Who Is God, Really? (Mountains, Part 1)

Monday, June 8

Exodus 33.12-23

After everything Moses had already seen, he still wanted more of God. He had witnessed the plagues, crossed the Red Sea, and experienced God's provision in the wilderness. Yet when given the opportunity, Moses didn't ask for more miracles, more success, or more answers. He prayed, "Show me your glory."

There is a difference between knowing about God and knowing God. Many of us are content with secondhand knowledge. We know what others have said about God. We know what we learned growing up. We know our assumptions and opinions. But Moses wanted something deeper. He wanted God to reveal himself personally.

That same invitation is available to us today. God is not hiding. He delights in making himself known to those who seek him.

Today, spend a few quiet moments asking God to reveal more of himself to you.

🌿 Jesus, show me who you really are. Give me a deeper desire for your presence than for your gifts.

Tuesday, June 9

Psalm 27.4

David says there is one thing he desires above everything else: to dwell in the presence of the Lord and gaze upon his beauty.

It's interesting what David does not ask for. He doesn't ask for wealth, comfort, influence, or even victory over his enemies. He asks for God. At the center of David's heart was a desire to know and enjoy the presence of God.

We often approach God because we need something. There is nothing wrong with bringing our needs to him. But sometimes the greatest gift is not what God gives us. The greatest gift is God himself.

As you read today, pay attention to what your heart is chasing. What occupies your thoughts and desires? What are you hoping will finally satisfy you?

🌿 Jesus, teach me to seek you above everything else. Help me find my deepest joy in your presence.

Wednesday, June 10

Jeremiah 9.23-24

Through the prophet Jeremiah, God says that wisdom, strength, and wealth are not what matter most. Instead, the person who boasts should boast in this: that they know and understand the Lord.

Our world measures success in many different ways. Accomplishments. Possessions. Influence. Knowledge. But God points us toward something greater. The greatest privilege available to any human being is to know him.

Knowing God is not simply gathering information. It is learning his heart, trusting his character, and walking with him through everyday life.

Today, ask yourself: Am I more interested in knowing facts about God, or knowing God himself?

🌿 Jesus, help me treasure knowing you more than anything else this world can offer.

Thursday, June 11

Exodus 19.16-20

When Israel arrived at Mount Sinai, the mountain shook with thunder, lightning, smoke, and fire. The people were overwhelmed by the holiness and power of God.

Sinai reminds us that God is not small. He is not a projection of our imagination or a reflection of our preferences. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, completely unique and worthy of awe.

At the same time, this holy God invited his people into relationship. The God who is beyond us is also the God who desires to be known by us.

Sometimes we lose our sense of wonder. We become too familiar with God and forget how extraordinary he truly is.

Today, spend a few moments worshiping God simply for who he is.

🌿 Jesus, restore my sense of wonder. Help me see your greatness and respond with worship.

Friday, June 12

Exodus 20.18-21

As the people stood before Mount Sinai, they chose to keep their distance. Moses, however, moved toward the thick cloud where God was.

The people wanted someone else to meet with God on their behalf. Moses wanted to know God for himself.

It is easy to live on borrowed faith. We can rely on the experiences, beliefs, and convictions of others. But God invites each of us into a personal relationship with him.

There comes a point when we have to decide whether we will remain at a distance or step closer ourselves.

What might it look like for you to move one step closer to God today?

🌿 Jesus, give me the courage to move toward you instead of staying at a distance.

Saturday, June 13

Psalm 145.8-9

"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love."

These words echo God's self-revelation to Moses in Exodus 34. Again and again throughout Scripture, God's people return to this description of who he is.

One of the reasons we read Scripture regularly is because our assumptions about God constantly need correction. Left to ourselves, we often create a version of God that reflects our fears, wounds, or preferences. Scripture continually brings us back to the truth.

The more we see God as he really is, the more we are changed by his character.

As you read today, ask God to replace any distorted picture of him with what is true.

🌿 Jesus, help me see you clearly. Shape my understanding of you through your Word.

Sunday, June 14

Exodus 34.5-8

God answered Moses' prayer.

When Moses asked to see God's glory, God revealed his name and his character. He proclaimed who he truly is: compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, faithful, forgiving, and just.

The foundation of our faith is not what we imagine God to be. It is who God has revealed himself to be.

As we begin a new week, carry this prayer with you:

"God, show me who you really are."

The God who answered Moses is still revealing himself today.

🌿 Jesus, thank you for making yourself known. Help me continue seeking you with humility, curiosity, and trust.