytotruehappiness.Heprayed,“JusttellmewhattodoandIwilldoit,Lord.AslongasIliveI’llwholeheartedlyobey.Makemewalkalongtherightpaths,forIknowhowdelightfultheyreallyare. Helpmepreferobediencetomakingmoney! Turnmeawayfromwantinganyotherplanthanyours.Revivemyhearttowardyou.Reassuremethatyourpromisesareforme,forItrustandrevereyou”(Psalm119:33-38,TLB).

God would rather have us obey Him than make sacrifices to Him.

Sacrificescouldincludegivingofourmoney,belongings,oranythingwevalue.Thereisaplaceforsacrifices,buteventheycomeoutofourobediencetoGod.IntheOldTestamenttheysacrificedtheirbestanimalstotheLordinworship.Saul was in disobedience when he thought he was doing the right thing insacrificing thebestof thesheep,oxen,andloot. However,Samuelsaid,“HastheLordasmuchpleasureinyourburntofferingsandsacrificesasinyourobedience? Obedience is far better than sacrifice. He is much moreinterestedinyourlisteningtohimthaninyourofferingthefatoframstohim(1Samuel15:23,TLB). Whathaskeptyou fromfullyobeyingGod foryourlife?

ToliveinobediencetoGodistolivearighteouslife.IntheBeatitudes,

Jesus said “Blessedare thosewhohungerand thirst for righteousness, fortheyshallbefilled”(Matthew5:6).ThosewhowanttodorightandobeyHimarecalledblessed.Theywillbefullysatisfied.Theywillbejoyful.

HowmuchdevotionaltimedoyouspendwithGod?Describe.Thereisnothingyoucangiveorsacrificetoanotherpersonthatwouldbemorevaluable thangivingyour time. Whenyougiveyour time,yougiveapartofyourvery life. That’sbecauseyoucanneverget itback. Once it’sgone, it’sgoneforever.Youcangetmoremoneyandthings.Butyouhaveonlysomuchtimetogive.Givingtimeislikemakinganinvestment.Whenyouspendtimepracticing the piano, you invest in developing your talent and refreshing yourspirit. When you exercise, you invest in a healthy and fit body. When youinvest in people, you invest in relationships. God created us for relationshipwithhimself andothers. Good relationships areGod’sgift andblessing touswithlife-lastingbenefitsandrewards.Howdoyouinvestyourtime?Arethereanyareasinwhichyoufeelyouneedtoinvestmoretime?Lesstime?

DavidstartedhisdaywithprayertoGod.InPsalm5:3,Davidsaid,“MyvoiceYoushallhearinthemorning,OLord;inthemorningIwilldirectitto You, and I will look up.” David believed that God heard him when heprayed.AshewaitedupontheLord,DavidtrustedthatHewouldspeaktohisheart.HeknewGodwasalwayswithhimandthathecouldcallupontheLordat any time andGodwould hearHim. Davidwrote,“Eveningandmorning

andatnoonIwillpray,andcryaloud,andHeshallhearmyvoice”(Psalm55:17). Howdoyou start youday? WhendoesGodbecomeapart of yourdailythoughtsandprayers?DavidlovedtheLord.HewascalledamanafterGod’sownheart.Hedelightedhimself in the Lord. David said of the godly, “But they delight in doingeverythingGodwantsthemto,anddayandnightarealwaysmeditatingonHislawsandthinkingaboutwaystofollowHimmoreclosely”(Psalm1:2).DavidwasdevotedtoGod.HespenttimedailyinGod’sword.HehadGod’swordhiddeninhisheart.WhenwespendtimewithGodinprayeranddevotion,andstudyoftheScriptures,weareinvestinginourrelationshipwithHim.WegrowinfellowshipwithHimandarechangingintothelikenessofHisSon.TherewardsareeternalandourlivesarefilledwithHislove,peace,andjoy.HowwouldyoudescribeyourrelationshipwiththeLord?

Whenwe think about the closest relationships in our lives, our familiesusuallycometomind.Weloveandvaluetheserelationshipsandplacethematthehighestpriorityinourlives.ButJesuswantstocomefirstinourlives.WearetoloveHimaboveanyoneelse,morethanweloveourveryownlives.Hesaid,“IfyouwanttobemyfolloweryoumustloveMemorethanyourownfatherandmother,wifeandchildren,brothersandsisters—yes,morethanyourown life. Otherwise,youcannotbemydisciple. AndyoucannotbeMydiscipleifyoudonotcarryyourowncrossandfollowMe”(Luke14:26-27,NLT).

