Knowing God more and more

Getting to know God is not a quick nor simple endeavor. First there's knowing of God (that he is), then there's knowing God (as in being in a trusting relationship), then there's knowing more of God (never knowing it all, but intentionally seeking and finding more and more about his character, divinity, power, grace, faithfulness, holiness, love, etc.) Getting to know God is not trivial (though sometimes we approach it that way) nor is it for the faint of heart (though we should never be scared to approach him.) It requires discipline, observation, study, and community. And it is a gift and a blessing when there is someone who faithfully takes the time to share of their own journey into their own "knowing". Today I finished listening to two messages that powerfully described two aspects of God that anyone seeking to know him would do well to have listened to. (Of course it's not too late if you missed them live, I am learning the benefit of recorded sermons this summer!) I'm talking about the two messages at CBF this summer by Oliver Shipman and David Higgins. Oliver taught about the holiness of God (with a little of his power and creative qualities spread throughout.) He did so with passion and conviction. His examples and descriptions were breathtakingly descriptive. His breakdown of Isaiah 6 through which he described worship in which we are the "performers" and God is the "audience" put into focus what our attitudes should be as we gather to declare his holiness and our allegiance. David taught about the love of God (with a little of his power and holiness qualities sprinkled in.) Our response to the loving power and provision of God should be trust, not worry. The sermon of Jesus in Luke 6 is a call to faith and kingdom seeking and as David reminded us (I agree David, good preaching is oftentimes telling people what they already know but in a way that reminds and inspires to greater obedience) these things are the opposite of worry. Growing in our knowledge of and in God is a lifelong and serious matter. It is the joy of life itself. Praise God for his use of David and Oliver to help us all passionately pursue the loving and holy one true God.