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A Souls Cry:

week one

A Souls Cry...
We often talk about getting to know God, but how do we develop an intimate relationship with Him? After all, He is God and were earth-bound humanity. Its hard to spend hours on the phone with Him, to get together at the park or even meet at Starbucks. The things we usually do to build a more intimate relationship with someone seem unlikely to work with God. Maybe youve even caught yourself wondering, Is intimacy with God possible? Yes, it is. But it doesnt come naturally or easily. This month well focus on getting started down the path toward intimacy with God by looking at the building blocks of an intimate relationship. David will serve as our model. He was a man who knew God and talked with Him in a very special way. And well work on practical tools or essentials which will challenge you and help you create a loving, close relationship with your God.

Are you ready to grow in your relationship with God? Then lets go.
P.S. The icon marks activities useful for group discussion or assignments. Feel free to use them as you choose.

An IntImAte RelAtIonshIp
Develop intimacy with God by using the right building blocks.
As human beings, we need intimacy; but in our busy, overbooked and over-loaded lives, its hard to find or develop intimate relationships. We friend people on Facebook or follow someone on Twitter; we live on our cell phones and think these connections
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will fill the void in our lives. Casual friendships look like they meet the need but, in the end, fail to produce the intimacy we seek. We seek what the dictionary defines as a close, familiar and loving personal relationship. We desire a deep understanding, transparency and openness that says we are truly known, loved and accepted. Thats hard to find, and it seems even more difficult to realize that kind of relationship with God. He is, after all, God. We sometimes feel so distant and disconnected from Him. Were willing to put our faith in Him, but we go on about our lives without any sense of intimacy and, sadly, rob ourselves in the process. God created us to be in intimate relationship with Him. God is a relational God; and He created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them (Genesis 1:27). He wants that intimacy with us, even more than we do. And He wants us to want it, to seek it, to hunger and thirst for Him. Theres a story about a young man, a new Christian, who wanted that hunger for God, so he went to an older, wiser Christian who took him to a nearby river and held him under water until he struggled in desperation. When the old man pulled him out of the water, the young man demanded, What did you do that for? The older man answered, When you hunger for God as much as you hungered for air, youll find Him. Intimacy with God begins when you crave Him the way this young man gasped for air. Do you want it that badly? Are you willing to do what it takes to develop this kind of relationship?

renew yourself
in G ods Word! Read Psalm 84:112

dAY 1: desiring God

For the psalmist, the tabernacle or temple was the house of the Lord, where you could meet with God. How does the writer describe his longing to be in Gods presence?

What are some of the blessings or benefits he finds in being in the courts of the lord?

Since the Holy Spirit takes up residence in the believer, being in Gods presence is no longer dependent on a location. But how would you describe your desire for Gods presence?

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The heavenly FaTher didnT pursue you in salvaTion jusT To abandon you To a liFe oF cold religion.
woodrow kroll

dAY 2: Gods desire for Intimacy

Read Genesis 1:2627; 1 John 4:912


Why is it important that God created man in His own image?

dAY 3: Trust
Read 1 John 1:59; Numbers 23:19; Malachi 3:6
Trust is essential for intimacy. And intimacy with God would be impossible if He could not be trusted. Based on todays verses, why can you trust God? I can trust God because in Him there is no . I can trust God because, unlike man, He will not .

What did God do when mans sin messed up his relationship with God?

What motivates Gods desire for a relationship with you?

What does it mean to you that God wants a relationship with you?

I can trust God because He will never

fun zone

Remember when God created Adam and Eve? He walked and talked with them in the Garden of Eden. He cared about them. He made you, too, and wants to have a relationship with you. He cares about you and knows all kinds of things about you. Find out how much God knows about you by writing the first letter of each object in the spaces below.

Name three of the specific things Psalm 139 says God knows about you. Would He want to learn all about you if He didnt care about you and want a relationship with you?