IfJesusisourfirstlove,wewillfollowHim.Thisrequiresacommitment

to“takeupourcross.”ThatmeanswewillfollowHimevenwhenitgetstough.It’snottheeasyway,butit’stheonlywaythatleadstolife.Jesussaid,“YoucanenterGod’sKingdomonly through thenarrowgate. Thehighway tohell isbroad,and itsgate iswide for themanywhochoose theeasyway.Butthegatewaytolifeissmall,andtheroadisnarrow,andonlyafeweverfindit”(Matthew7:13-14,NLT). Howimportant toyouisyourrelationshipwithGod?DoyouconsideryourselfHisdisciple?

Paul described our new life in Christ in Galatians 2:20: “I have beencrucifiedwithChrist;itisnolongerIwholive,butChristlivesinme;andthelifewhichInowliveinthefleshIlivebyfaithintheSonofGod,wholovedme and gaveHimself forme.” When Jesus becomes theLord of our

lives,HelivesHislifeinus.Ourdesiresandvalueschange.OurwillconformstoHiswill. Wecome to learn thatnothing isgreater thanknowingHim. Noperson, position, power orwealth can fill our liveswithmeaning andpurposelikeHecan.PaulwasaproudPharisee,amanofprestigeandpowerbeforehecametoknowChrist.ThisiswhathesaidafterChristcameintohislife:“Butwhat things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yetindeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge ofChristJesusmyLord,forwhomIhavesufferedthelossofallthings,andcountthemasrubbish,thatImaygainChrist(Philippians3:7-8). WouldyousaythatyouknowChrist?WhatkeepsyoufromknowingHim?

TheBibletellsusto“DrawneartoGodandHewilldrawneartoyou”

(James4:8a). PeopleoftenturnawayfromGodratherthandrawneartoHimwhen they fear that theydisappointedHim insomeway. Adam, forexample,tried to hide fromGod after his disobedience. There’s nowherewe can hidewhereGodwon’tfindus.Jonahfoundthatoutthehardway.Godknowswhereyouare. HewantsyoutodrawclosetoHimatall times. Thatincludeswhenyou’reafraidandhurtingandashamed.HewantstodrawneartoyouandblessyouwithHisgoodness,comfortyouwithHispresence,andstrengthenyouwithHispower.YoucandrawneartoGodandknowthatHewilldrawneartoyou.Prayer…DearHeavenlyFather,I love You, Lord, with all my heart, all my soul, all my mind, and all mystrength.Youaremyheart’sdesire.Youaretheloverofmysoul.Lord,maymy life reflect a life of obedience toYou. AsDavidprayed, I alsopray,thatYouwouldtellmewhattodoandIwilldoit.AslongasIliveIwillobeyYouandwalkinYourtruth.ForIknowYourwaysarerightandgoodandIdelightinthem.Lord,mayIalwaysbeapersonafterYourownheart.MayIhungerandthirstfor righteousness and humbly seek Your face. More than anything else, myheart’sdesireistodrawclosertoYouandtogettoknowYouintimately.InJesus’nameIpray,Amen.

PersonalThoughts&Notes…Spend some time reflecting on your answers to the questions in this chapter.Writedownanyinsightsyoumighthave.

CHAPTERFOUR:

GrowingtoKnowHimAdditionalQuestionsThefollowingquestionsareintendedtoinspiremorethoughtandreflectionaboutyourunderstandingofGodandyourrelationshipwithHim.

Whatisyourreligiousfamilybackground?

WhatwereyourearlychildhoodbeliefsaboutGod?

Haveyoueverhadanynon-Christianspiritualexperiences?

Areyousecureinyoursalvation?Doyoueverdoubtyoursalvation?

DoyoubelieveyourimageofGodtheFatherisaccurate?Explain.

DoyoubelievethatGodhasnotbeenfairtoyouorpunishingyou?

DoyoufeelitisokaytobeangrywithGod?Whyorwhynot?

DoyoubelieveGodisalwayswithyou?

DoyoueverfeelthatGodhasleftyouonyourown,abandonedorrejectedyou?

DoyoubelievethatGodislookingoutforyou?

DoyoubelievethatGodlovesyou?Acceptsyouasyouare?

DoyouspendtimestudyingandmeditatingontheWordofGod?

Doyouprayonaconsistentbasis?Describeyourprayerlife.Doyouprayoverlittlethingsormostlyindesperatetimes?

WhatkindofinfluencedoesyourrelationshipwithGodhaveinyourlife?

DoyouhaveareverentialfearofGod?Whyorwhynot?

