Introduction
In my quest to know God, to truly, truly know God, I determined that I would read through the Bible in a year. I would begin at Genesis and then read chronologically, using a lens of the Hebrew language (The Hebrew Greek Alignment Bible) and an African Heritage perspective (The African American Heritage Study Bible).
I was excited, to say the least. I established a set time each day for my study. I arranged the perfect setting: candles, soft music, a beautiful view, and all of my study tools. And on Day One, I opened my Bible and began with Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God…”.
Five days later, I was still in this same place. It was at this moment that I realized that completion in a year was a bit ambitious. After all, each verse (or portion of a verse) could evoke a study all its own. Hence, I surrendered my schedule and plan and allowed God to lead (For more information regarding ways to study the Bible, see LIFE Lessons, Know God, Study to Show Thyself Approved). I listened intently for revelation and new insights from God. I pondered as long as He asked me to. I made my study more of a quest to KNOW HIM than simply to know about Him. And the journey has been the most amazing, captivating, dizzying, and thrilling journey of my life. The Bible, for the first time, became alive for me! I finally began to understand what it meant to be living and breathing. And as the Word became alive, so did my God!
The LIFE Lessons that follow explore principles and practices that will support you in genuinely KNOWING God. We’ll begin with God’s Word as you explore the concept of “knowing and being known.” And after having read and reflected upon God’s Story, I invite you to experience My Story as a reflection of God’s Word and workings in my life. Finally, I encourage you to engage in various reflective exercises to support the writing, re-writing and sharing of Your Story.
It’s my desire that you get in the Word for yourself and that you then share your amazing story with others. This activity, Word or Concept Study, is designed to support a greater understanding of God’s Word and to provide space for you to receive revelations and insights regarding God’s Word as led by the Holy Spirit. And this activity, Write a Devotional, is designed to support the writing, re-writing and/or sharing of Your Story.
I pray that My Story, in the light of God’s Story, will be the catalyst to transform Your Story. From my heart to yours,
Davenia