THAT I MAY KNOW HIM
We thank the Lord of all mercy for granting us the opportunity to celebrate another Easter. To Him alone be the glory for the Power of His Resurrection.
In this fourth month of 2024, our focus is on knowing the Lord more and more in all ramifications.
Philippians 3:10 (NKJV) “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.”
Apostle Paul lists three things in consecutive order: resurrection, suffering, and death. Are these elements in their proper order? Should not the last point be “resurrection?” However, Paul is speaking from his experience with Jesus Christ.
The Christian experience begins with the transformative power of the resurrection. John 5:24 beautifully captures this idea: ” Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”
This new life, a gift from God’s resurrecting power, allows us to conquer sin and live victoriously.
Ephesians 1:17-20 highlights Paul’s prayer for believers to have an ever-increasing knowledge of the Lord, a knowledge that fuels this victorious life.
Paul’s passion for himself was to know the Lord and be close to Him (Philippians 3:8, 10). One of the great needs of most Christians today is the need for “knowing God” and walking with Him. It takes time to know Him. It is a lifelong process.
Beloved, the Christian is to be a God-explorer, God is never found accidentally. The failure of believers to purposely seek to know the Lord leaves them ignorant of the wonders of God. This ignorance has plagued God’s people for ages and has infected and made it a great need of the present-day church.
Please take a look at what Jeremiah said and ask if the following verse describes you. Jeremiah 4:22 (NKJV) “For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge.”
Walking with God and knowing Him should be a priority in our lives. If we are going to boast about anything, then boast that you know the Lord. This is what is really important.
HOW TO GO ABOUT KNOWING GOD MORE.
The Bible is a powerful tool for exploring who God is and deepening your relationship with him. Here are some ways to go about this:
1. Choose a Theme: Pick a topic that interests you about God, like His love, power, justice, or forgiveness. Example on Love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
2. Deep Dive: Find relevant passages. Use a Bible concordance, online tools, or commentaries to find verses that discuss your chosen theme. Example: Look for other passages that speak of God’s love, like 1 John 4:8 (“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love”).
3. Reflect and Ask Questions: Read the passages thoughtfully. Consider what they reveal about God’s character and how they make you feel. Example: How does John 3:16 make you feel about God? Does it change your understanding of His love?
4. Write or Journal: Write down your reflections, questions, and what you’re learning about God. Example: “Reading John 3:16 fills me with gratitude for God’s immense love. It makes me want to share this love with others.”
5. Discuss and Share: Talk about your discoveries with trusted friends, family, or a pastor. Sharing can deepen your understanding and provide new perspectives.
6. Read in Context: Consider the surrounding verses and the book’s overall message to understand each passage fully.
7. Variety is Key: Read different genres in the Bible, like Psalms, Gospels, or historical narratives. Each offers unique insights into God.
8. Prayer is Essential: As you explore, pray to God, asking for wisdom and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in understanding His word.
PRAYERS
1: Thank you, Lord Jesus Christ, and the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit.
2: Almighty God, As Philippians 3:10 guides me, I yearn to know you more deeply. Fill my heart with a longing to understand your character, your love, and your purpose for my life. Open my eyes to see you in the scriptures and in the world around me. Grant me wisdom to discern your voice and the strength to follow your will.
3: May my knowledge of you not be mere information, but a transformative experience that shapes my life and brings me closer to you.
4: Heavenly Father, I confess that I sometimes struggle to grasp the true power of your Son’s resurrection. Help me to understand the profound impact it has on my life. Let the reality of Christ’s victory over death fill me with hope and strength.
5: May I experience the power of your resurrection in overcoming challenges, defeating sin, and living a life that glorifies you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
6: Lord Jesus Christ, You walked the path of suffering, and Philippians 3:10 reminds me that there may be fellowship in your suffering. Help me face trials with courage and faith, knowing they will refine me and draw me closer to you.
7: Grant me the strength to bear any burdens with grace and to see them as opportunities for growth and transformation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
8: Gracious God, transform my heart to crave your righteousness above all else. May I live a life that reflects your love and embodies your teachings, In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Thank you, Lord, for the answers to these prayers.
Welcome to April 2024, may the Lord reveal Himself to you as you seek Him more and more in Jesus’ mighty name.
Yours in the Lord,
Pastor Lillian Haastrup
