Beyond the Words: Encountering the God of the Bible

Scriptures: Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Jeremiah 31:3

The Real Point of the Bible

Have you ever opened your Bible—or your Bible app—full of determination that this time you’ll stay focused and productive, only to read the same passage multiple times without understanding what it means or what it has to do with you? 

I’ve been there too. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve opened my Bible with good intentions, then walked away feeling like I must be missing something. 

And I was missing something. 

For years, I approached Scripture like it was primarily a how-to guide. I’d flip through looking for quick fixes to my problems or instructions that would make my life less complicated. Need wisdom for a decision? Find a verse! Struggling with a relationship? There must be a biblical principle somewhere! 

And don’t get me wrong, the Bible is full of wisdom and God-honoring principles, and people whose lives you can learn from. 

But here’s what changed everything for me: understanding what God actually gave us the Bible for. 

God gave us His Word so that we could know Him. 

That’s it. That’s the primary purpose. 

From Genesis to Revelation, God is revealing Himself to you—showing you His character, His heart, and His relentless pursuit of relationship with you. It’s not first and foremost about what you should do; it’s about who He is. 

Jesus made this incredibly clear throughout his ministry. He constantly pointed to Scripture as the story of God’s persistent love and redemptive plan for humanity. 

The Bible isn’t mainly about us—it’s about Him. 

When you grasp this, everything shifts. Instead of approaching the Bible thinking, “What can I get from this?” you can ask, “How does God want to meet me here?” 

Rather than mining for quick fixes, you can look for glimpses of God’s character on display—His patience with flawed people (like when He restored Peter despite his denials), His creative solutions to impossible problems, and His unwavering commitment to rescue and restore. 

Maybe you’ve struggled with the Bible before because: 

• It felt intimidating or irrelevant 
• You approached it as a reference book and missed seeing the Author 
• You tried to make it all about you instead of focusing on God 
• You viewed it as obligations rather than invitation 

The Bible becomes truly life-giving when you see it as an invitation to relationship—a conversation starter—rather than a rulebook. 

It’s God on display on every page saying, “Here’s who I am. Here’s what I’m like. Here’s how much I love you. Here’s how you get to experience life as My kid.” 

Tomorrow, we’ll explore how this perspective transforms your actual reading experience. For now, simply hold this truth: The whole point of the Bible is to help you know God. That’s why He gave it to you. 

Tomorrow, we’ll pull back the curtain on a perspective shift that brought me to tears—and may forever change how you see your Bible.

Scriptures: Luke 7:11-16, Hebrews 13:8

Real People, Real God

Who is your favorite Bible character? I’ve asked and answered this question countless times. I’ve taught lessons on Bible characters and even dressed up as them for church events. As a kid, I wore a Burger King crown and dressed up like Queen Esther most years for Halloween. 

There’s nothing wrong with having favorites or using the term “Bible characters.” But here’s what I’ve discovered: 

When I think of the people in Scripture primarily as “characters,” I can completely miss what God wants to show me. 

I see them as flat figures placed in a story to teach me something rather than real people who had genuine, personal encounters with God.

For years, I read these accounts as if they were scripted solely for my benefit. I’d look for the moral of the story or the lesson I should apply, treating these individuals as illustrations rather than humans who breathed, struggled, and hoped just like me. 

These aren’t just stories for you and me—they were encounters between real people and the same God we know. 

One day, everything shifted for me. I still remember sitting there with my Bible open, reading a passage of scripture that I had read countless times before. And I wept over what God did for the widow of Nain. 

Her story is recorded in Luke 7. We don’t know her name. We don’t know her backstory. But Jesus knew her completely. 

When you read this account today, look through the lens of “a real person meeting our real God,” and notice what stands out: 

• Jesus saw her grief—not as a setup for a miracle, but He responded to her genuine human suffering 
• He had compassion on her—the same compassion He has for you today 
• He spoke directly to her pain—”Do not weep” 
• He responded to a need she hadn’t even voiced—no request was necessary 

This wasn’t just a demonstration of power for the crowds, or just a story to record for future followers. It was a deeply personal ministry to one grieving mother. 

That day, I cried tears of gratitude for what Jesus did for this widow. Like she was my friend. Like I knew her in real life and I was moved by God’s compassion for her. 

I think that happened because: 

1. God brought revelation of himself. 
2. I slowed down long enough to remember that she was real. 

When you remember that Bible “characters” were actual people having real-time encounters with God, Scripture transforms from a collection of moral lessons into a window to see how God relates to people He loves. 

God does teach us through their stories. He does offer us timeless truth that applies to our lives today. And that begins with the awareness of who He is and what He is like.

The same God who noticed a widow’s tears notices yours. 

The same Jesus who interrupted a funeral procession to restore life will step into your circumstances too. 

You’re also someone He knows intimately and loves completely, and He cares to minister to you. 

