Welcome to the Get to Know God Project created to provide a practical, spiritual way to build a relationship with God.
The first step in any relationship is recognizing who it is we’re in relationship with! First, let’s assume that God is both Father and Mother. So often, God is referred to only as Father which leaves out a sense of motherly qualities.
Second, it’s really important to recognize that God is not anthropomorphic; in other words, S/He does not resemble human form or being.
Third, God is not material, S/He is spiritual. So, we can’t recognize God in the same way we recognize humans and the things in the world.
So, how do we recognize God? Elijah was a spiritual seer written about in The Bible in I Kings, and he learned that God is in “the still small voice”. (I Kings 19:12) But, how do we identify that voice and distinguish it from our own?
The first step in any relationship is recognizing who it is we’re in relationship with! First, let’s assume that God is both Father and Mother. So often, God is referred to only as Father which leaves out a sense of motherly qualities.
Second, it’s really important to recognize that God is not anthropomorphic; in other words, S/He does not resemble human form or being.
Third, God is not material, S/He is spiritual. So, we can’t recognize God in the same way we recognize humans and the things in the world.
So, how do we recognize God? Elijah was a spiritual seer written about in The Bible in I Kings, and he learned that God is in “the still small voice”. (I Kings 19:12) But, how do we identify that voice and distinguish it from our own?
Chat·ter : to talk rapidly in a foolish or purposeless way.
Well, one way to recognize someone or something, is to make a distinction between that someone or something and its counterfeit. It’s probably fairly safe to say that the incessant chattering voice we hear in our head is not God, -the still small voice, - since chattering does not bring peace, which is an attribute of stillness, and is, in fact, the opposite of stillness.
Okay, so there’s one example of what God is not.
Now, let’s familiarize ourselves with what God is by exploring seven synonyms:
Okay, so there’s one example of what God is not.
Now, let’s familiarize ourselves with what God is by exploring seven synonyms:
These synonyms illustrate the nature and character of God. 19th century Thought Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, identified these synonyms. She spent her entire life working to understand what God is and who we are in relation to Him/Her.
In our Get to Know God Project, we will explore the 7 synonyms, by examining 4 qualities or attributes per synonym for a total of 28 days.
Contemplation and awareness of the synonyms and their qualities on their assigned day, without skipping ahead, is recommended! Why, you ask? Because specific focus on them deepens your understanding and purifies your thoughts about God, and familiarizes you with His/Her character so you can recognize or witness Him/Her as the still small voice. Doing so gives one the opportunity to witness God, Spirit, in operation!
Witnessing means being authentically present with what you are examining. It creates the space for fuller connection with the good that is present. To feel that connection is to experience yourself as one with God.
Contemplation and awareness of the synonyms and their qualities on their assigned day, without skipping ahead, is recommended! Why, you ask? Because specific focus on them deepens your understanding and purifies your thoughts about God, and familiarizes you with His/Her character so you can recognize or witness Him/Her as the still small voice. Doing so gives one the opportunity to witness God, Spirit, in operation!
Witnessing means being authentically present with what you are examining. It creates the space for fuller connection with the good that is present. To feel that connection is to experience yourself as one with God.
As you do the exercises each day, feel free to journal about what comes up for you. This can be a very helpful record of the insights you have gained from your exploration.
One thing is for sure, God is infinite, and so the qualities covered in this 28-day project are just the infinitesimal tip of the iceberg in exploring God’s nature! But, we need to begin somewhere ...
so let’s get started!
One thing is for sure, God is infinite, and so the qualities covered in this 28-day project are just the infinitesimal tip of the iceberg in exploring God’s nature! But, we need to begin somewhere ...
so let’s get started!
God is Love
Day 1 – Goodness
Good·ness /goo d-nis/ η: the state or quality of being good: 1 moral excellence; virtue. 2 kindly feeling; kindness; generosity. 3 excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship. 4 the best part of anything; essence; strength
Day 1 – Goodness
Good·ness /goo d-nis/ η: the state or quality of being good: 1 moral excellence; virtue. 2 kindly feeling; kindness; generosity. 3 excellence of quality: goodness of workmanship. 4 the best part of anything; essence; strength
“God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient – so much love, so deeply [good and] true.” (The Message, Ex. 34:6)
Contemplate the fact that God is actually the state of being good. What do you make of the nature of good? What is the depth and truth of goodness? What does it mean to understand God as good?
Awareness Exercise: Throughout your day, notice the natural goodness all around you - in yourself, your family, friends, and others. Watch where the idea of goodness is represented in everything you see.
Awareness Exercise: Throughout your day, notice the natural goodness all around you - in yourself, your family, friends, and others. Watch where the idea of goodness is represented in everything you see.
“God is natural good, and is represented only by the idea of goodness”. Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures (SH) by Mary Baker Eddy 119:21-22)
Day 2 we'll explore God is Love: Kindness
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