CHAPTERFIVE:

ForFurtherStudyandReflectionYoucanlearnmoreaboutGodandhowtogrowinyourrelationshipwithHim.Tolearnmoreabout:FaithinGodandidentityasachildofGod,read:

Ephesians1:5Galatians3:26-29Colossians2:13-14Jeremiah31:34Psalm103:12

* For over 150 truths from the Bible about who you are in Christ, I highlyrecommend the best-selling Christian devotional, In Christ, I am… God’sPromisesofWhoYouAreInChristThatWillTransformYouFromtheInsideOut.Tolearnmoreabout:WhoGodis,read:

Isaiah9:6Psalms62:11-12,86:15,97:9Deut.33:21John4:19Romans5:8,8:38-39John3:16

Tolearnmoreabout:LoveanddevotiontoGod,read:

Psalms5:3,119:34Matthew6:24Deut.6:5Hebrews11:6John14:15

PersonalThoughtsandNotes…

Appendix

AreYouinChristandIsChristinYou?

JesusChristhasmadetheFatherGodknowntous:“IhavemadeYouknowntothem,andwillcontinuetomakeYouknowninorderthattheloveYouhaveforMemaybeinthemandthatIMyselfmaybeinthem”(John17:26,NIV).GodwantsustoreceiveHislove.Indoingso,wewillbeinChristandHewillbeinus.First,itmustbeunderstoodthatGod’sloveisfreelygiventousinHisSonandHisloveholdsnoconditions.ThereisnothingyoucandotoEARNGod’slove.Itdoesn’tmatterhowmany timesorhowhardyou try tobeagoodpersonorliveaworthylife. “ForbyGRACEyouhavebeensavedthroughFAITH,andthatnotofyourselves;itistheGIFTOFGOD,notofworks,lestanyoneshouldboast”(Eph.2:8,9;emphasisadded).SalvationisagiftofGod.Itisnotourrewardfordoinggoodthingsonearth.Secondly, wemust recognize that we“all fall short of God’s glorious ideal”(Romans3:23,TLB).WeALLhavesinnedandthereispunishmentforsin.Goddoesn’twantustofacetheeternaljudgmentforsinandthatiswhyHesentHisSontodieinourplace.JesusChristpaidthepriceforoursinsandHeredeemeduswithHis preciousblood (1Peter 1:18, 19). In order to be saved,wemustacknowledgeoursinandrepent.TheBiblesaysthatyoucanchoosetobeinChrist.Youcanchoosetogofrometernaldeath (separation fromGod) to eternal life. “If youconfesswithyourmouth theLordJesusandbelieveinyourheart thatGodraisedHimfromthedead,youwillbesaved.Forwiththeheartonebelievesuntorighteousnessandwiththemouthconfessionismadeuntosalvation(Romans10:9,10).

IfyouwanttoknowthatyouareinChristandthatHeisinyou,praythisprayertoGod:DearHeavenlyFather,

IthankyouforsendingJesustodieformysinssothatImayhaveeternallifeandapersonalrelationshipwithYou.IconfessthatIamasinnerandcomeshortofYourglory.Irepentandaskforyourforgiveness.Iunderstandthatit

isbygracethatIamsavedthroughfaith,andthereisnothingIcandotoearnsalvation.IbelieveinmyheartthatJesusChrististheSonofGod.IbelieveHewas raised from the dead formy justification. And I confessHimnowasmyLordandSavior. ThebloodofJesusChristhascleansedme fromall sinandnowIamachildofGodandIamsaved.ThankYou,Father.InJesus’name,amen.SeeJohn3:16;Romans3:23;10:9,10;Ephesians2:8,9;1John1:7;John1:12.

ABOUTTHEAUTHORKrystalKuehn,MA,LPC,LLP,NCCisapsychotherapist,best-sellingauthor,teacher,songwriterandmusician.Krystal specializes in helping people live their best life now, reach their fullpotential, overcome barriers, heal from their past, & develop a happinesslifestyle.Herinspirationalandempoweringapproachhasbeenhelpingpeopleallovertheworldforover20years.Krystal’sarticles,poetry,andsongshavebeenpublishedlocallyandinternationally.Sheisalsotheauthorofmanybooks(ForaCompleteList:clickhere).Krystal has a passion for encouraging others. She believes everyone hasuntappedpotential forgreatnessandeveryonecanlivea lifeoffulfillmentandtruehappiness.Krystalistheco-founderofNewDayCounselinginMichigan.Herwebsitesinclude:NewDayBooks.comNewDayPraise.comNewDayCounseling.orgBeYourBestBlogBaby-Poems.comFacebook.com/WordsofInspirationTwitter.com/BeHappy4LifeNDC

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