DISCOVERING GOD / #1 / I know you & you matter to me

BEFORE YOU START:

This series is designed to help you develop your relationship with God. There will be a “Focus Bible Verse” for the day, some thoughts to read, and some questions to help you think about what you have read and to start listening to what God might be saying to you about it.

Here are a few things that will help you get started:
 - Get a Bible (or the YouVersion Bible App on your phone / try the NIV translation for starters)
 - Get a journal to write/draw in and a pen
 - Set aside 10-15 minutes each time
 - Find a quiet place so you are not distracted


The main thing to remember is that God wants you to know Him better - He has designed you to hear His voice. He is with you always and you have his Holy Spirit to guide you and teach you about Him. He is NOT far away or so mysterious that only a chosen few can really connect with Him. Reading the Bible and talking to Him is a really great place to start!!


As you answer the questions ASK God to help you to hear and understand what He wants to say to you and BELIEVE that He is speaking to you. There probably won’t be a huge lightening bolt moment, but it will more likely be a growing “knowing” that He is speaking to you through your thoughts and ideas and you will know it’s God because it will be things you may not have thought on your own and it will always be for your ultimate GOOD.


Each one of these studies is based around something that our Father God says to us in the Bible. Each one is just the beginning of the idea and hopefully you will be excited to keep asking God to teach you and help you understand just how that aspect of who He is and how He sees you can apply to your life!
There are some extra Bible verses mentioned in some of the studies - we recommend looking them up in your Bible as you go so you get the FULL story.

Here’s to a fun journey getting to know our Loving Father even better! We are praying for you and so excited for what God is going to show you over the next few days!

Let's get started on Session #1.....


BIBLE: Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 

MESSAGE FROM MARK: Okay, quick quiz… How many hairs do you think are on an average person's head? A) 7,000 B) 120,000 C) 9 trillion. The answer? About 100,000 hairs! (depending on color, type of hair, age, etc.). According to this Bible verse, God knows exactly the number of hairs on YOUR head. Exactly! Have you ever wondered WHY God, the God who made the entire universe, would know about your head? It’s because YOU matter to GOD - every part of you matters to God.

IN YOUR JOURNAL: 
[A] Write down 7 random things that God probably also knows about you (eg. the colour socks you're wearing). 

1. God knows…… 
2. God knows…… 
3. God knows…… 
4. God knows…… 
5. God knows…… 
6. God knows…… 
7. God knows…… 

[B] Ask God to tell you 3 things He loves about you (write down whatever you think - trust that God will speak to you)

1. _________________
2. _________________
3. _________________

[C] Read the bible verse again two or three more times. Pause. Take time to listen in your heart and write down what you think God wants you to know through that verse. Write a response to Him "God..."