Do you want to be closer to God? He wants to be closer to you! The proof is that He lives inside of you. How much closer can He be? We can always draw closer in relationship with God. In fact, we are the ones who determine just how close our relationship with Him will be. Even though He lives in us, the Holy Spirit won't force a relationship with us. He wants us to make Him welcome in our lives. James 4:5 tells us that. . . He yearns for the Spirit {to be welcome} with a jealous love.
The questiion you and I should ask ourselves is this: Do I make room, or time, for God in my life? Just think about some of the natural relationships we all have. How would they be if we treated them the way we treat our relationship with God? Any good relationship is built on fellowship - spending time with each other - good, quality time! Talking and listening and enjoying each other's company. Dad and I are very close - and have been for 52 + years! Sometimes we talk to each other, sometimes we listen. Sometimes we have a lot of fun together, other times we don't agree on things. We don't keep secrets, we share everything! We consult with each other on the big things of life and make no major decisions without the other's guidance and approval. Sometimes we enjoy just being quiet togther.
Our relationship with God can be like that. We can talk to Him . . . listen to Him . . . or just be quiet in His presence. He just wants to be a part of our lives. He wants to help us have and enjoy life. Proverbs 3:6 tells us to acknowledge Him - in other words, to care what He thinks, to consult Him - in all our ways. It goes on to say that He will direct our paths, or He will guide us through life.
God created us to fellowship with Him. He longs to talk to us, to listen to us, to teach us and guide us - simply to be a part of our lives. We are renewed when we fellowship with God. Spending time with God strengthens and empowers us. There is protection in His presence. Psalm 91 is a great prayer of protection I (and others) prayed it for Brian and His buddies while they were in Irag. I pray it for each one of you at one time or another in your lives. The benefits of spending time with our Father are endless. All He wants is to have fellowship with His people. He wants a relationship with you and me! Wow! A God who created the universe, and everything and everybody cares about me! And you! Isn't that awesome?
Is there any wonder that the enemy hates and fights our time with God. He (the devil) knows that through that relationship, we become strongr in the fight against his tactics.
I encourage you to make time in your day to fellowship with the Father. He is waiting. There are many benefits of a close, personal relationship with Almighty God. He is saying, "Come to Me . . . " "Be still and know that I am God . . ." "I love you, my child . . . (place your name here) . . . "Can you hear me calling your name?" Go ahead - go to Him - fellowship with Him - and see what's in store!
Maybe we could all share a time or two when we "fellowshipped", talked with God, prayed, and we were blessed by it. Do you have a story to share?
4 comments:
Wow Mom, those are just the words I needed to hear today. THANK YOU. I will look up the scriptures today.
You and Dad are such excellent roll models. Thank you for that, too.
This is full of wisdom, Lonnie. We DO need a personal relationship with Our Heavenly Father, without it, we are only going through the motions. Far too often, I backslide on spending time with Him in His Word; and, when I do backslide, it doesn't take too long for me to feel unsettled and I even have less physical energy. Read, pray, listen, act.
God bless you.
Sharon, you are so right!! It is amazing how often I go about my day thinking I can do it myself. WRONG!!! It is so much easier and joyful with God in charge.
Our Lord watches over us carefully and lovingly. He wants us to
look forward to the times we spend with Him. He also wants us to be
assured that He will take care of us and protect us. As a shepherd
gives everything possible to protect his flock, so God gives
everything He can to guard His followers. Trust in Him, and He will
watch over you.
Prayer:
Lord, I need to know that You are watching me. You are the
source of my confidence and security. Lead me to spend all of my
time pursuing Your love and protection. Amen.
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