Clue:

Read psalm 139:1 in the new living translation.

dAY 4: Jesus & the Holy Spirit


Read John 14:131
How does Jesus enable you to develop a relationship with God? What does the Holy Spirit offer as help in developing intimacy with God? Jot down some things youve seen the Holy Spirit do in your life.

the Holy Spirit ...

the holy spirit is the great communicator. he communicates Gods truth to us through the Bible. he is the translator of our need. he is the communicator of our deepest desires to God.

dAY 5: Gratitude & Praise

Read Psalm 34:122


David consistently wrote overwhelmingly grateful praises to the Lord in the Psalms. He begins Psalm 34 by saying, I will bless the Lord at all times. Note how often he uses words like magnify, exalt and taste. Then, fill out the table below as you examine this psalm. The first row has been done as an example.

Gratitude is part of any close relationship. Are you grateful for close friends who enhance your life? Do they do or say things that encourage and uplift youthings youre grateful for? In the same way, gratitude toward God will make your relationship with Him even more intimate.

blessed the Lord

David

answered David

God

magnify the Lord

Instructions

Lord delivers the righteous

Promises

WEEKENd: Communication
Read Matthew 11:2526; Luke 11:113
Communication keeps a relationship alive. Communicating with God is called prayer. Jesus communicated with His Father (e.g. Matthew 11:2526; John 11:4142; John 12:2728); His disciples felt it was important enough to ask Jesus how to pray (Luke 11:1 13). Why do you think its important? How has communication helped or hindered your relationships?

week two

Read Davids prayer in Psalm 25:122; what does he talk about with God? For your time of prayer today, put it in writing. Feel free to draw on anything youve read or learned through the week.

the Bible includes the prayers of people like David, paul, moses, Daniel and others. see what they had to talk to God about. What do you need to take to God in prayer?
David: solomon: elijah: Daniel: nehemiah: Jesus: paul: Psalm 51; Psalm 139 1 Kings 3:310; 8:2253 1 Kings 18:3640 daniel 9:319 Nehemiah 1:411 John 17 Ephesians 1:1522; 3:1421; Philippians 1:311; Colossians 1:314

one thInG
Follow Davids example in making your relationship with God the one thing in your life.
If you and I want to be intimate with God, we need to draw on the example of David. He was the man after Gods own heart, a man who sought God.

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David once said, One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple (Psalm 27:4). More than anything else, David wanted to have a vibrant, growing, intimate relationship with the God of Israel. In fact, you could say that he craved such a relationship. The one thing that he asked for and sought after wasnt as much about location (the house of the Lord) as it was about presence. He wanted to be where the Lord is, to gaze upon Him and inquire or seek His guidance and wisdom and companionship. He craved closeness to his Heavenly Father. He wanted the warmth and caring that comes from an affectionate friendship. David did not go to the temple for the reasons we tend to go to church today: because its the right thing to do, or its expected of us, or even because we want to be blessed. Instead, David went to the temple because he thirsted after God. It was more than a desire; he needed God as much as a body needs water or air. Intimacy requires warmth, caring, affection and closeness. Thats what King David craved in his relationship with God. And it made him a spiritual giant, a spiritual success. Despite the failures in his life, he was a man after Gods own heart, an intimate friend. You, too, can be a man or woman after Gods own heart. At the end of his life, David told his son Solomon now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God (1 Chronicles 22:19). And if you want to follow Davids example, youll do the same: Do the one thing. Set your mind and heart to seek the Lord, to develop the kind of intimate relationship with God that David enjoyed. It is possible.

renew yourself
in G ods Word!

dAY 1: Panting For God


Read Psalm 42:16
The Hebrew word for pant, arag, appears only one other place in the Bible: Even the beasts of the field pant for you because the water brooks are dried up, and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness (Joel 1:20). In both cases, it reflects a needfor water, air, foodsomething essential for survival. Describe a time when you have panted for God.

What will you do this week to increase your thirst for God?

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To have Found god and sTill To pursue him is The souls paradox oF love.
a.w. Tozer The pursuiT oF god

Psalm 63:111

dAY 2: Thirsty for God

Once again, the psalmist reflects an essential need, something greater than just a desire. He is thirsty for God in the most elemental way. He needs God to survive. What are some of the words that show you the depth of his need?

dAY 4: Honor God


Read 1 Samuel 24:122
What is Davids reason for not killing Saul? How does his choice show honor to God? Honor, nounhonesty, fairness, or integrity in ones beliefs and actions; high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank. Honor, verbto hold in high respect; revere; to worship; to show a courteous regard for.

