Introduction

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4

What are you missing in life? Do you have true peace? Do you feel loved? Have you escaped the corruption of the world and recognized the presence of God in your everyday life?

In my late thirties, I spent a great deal of time begging God to change me, change my circumstances and take away my desire to be involved in the garbage I had brought into my life. During one of my exasperated moments of being a mom, I sat down in front of the computer with the intention of escaping to a chat room once again. That seemed to be the only way to control my anger at the moment. Yet I also knew that my escape was not beneficial to me, my family or a wise use of my time. In my cry for help, God simply said, “look at me.”

It was then I began a journey of discovering the truth of 2 Peter 1:3-4. I wanted to be released from much of what was going on in my life yet my focus was fully on those things. That day I looked at God instead of my circumstances and discovered a true peace in the midst of my circumstances. I felt His love despite my faults. And I discovered the easiest way to get away from my evil desires is to look straight into His face.

Over the years, God has given me the thrill of participating in His work. I am in love with God. I am continually growing into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God because of Christ. I have discovered that God is not just near by for me to call on when I need help. He has allowed me to participate in His divine nature. He is a part of everything I do. Yes, I am human. I get distracted once in a while. Then I hear those three words, “look at me” and I truly escape the corruption in the world and in my own life.

My prayer is that this study will assist you in getting to know God in such a way that your daily life becomes a divine experience. It simply involves getting our focus fully on God. He is the Creator. He is Peace. And He is jealously in love with you.

This is not a book of information. Our God is too great to find all of Him in one place or even in one lifetime. My intent is to guide you to take a closer look at the information God has already provided.

He has designed each of us to have a unique perspective of who He is. Our personality and life experiences allow us to view facts differently. Bringing these perspectives together broadens our understanding of the truth. Seeking this truth in community is the only way to fully satisfy our desire to get to know others and know God more intimately.

The Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts, aired on NBC from 1973 to 1984, is an example of our desire to know others. The roasts began as a segment on the Dean Martin show in the 60’s and was so popular it became its own network series. The show involved lighthearted ribbing and humor from a variety of celebrities that allowed the viewer to get to know this person from a different perspective. Documentaries and books also feed this hunger to know more about others.

The Bible is God’s autobiography, His story. We have the advantage of having the author in the form of the Holy Spirit with us to make His perspective clear. We may watch a television show or read a book to satisfy our longing to gain knowledge about someone. The Bible provides more than information. God speaks directly to us through His written Word to develop a relationship with us.

Are you seeking to know God more intimately? Please use this study only as a compass that points you toward God. Allow Him to speak directly to you beyond the structure of this written study. His Word is alive and relevant to your life today. The Bible consists of individuals’ experiences of God’s true character over a period of time. Your life experiences with God are additional stories that need to be shared. Understanding His true character will aid you in recognizing His presence in your life today.

As I type this introduction, I am praying for you. I do not know you by name but God does. He has called me to write. He is the vine. Like you, I am a branch. Apart from Him I can do nothing. (John 15:5) He is calling you to participate with Him in his divine nature. Get to know him intimately. Give Him your undivided attention. You will find him when you seek him with all your heart.

With all my heart
Lisa Biggs Crum