Shining~ Knowing God

This year I have the privilege of writing and teaching devotionals for a group of young ladies ages 5-18. Our theme we’re focusing on is SHINING and how we can shine Jesus.

Our main verse for the year is…

Matt 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put into its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.”

I thought it would be fun to share these devotionals with you on this platform. I pray these short devotions serve as an encouragement to you. Please feel free to share them with others, especially the children in your life.

(Please note that some of these devotionals have a fun visual to go with it that can inspire, encourage connection and help others to engage with the devotion.)

When we become a believer of Jesus, so many wonderful things happen in that moment. We might not “feel” it, but it does. One incredible thing that happens is God’s Holy Spirit enters us and we immediately have the presence of God in us… every single second of every single day.

This alone causes us to shine for Jesus. But, there are things that we can personally do to enhance that shine. This year we will learn all the ways we can shine for our God.

(Visual aid: Use battery operated Christmas lights draped on you or use a flash light to represent shining.)

Knowing God!

What is the BEST way we can shine for God? To know Him!!

The cool thing about God is He WANTS us to know Him. Do you like it when people who are important to you know about you? Maybe it’s things you like: your favorite foods, activities, color, or birthday. Or maybe they know those little intimate details in your heart. It makes you feel loved when your favorite people know you, right?

Well, God is no different. He loves for his people to know Him and believe it or not, He has given us so many ways we can get to know Him. (And just so you know, He knows you like no-one else in the world… more than your parents even know you. He knows you so well, that He even knows how many hairs are on your head. ”And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:7).

So if He knows us so well, don’t you think we should know Him?

Tell me some of the ways you think you can get to know God better?

*His Word

*Other people that really know Him

*Praying and listening to Him speaking to us in His quiet whisper

*Looking at nature and all He created (We can tell He is very creative, loves color, is super smart and is the ultimate scientist. We can even see He has a sense of humor… things He creates can make us laugh.) (Do you think God likes to laugh and feel, like us?)

These are all great ways to get to know Him, but it’s very important that we pay attention. (For instance, sometimes when you talk to people, but they aren’t really listening...how does that make you feel? For example, when you’re mom’s on her phone and you ask her a question and you hear …mmh hmm.) We can read God’s word, or spend time in nature and not really get to know God.

But, what if we were to actually pay attention? The next time you go outside, look around and ask, “How can I get to know God today, by just being outside in the world You created?” God reveals His Glory in ALL of His creation (including you). We just need to look for it. Or, what if we read the Bible, and payed attention to what God says about Himself?

Here are some of the things the Bible says about who God is…

* When God speaks, things happen; God said, let there be light, and it happened.

“Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.” Genesis 1:3

* We are created in God’s image, so we must be a lot alike.

“So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27

* God is love

“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8

* God is light

“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5

* God is holy

“Since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”” 1 Peter 1:16

* God cannot lie

“That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” Hebrews 6:18.

*God cannot break a promise “My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips.” Psalm 89:34

* God created the world

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1

* God loves us so much that

“He gave His one and only son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life.”John 3:16

~ God even shows us how we can be with Him forever.

* God has always been and will always be

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelations 1:8

* God never changes

“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

* God watches over us

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” Proverbs 15:3

* God protects us

“But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:3

* God wants what’s best for us

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

I could go on and on. But knowing who He is will help us shine so bright…and then we can go tell other people all about our God, who loves us so much and that is the reason we are shining.

One tip I can give you to get to know God better is~ as you read the Word of God, ask each time, “What is God telling me about himself?” He shares so much about who He is in His word… It’s like a love letter to us. Don’t miss Him!

So, take the time to get to know God, just like you take time to get to know a friend or someone you really like. Spend time with Him!

And go shine!! Like no-body else’s business!!

Blooming Challenge: Pay attention to what God is telling you about Himself. You’ll be amazed how much He will show you.

Encouraged reading:

Matthew 5:14-16

Luke 12:7

Genesis 1:3

Genesis1:27

1 John 4:8

1 John 1:5

1 Peter 1:16

Hebrews 6:18

Psalm 89:34

Genesis 1:1

John 3:16

Revelations 1:8

Malachi 3:6

Hebrews 13:8

Proverbs 15:3

2 Thessalonians 3:3

Jeremiah 29:11