How does David see his thirst satisfied? How do you think it reflects Davids intimate relationship with God? What does this tell you about Gods response to you and your deepest needs?

How does honoring God influence your treatment of other people?

dAY 3: develop a Pleasing Heart


The first step to having a heart that pleases God is knowing what pleases Him and then saying, I am going to live wisely before God. I will live in a way that God will be pleased even if others dont follow me. What opportunities will you create today to demonstrate a pleasing heart?

Read 1 Samuel 16:413

What do you think God sees when He looks at your heart?

How does Ezekiel 11:1920 offer hope to those whose hearts are hardened?

dAY 5: Confess Sin


Read Psalm 51:119
David is known as a man after Gods own heart; yet hes infamous for his affair with Bathsheba. Although that incident was tragic, it offers hope for you and me. Davids confession in Psalm 51 also reveals his desire for an intimate relationship with God. David knew his sin would negatively impact that relationship and confession would help make it right. Dont let your sinspast or presentkeep you from drawing near to God. Do what David did and confess those sins, accept Gods forgiveness and move on. Our mistakes will only hold us back if we hold onto them when God has forgiven us. Spend time today in examination, confession and praise.

Read 1 Kings 2:14


How does Davids advice to Solomon show his heart for God?

WEEKENd: Passing Along a Legacy

What will the next generation learn about a relationship with God from your life?

What can you do today to establish a legacy of intimacy with God? Put it in writing.

for kids or the kid in you ...

fun zone

Read 1 Samuel 24:122 (David is hiding from King Saul who wants to kill him). Then with your brothers and sisters (or you can play all the parts), reenact the story for your parents or grandparents. Wear robes and sandals if you want to make it more real. Before you begin, tell your parents youre giving them a test when youre finished. Here are some questions to ask them: 1. Where were David and his men? 2. Who came to the place where David was hiding? 3. What did the men with David want him to do to Saul? 4. What did he do? 5. Why wouldnt David do what his men thought he should do?

FanTasTic Finishers are people who can look back and say, i did whaT i could. i didnT do iT all well. i didnT do iT all perFecTly, buT i did iT in a way ThaT pleases god. woodrow kroll

week three

GoDs sIDe of the ConveRsAtIon


Discover how Gods Word benefits your intimate relationship with the Lord.
You know you should read your Bible. You probably even started this year with the good intention of reading it each day or at least more regularly than last year. But so many interruptions, demands and activities impact your day and make it hard to sit down and read Gods Word. Yes, reading the Bible is a struggle for most of us. But opening Gods Word and taking time to listen and understand what God has to say is one of the most important building blocks in developing an intimate relationship with Him. The Bible is Gods side of the conversation. Its all the deeply personal stuff He wants you to know about Him. Often we see it as a chore to do, and we dont know what well get out of reading the Bible. Were not sure how to tap into the meaningful wisdom and spiritual strength God provides for us when we draw on His Word each day.

Psalm 119 is an excellent place to begin because it refers to Gods Wordlaw, precepts, testimonies, etcin almost every one of the 176 verses. Lets start with what we learn from verses 1 and 2: Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart. Everyone who has ever lived has received some kind of blessing from God. In Matthew 5, Jesus reminds us that life-giving rain falls on the just and the unjust alike (v. 45). But theres a greater blessing for those who choose to walk so they are bless-able. These are people who seek God with their whole heartswho become people after Gods own heart, just as David was. When we fail to read the Bible, we shortchange ourselves and miss the blessings that come from getting to know God through His Word. We undermine our ability to develop the intimacy God desires. To motivate us further, lets look at the daily benefits we can enjoy from Gods Word. If you use Meet with God in a group setting, this entire weeks entries would make a great study of Psalm 119 and Proverbs 1.