If you’ve ever felt lost in Bible stories or struggled to connect them to your own life, tomorrow’s revelation is a game-changer.

Scriptures: Matthew 14:22-33, 1 Samuel 17:41-45, Esther 4:12-14, Luke 24:27

God is the Main Character

Ever start watching a movie and realize you’re still thinking about the trailers? The feature film begins, and for a moment you think, “Wait—what am I watching again?” 

I do this with the Bible all the time. 

I bring the “previews” of my own life—my problems, relationships, to-do lists—to Scripture. Or I get so captivated by the Bible characters that I completely forget whose story I’m really reading. 

It’s one of the easiest ways to miss what God wants to show you.

We’ve already talked about how Bible characters were real individuals having genuine encounters with God. But that doesn’t mean that the person deserves all our attention. 

When reading Bible stories, I often focused on the humans—their choices, their faith, their failures—and completely missed seeing God as the main character of His own story. 

When we miss seeing God there, we’re missing the point. 

Take Peter walking on water, for example. This story is typically referenced in terms of Peter’s actions: his courage to step out of the boat, his momentary faith, his failure when he looked at the waves. I’ve heard countless sermons about “getting out of your boat” or “keeping your eyes on Jesus, not the waves.” 

Those are valuable lessons, but when I make Peter the main character, I miss seeing Jesus on display.

Let’s try looking at this story differently. What happens when we intentionally shift our focus to Jesus? 

• Jesus prioritized time alone with the Father 
• Jesus displayed His supernatural authority over creation 
• Jesus spoke words of comfort to His disciples when they were afraid 
• Jesus invited Peter into the miraculous 
• Jesus immediately reached out His hand when Peter began to sink 
• Jesus received worship as the Son of God 

This isn’t contradictory to what we learned yesterday about seeing real humans engaging with God. In fact, it’s complementary. When we understand both the reality of the people AND God’s central role in their stories, Scripture comes alive in remarkable ways. 

Looking at Scripture this way transforms it from a collection of moral lessons and ancient stories into a revelation of who God is. 

This approach applies to every story in the Bible. 

In David and Goliath, instead of focusing primarily on David’s courage, look for God’s power working through an unlikely vessel. 

In Esther, beyond admiring her bravery, notice God’s sovereign orchestration behind the scenes. 

God is always the main character. Every story points to Jesus. Every passage reveals something about who He is, what He’s like, and how He relates to His people. 

When you read the Bible, try asking: 

• What does this passage reveal about God’s character? 
• How is Jesus on display here? 
• What is God doing in this story that only He could do? 
• How does this connect to God’s larger redemptive story? 

This shift in focus doesn’t diminish the human characters or the lessons you learn from them. Instead, it places those lessons in their proper context—as natural responses to knowing God better. 

As you read the verses for today’s plan, seek to read with fresh eyes, intentionally looking for how God is revealing Himself as the main character. Ask Him to show you aspects of His character you may have overlooked before. 

The journey doesn’t end here. Tomorrow, discover the simple practice that turns Bible reading from a passive solo activity into a life-changing experience.

Scriptures: Psalms 119:18, John 14:16-17, Deuteronomy 4:39

Reading With God, Not Just About Him

Imagine this: I’m interviewing a guest on the Good God Talks podcast. The author joins the call, camera on and mic ready. But instead of engaging with them, I silently pull up their book on my screen and start reading it silently to myself while they just…wait. 

Absurd, right? Yet I think we often do this with God when we read the Bible. 

We read about Him as if He isn’t right there with us as we read. 

Building a thriving relationship with God might sound overwhelming, but it’s actually simple—because God helps us know Him. He partners with us, bringing His presence and provision into our lives. 

Think about how human relationships grow through: 

• Healthy communication 
• Shared experiences 

God knows this about us because He designed us this way. And He engages with us this way too. 

Reading the Bible is meant to be a relational activity—something you get to do with God, not just for Him or to read about Him. 

I wish someone had told me this! 

For years, I approached Scripture like a religious task to complete or information to absorb. 

I’d read about God’s interactions with others, never realizing I was missing the most beautiful aspect: God wanted to interact with me through those very words.

Here’s the game-changing truth: When you open your Bible, God is present with you. He’s not a distant author who wrote something long ago and left you to figure it out. He’s actively communicating with you at that moment. 

Right now our living God is speaking through His living word, directly to you. 

So how do you transform Bible reading from a solo study into a divine conversation? 

It’s beautifully simple: Acknowledge God’s presence and invite His participation as you read. 

Before you begin reading, try saying something like: 

• “God, I know You’re here with me right now.” 
• “Jesus, help me hear Your voice as I read these words.” 
• “Holy Spirit, reveal what You want me to see today.” 

Then, as you read, pause frequently to engage with God about what you’re reading: 

• “What are You showing me here, Lord?” 
• “How does this reveal Your character to me?” 
• “What does this mean for our relationship?” 

