WEEK 1, DAY 3: I Believe in God the Father Almighty
In his book Atomic Habits, author and researcher James Clear discusses the importance of making decisions based on one’s identity (who they believe they are), as opposed to making decisions based on what they hope to accomplish.
He writes, “Imagine two people resisting a cigarette. When offered a smoke, the first person says, “No thanks. I’m trying to quit.” It sounds like a reasonable response, but this person still believes they are a smoker who is trying to be something else. They are hoping their behavior will change while carrying around the same beliefs. The second person declines by saying, “No thanks. I’m not a smoker.” It’s a small difference, but this statement signals a shift in identity. Smoking was part of their former life, not their current one. They no longer identify as someone who smokes.”
This same logic applies to our relationship with God. Imagine two people wanting to know God on a deeper level. One may say, “I hope to know God better one day,” while the other says, “I believe in God and I’m getting to know Him better every day.” One identifies as somebody hoping to know God, while the other identifies as somebody who does know God.
READING & JOURNALING:
Are you more likely to identify as somebody who desires to know God, or as somebody who does know God and is getting to know Him better every day? Explain your answer.
What is at least one significant life experience you’ve had that has led you to question what you believe about God?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess there are days in which I would say I want to know You better, instead of saying I am knowing You better and better every day. Continue to do a transformational work within me so that I am one who truly is knowing You better and better each and every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
F260 READING: (A Scripture Reading Plan for Busy Believers)
The F260 is a Scripture Reading Plan designed to read through the foundational passages of the Bible through a year (September 2019 – August 2020). It is a separate reading from the daily devotional but is included for those who would like to engage with the Scriptures on a deeper level throughout the year.
Read: 2 Samuel 6 & 7
Journal: Write it out. Following the pattern from 7 Arrows Page (click here) what did you learn from today’s reading?
Note: Are you looking for a Study Bible to help you engage with the Scriptures at a deeper level? If so, click here for some recommendations.
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