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renew yourself
in G ods Word! Read Psalm 119:1724
In this psalm, several words are used for Gods Word: counsel, testimony, statutes, precepts, law, ways, etc. What is counsel?

dAY 2: Benefit of Mercy


Read Psalm 119:7380
Mercy is more than the flip side of grace. In mercy, God does not only withhold judgment from us; His mercy also enables us to see His love and care in our lives every day. If you wonder why God provides good things for you, the answers are found in His Word. Do you think it would be possible to know about Gods mercy and goodness without the Bible?

dAY 1: Benefit of Counsel

What do you gain from Gods counsel according to these verses?

What do you learn about Gods mercy from His Word that you couldnt learn elsewhere?

How does Gods mercy make an intimate relationship with Him possible? List the sources of advice and opinion you turn to on a daily basis.

Read Psalm 119:4956


What place does Gods Word have when you search for counsel?

dAY 3: Benefit of Comfort

Here the psalmist reflects on his history with God, especially in difficult times. How has he found comfort?

What Scriptures have been particularly comforting to you in the hard times of your life? Jot them down here.

dAY 4: Benefit of Understanding


Read Psalm 119:97104
According to these verses, what understanding do we gain from knowing Gods Word?

for parents:

Bible reading with your kids

We know its a challenge to get into Gods Word as an adult, but what about with your kids? How can you help them get to know God through His Word so they, too, can develop an intimate relationship with Him? We asked parents and teachers for a few practical tips to share with you. 1. Smaller children will understand the stories in the Bible better than other sections. But as they get older, include more than just stories. 2. Use a version they can understand. 3. Be alert to any questions they may have, even a few days later. 4. Put the passage into context for them. 5. Encourage them to act out what you read. Take an active part yourself.

What influence does it have on how we live (119:100104)?

What do you think life would look like if more people had this kind of understanding?

What would change in your life if you lived according to this kind of understanding?

6. Have your child use his lap as a stage and his fingers as actors, using them to act out the story as you read. 7. Use food (or toys) to represent people or physical structures in the Bible. Food keeps a childs attention. 8. Make some mistakes on purpose as you read a familiar story; have your child beep you when you get it wrong, then give the correct piece.

reminder:

Understanding the Bible and developing an intimate relationship with God is a lifelong process. You need both intimacy and understanding. Your relationship with God will be dangerously shallow without his Word in your life. And the knowledge you glean from the pages of scripture is only academic without faith in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ.

9. After reading, ask questions like, What do we learn about God from this? Or What about this passage makes you love God more? 10. Sing! Any phrases or songs that relate to the story make it fun and lasting. 11. Use the Bible, not just a book of Bible stories, especially as your child gets older. 12. Once theyve learned to read, designate your kids as readers (for at least part of the passage). ed

dAY 5: Benefit of Wisdom


Read Proverbs 1:17
How does wisdom differ from information or knowledge?

week four

What part does wisdom have in your intimate relationship with God?

WEEKENd: Benefit of Life


Read Psalm 119:8996
According to 119:93, precepts (or word, law of God) give life. Describe some ways youve seen that in your experience.

spACe AnD tIme


How have you grown in your intimate relationship with God? Take a few minutes to reflect on your walk with God and chart it here. Mark the first time you heard about God; your point of salvation; times of growth; where youve struggled; whats helped; where you are today; where youd like to be in a few months or years. When have you been closer to God? Whats taken you further away from Him?

