Are You Growing in Your Knowledge of God?
“If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” – John 14:7
I’ve had the privilege of writing many books, several magazine articles, tracts, and other Christian literature. I’m often asked, “what is my favorite book?” I explain to folks that their question is difficult to answer; it would be like asking me what child I love the most. I love them all equally.
Ernest Hemingway said this about authors, “A writer’s problem does not change. He himself changes and the world he lives in changes, but his problem remains the same. It is always how to write truly and having found what is true, to project it in such a way that it becomes a part of the experience of the person who reads it.”
Perhaps the most challenging work I’ve attempted was writing the book about knowing God through His character and attributes. The Ultimate Hunt was a work that used hunting metaphors, anecdotes, parables, analogies, and even some humor to project profound truths about the God of all creation. By knowing God we can better love, worship, honor, and adore Him. Knowing His character will allow us to properly represent our Lord to others while modeling His truth.
The various names of God are designations for His attributes. It’s significant that names given to God are most often related to His people’s needs. God is compassionate in the presence of our misery. He is long-suffering in the presence of guilt. Where we are repentant, the Almighty provides mercy. As He feels our needs, God can enter our lives with the appropriate comforting attribute.
After spending almost 200 hours in preparation and writing The Ultimate Hunt, I discovered that “knowing God” is a life-long process of discovery and experience. The more we read His word, meditate on His love, and communicate with His person, we become better acquainted with His character. The more time we spend with Him, the more our spiritual eyes are opened to wisdom and understanding and His glory! “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.” 2 Cor. 4:6.
It has been said that God hides Himself in plain sight. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.” Romans 1:20. If it’s been a while since you’ve really pursued knowing God, start by looking around at creation. Then, look in His Word. Next, look back over your life. Finally, talk to Him and listen.
The Power of Truth:
“Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.” Eph. 1:17
Suggestion for Prayer:
Tell God everything you know about Him…and ask Him to show you more!