Lessons from John: Intimate Relationship with God

I wonder what you are thinking as you read that title.

Are you thinking that this is just too good to be true? “I’ve heard about people who have a relationship with God and who know Jesus Christ and I would like to have that but I’m just not sure that what you are saying is true. And I don’t even know who you are and I am not sure I can trust you.”

That is OK! Don’t take my word for it! As you read through these lessons, begin with prayer. A simple prayer asking God to meet you where you are and to reveal Himself to you through the scriptures and your study time. And then expect Him to answer you, because He will. Listen and learn for yourself what God has to say about Himself.

God has brought you here today, not by accident, but because He is drawing you to Himself. So begin to let God speak to you as you begin to look in the Bible for the answers to your questions. Don’t worry, you won’t get it all at once; it takes one step at a time.

Maybe you are saying to yourself,  “Well, maybe I’m a little beyond all that religion stuff, and besides, I kind of have my own understanding of who Jesus is. I like what I have imagined about Him and He is the one who understands me and doesn’t make all those hard demands on me that other people have.”

Let me ask you: Have you investigated the evidence? Have you ever read the Bible to see what it has to say?

Let this year be your year of discovery.

Discover who God is and what He has to say about Himself and how you fit into His grand scheme of things.

Did you know if you were to research what the 10 top-selling books of all time are, you would find that the Bible is the number one bestselling book?

If you consider yourself an educated, intelligent person and you have not read the Bible then maybe you have a step to go to add to your education! You can add to your knowledge and answer questions intelligently about what this book has to say about Jesus of Nazareth.

Be honest, if you have never believed that there is a God, ask Him to reveal Himself to you as you study and read His Holy Scriptures.

It’s ok to have questions about God and His Word as long as you are willing to accept the answers when they come. I believe you will see that this book makes sense if you pursue it with a willingness to be taught.

One thing the Bible teaches is to act upon what you already know. Each day, if you will act upon the one thing God reveals to you, at the end of this study you will have at least 30 truths that you have acted upon that will have transformed your life into that which is pleasing to God.

Rekindling

Maybe you are one of those who has traveled down this road for many, many years. You know the doctrine, you know what the Bible says, and you believe what you’ve been taught. But right now you feel like you are an empty well. It’s been a long, long time since you picked up the Bible and found it exciting and new and vibrant. Ask and trust God to renew or rekindle the Spirit of God living within you.

Maybe you have fallen short of God and His glorious plans for your life in a very significant way. Maybe you have been doubting if God really loves you. Trust me, He does. Just confess your wrong before Him and He is gracious and kind and forgiving.

Who is Jesus to you today?

It’s an important question for those of us who have known Him for a long time. Am I growing in my knowledge and understanding of who God is and what He desires for and from me? If not, why is that?

Ask yourself: What do people see in my life that reveals Jesus is alive in my life today? Don’t just rely on that wonderful story of 30 years ago, but look at today?

If any of these describe where you are today, I suggest you ask God to speak to you in a real way. To revive your soul and renew your mind and breathe new, fresh life in you again.

Ask God to overpower you and overwhelm you with His message of love for you.

Now, do you know someone who has an intimate relationship with Jesus?

Well, John was one of those people who had an intimate relationship with God! Stay tuned for our next lesson to dive into that relationship!

Terri Hamman

Faith & Fitness Coach