SPEED DATE

God isn’t a complete mystery; He’s told us lots about Himself in His Word. Pull up a chair and hear what He has to say. We won’t find out everything, but there’s plenty to get started. “I publicly proclaim bold promises. I do not whisper obscurities in some dark corner. I would not have told [you] to seek me if I could not be found.”

What’s Your background?
I’m A to Z. I’m the God who is, the God who was, and the God about to arrive.

Where do You live?
I live … with the low-spirited, the spirit-crushed, and what I do is put new spirit in them, get them up and on their feet again. If anyone loves me, he will carefully keep my word and my Father will love him—we’ll move right into the neighborhood!

Tell me a bit about Your work. Do You enjoy it?
I am … the Maker of all things. I do what’s right and set things right and fair. For I find joy in these things.

Do You have any particular likes?
I … love what is right and fair. [I delight] in those who tell the truth. The godly people in the land are my true heroes! What splendid friends they make!

Dislikes?
Six things …—no, seven things …: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family.

How do You see our future together?
The plans I have in mind for you … are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. [I] will bring much good upon all the work you do. [I] will wipe every tear from [your] eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things [will be] gone forever. … Look, I am making everything new! I’ll show you how great I am, how holy I am. I’ll make myself known all over the world.

What do You think of me?
I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. The mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. You are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.

How can I get to know You better?
Turn to me … and I will turn to you. Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.

Anything else You’d like to tell me?
Whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life.

—

John 14:23 (NIV) Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

Jeremiah 9:24 (NIV)
but let the one who boasts boast about this:
that they have the understanding to know me,
that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,”
declares the Lord.

John 15:15 (NIV) I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.