This isn’t just a reading technique—it’s a relational practice. 

You’re not studying a historical document; you’re having a conversation with its Author who is sitting right beside you. 

There are things on God’s heart He longs to share with you—connections He wants to make, truths about who He is, and how He sees you. You’re not meant to figure it all out on your own. As you engage in conversation with Him, He builds on what He reveals, deepening your understanding. 

And not only does God bring greater revelation. He brings greater transformation. It’s God at work in you that accomplishes the transformation in your life. You don’t have to figure that out on your own either. 

Next time you open Scripture, try this simple shift: Instead of reading about God, read with God. Acknowledge His presence, ask questions, listen for His gentle nudges, and respond from your heart. Watch how the same passages you’ve read before suddenly come alive with new meaning. 

Tomorrow, we’ll bring everything together and discover how these shifts transform not just your Bible reading, but your entire life with God.

Scriptures: John 20:11-16, Matthew 28:18-20, Psalms 139:1-5

Noticing God in Everyday Life 

Have you ever looked right at something—or someone—without actually seeing them? Maybe you’ve scanned a room for your keys while they sat right in front of you. (The other day I searched for my phone…while holding my phone.) Or perhaps you’ve walked past a friend in a crowded place, completely missing their familiar face. 

Sometimes, we do the same thing with God. He’s right there with us, but we don’t recognize His presence. 

Even Mary Magdalene—one of Jesus’ most devoted followers—didn’t immediately recognize Him after the resurrection. Think about this: Mary loved Jesus deeply. She witnessed His crucifixion, went to anoint His body, and was devastated when she found the tomb empty. Yet when the resurrected Jesus stood right in front of her, she mistook Him for a gardener. 

John 20 tells us she was weeping outside the tomb when Jesus approached her: 

“Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” 

Mary, supposing Him to be the gardener, begged this “stranger” to tell her where Jesus’ body had been taken. It wasn’t until Jesus called her by name—”Mary”—that recognition dawned. 

Now, Mary deserves quite a bit of credit here. 

Jesus was resurrected from the dead and she didn’t know that yet. 

She went in grief to visit his tomb. All she knew when she arrived was that He wasn’t there. 

But let’s consider for a moment… 

What prevented Mary from recognizing Jesus? 

• Her expectations didn’t align with reality (she expected a dead body, not a living Savior) 
• Her emotional state could have limited her awareness of God being there with her (she was grieving, confused, afraid) 
• She was looking for Jesus in one form, but He appeared differently 

I see myself in Mary’s story all the time. 

God is present with me, but I fail to notice Him because: 

• I expect Him to show up in certain ways or places and not others 
• I’m so in tune with my emotions (good thing) that I forget to look for God being present with me in my feelings too (best thing) 
• I misunderstand who He really is in that moment 

Sometimes I actually do sense God’s presence, but I misunderstand who He is in that moment—just like Mary did. 

Sure, maybe I see Him there with me, like Mary saw Jesus standing there, but “supposed He was the gardener.” I acknowledge His presence, but I forget what that means. 

I can forget that the God who created the universe, who is Lord of all, the King of Kings is right there with me in my circumstance. I forget that the One who knows me better than I know myself, who loves me with an everlasting love, is present with me. And so I respond to Him differently because I’ve supposed He’s less than He actually is. 

But we don’t have to forget. We can remember who God is and what it means that He’s here with us. 

Over the past four days, we’ve learned to see God in Scripture—as the purpose, the main character, and as the Author who converses with us. Today, I want to challenge you to take this same awareness into your everyday life. 

God is just as present while you’re washing dishes as He is when you’re reading your Bible. 

He’s with you during frustrating conversations, mundane tasks, joyful celebrations, and quiet moments alone. The challenge isn’t His absence—it’s our awareness. 

Sometimes we need Jesus to call our name, to break through our limited perspectives and help us recognize His presence. 

And the beautiful part? He’s eager to do exactly that.

How can you grow in noticing God throughout your day? 

1. Pause regularly to acknowledge His presence (“God, I know You’re here with me right now”) 
2. Adjust your expectations about how and where God shows up 
3. Invite Him into every activity (“Lord, be with me as I navigate this meeting/conversation/task”) 
4. Ask Him to reveal Himself to you in ways you might be missing 

The same God who reveals Himself on the pages of your Bible reveals Himself in your home, your workplace, and your relationships. 

Like Mary, you might be looking right at Him without recognizing Him. But when He calls your name—in that quiet whisper to your heart, that unexpected insight, that moment of peace in chaos—you’ll know it’s Him. 

The practices we’ve explored together—understanding the Bible’s purpose, seeing the real people, focusing on God as the main character, reading with Him rather than just about Him—all prepare you to experience life with God more fully. 

He knows you by name. 

He sees you.