Focus on developing the two basic requirements for an intimate relationship with God.
Theres little room for intimacy on a roller coaster. You and your companion may be close together, but you cant do more than hang on and keep breathing while youre blasted with light, sound, speed and adrenaline. And this shared rush lasts only minutes. Intimacy requires something very different. It takes space and time, and those are often hard to find in our fast-paced world.
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When it comes to being intimate with God, these two factors are crucial. The requirement of space isnt about distance but closeness or proximity, a coming together. James said, Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8). Now, thats good advice, but how could we hope to draw near to God? As weve already seen, it involves seeking out Gods presence instead of keeping Him at a distance. James offers another key when he continues, Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ... Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you (James 4:8,10). We need to take care of sin. It gets in the way of our relationship with the Holy God. Every time you confess a sin or forsake it, you reduce the distance between yourself and God. Every time you seek forgiveness for gossiping or lying or some other sinful habit, you reduce the distance between God and yourself. Every time you humble your pride, recognizing who He is and who you are, you reduce the distance between your heart and His. In other words, you actively draw near to God by actively distancing yourself from sin. And that allows a deeper intimacy with Him. The second requirement is time. Intimacy takes time; its a lifelong process. Theres no substitute for time, no drive-thru to build intimacy. And yet we often try to develop that intimate relationship with God in just an hour on Sunday mornings or with two minutes of Bible reading and a quick prayer. Why settle for less than God has made available for us to enjoy? In the Westminster Catechism, the purpose of man is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever. What are you doing to enjoy God? To spend the time becoming intimate with God? Space and time are precious commodities these days, but this week, focus on these requirements for a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

renew yourself
in G ods Word! Read Psalm 119:916
How are you seeking or looking for God this week? What are you talking to Him about?

dAY 1: Seek

Are you storing His Word in your heart? How?

Take a few minutes to write about how youve seen God recently in your prayers, in your devotional times or in other ways.

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we pursue god because, and only because, he has FirsT puT an urge wiThin us ThaT spurs us To The pursuiT. a.w. Tozer, The pursuiT oF god

dAY 2: draw Near


Read James 4:112
What specific actions does James encourage in order to draw near to God?

dAY 4: Stillness
Read Psalm 46:111
What does it mean to be still?

Since humility is important in developing intimacy with God, how does sin hinder this process?

In what ways does not being still prevent you from deepening your intimacy with God?

In what recent situations would stillness have been helpful?

dAY 3: Solitude
Read Matthew 14:1327
Look for words like withdrew or alone or by himself. Even Jesus, God in the flesh, needed solitude, to rest and pray. (See also Mark 6:4647; John 6:15). He even instructed His disciples to do the same (Mark 6:3032). However, TVs, radios, cell phones, email, interruptions and other people demand attention. Todays challenge: start with 10 or 15 minutes and switch off all distractions to focus on something youve learned about God this week. Afterwards, write down what this time was like. How did it feel to be unconnected? What did you worry about? What did you miss? Was there anything you realized you didnt miss?

dAY 5: Silence
Read Psalm 62:112
How well do you handle silence?

How does it help you to focus on whats important?

How did God meet you in this time?

How would you describe the differences between solitude, stillness and silence?

WEEKENd: The Journey


Read Psalm 116:119
Developing an intimate relationship with God is not a sprint, its a journey. Psalm 116 reflects that journey with praise, blessing, gratitude and the promise of faithfulness to the faithful God. How would you describe your journey with God so far in life? If you keep a journal, look back over the struggles and issues you faced and consider how God has brought you through them. Write about how youve seen God at work and your hopes for the next years of your life.

Meet with God, an official publication of Back to the Bible


Woodrow Kroll, President Copyright 2010 The Good News Broadcasting Association, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Printed in the U.S.A. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. Scripture quotations are taken from the English Standard Version, unless where otherwise noted. Copyright 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Editor: Kathy Thorne Project Staff: Allen Bean, Ben Zuehlke, Barbara Gerhart, Brandy Griffin, Emily Wurl, Kathy Thorne, Leisa Larson Design: Brandy Griffin Cover and Interior Photos: www.Shutterstock.com Back to the Bible P.O. Box 82808 Lincoln, NE 68501

sticking points

renew your memor y

In your own words, what do you miss by neglecting an intimate relationship with God? Whats helped develop intimacy in the close relationships in your lifeyour spouse, children or parents, a good friend? How is that reflected in your relationship with God? What benefits have you experienced in a closer walk with God and His Word? What would you like to experience? What are you doing today to make space and time for your relationship with God?

The Pursuit of God


by A.W. Tozer
If you thirst for God and desire an intimate relationship with Him, The Pursuit of God is a must-read! It will help you understand Him better, expose your heart and motivate you to do greater things for Him.
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