E. DEEPENING YOUR WALK WITH GOD / INTIMACY WITH GOD

People claim to know God, but it does not change their actions. HOW CAN KNOWING GOD CHANGE ME?

James 1:22, “Be doers of the Word and not hearers only.”

Coaching the triangle of daily actions from the concept of God

A number of years ago, someone shared an illustration that helped me see why my concept of God was so important to my daily actions. I learned that understanding God does not stop with just a concept. It moves to my being able to discern and “see” what is unseen. I was shown this illustration that is like a triangle divided into three parts. At the foundation of the triangle you will see the words “Concept of God,” in the middle you will see the words, “Basic Beliefs,” and at the top of the triangle like an iceberg, you will see what is visible in what we would call, “Outward Actions.”I learned that  In the coaching session, you can draw out the diagram or describe it over the phone so the coachee can draw it out. I learned that I could also send him or her a prepared document with the picture. I will show you how I worked on this.

List some of the qualities of God that come to your mind. Try to put a Scripture by some of these.

Example: Joy – Nehemiah 8:10 “The joy of the Lord is my strength.”

This list is not exhaustive, but it will get us started. From here you can discuss a particular behavior or one with which the coachee struggles. Here is an example of the steps: #1 Identify the qualities of God that you want to look at. Enter them at the bottom of the pyramid space. (For example, God’s omnipresence. Matthew 28:20…. I will be with you always to the end of the age.)  From there move to the next level up of the pyramid and record how this concept of God shapes your basic beliefs. Next move to the top of the pyramid and record what will be your outward action steps.

Start from the bottom of the pyramid and work your way up.

Base:  Identify a concept of God. (Example: God’s omnipresence)

Mid:  Write in the next space your basic beliefs about that concept.

Top: Define your resulting behavior/actions. (What it means to you.)

1. What is one area of your life that you are struggling with?

2. Tell me some history about this issue.

3. How does encountering God and seeing His work in your life affect this area of life?

4. Let’s look at the list of God’s characters and determine which areas may relate to your issues. Let’s explore God’s Joy Neh. 8:10

5. Let’s study the verses in relationship to that character. Place Joy of the Lord in Concept of God

6. What basic beliefs form in your life as a result of knowing God‘s Joy in this way?

1. How can these beliefs change your outward actions?

2. What would be the motivation to change if you based your decision on your growing knowledge of the character of God and how he wants to transform your life into the image of His son?

3. What are some character qualities of God will you study in the days ahead?

4. When will you get started?

I have found help using a book called Joyful Journey. The daily experience of journaling your thoughts and bringing the Lord’s point of view into the experience. It is wonderful to know that he is with us in every experience, and he wants you to record your thoughts and feelings and then let him speak to you about what he is seeking to do in your life. He is excited to see you! That always brings joy!

1. What is the most important part of this lesson to you? Explain.

2. How do you see applying aspects of this lesson to your life?

3. When do you feel would be the best time to make that application?

4. What do you hear the Lord speaking to you about this right now?