I must KNOW Him!

We need to first believe on Jesus Christ to be saved. We must believe that he is real and he is the Son of God; another manifestation of God Himself. He was called Emmanuel, meaning God with us. Not just a good man or prophet as some think. 

Acts 16:31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.

As we continue in the path that God called us to we must understand the difference in believing and KNOWING God.

Believing = to accept as true

Knowing = to be acquainted or familiar with

Many times we say "I know that I know" - do we really know?

Or are we still trying to convince self that "I know"?
There is ONLY one way to know God. It is to spend time with Him, talking to Him and absorbing His Word. I have heard people say that they read the Bible but do not understand it. Pray for God to open your understanding while you study His Word so that you may know Him and His ways.

 2Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

John 10:4-5 And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.

 And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.

 John 10:14-15 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.

  As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.

 John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

There is awesome peace in knowing God. Because no matter what or how a thing looks, feels, or smells your comfort is in KNOWING God is and God will.... take care of all of your needs. 

There really is a big difference between believing God can and knowing God will be there for you. But it all starts with you.... you must first believe.

Romans 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

 19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb:

 20  He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

 23 ¶ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

...Fully persuaded because He knew God.

Get to know God... don't stop at "believe"....

When a couple get together they spend a lot of time together getting acquainted. They are attracted to each other so they want to know more about each other. Then perhaps started officially dating and possibly become engaged to be married. Many get married believing it is right and they are ready. Then, months or years later one or both grow apart or are tempted by a new attraction and the marriage fails; falling apart. Usually with a lot of hurt, anger and finger pointing. 

God will never leave you... but often we draw away from him through cares of life, too busy to talk to him today or exhausted and did not read the Word now - thinking we will do it later. Before you know it, you have pulled away from your relationship with God. Believing it will be okay. It is not okay. 

Your earthly relationship has to be continually cultivated to be healthy. Your relationship with God, which is more important, must have continued cultivation to remain healthy and active. He is only waiting for you. You set the tone and success of your heavenly/spiritual relationship. 

By keeping that relationship healthy and alive you are COMING INTO THE KNOWING God. Knowing God can, knowing God will, and knowing God wants to - give you His best. 

Don't stop at "believe", continue into KNOWING; get acquainted and familiar with Him. 

God bless.....