I've talked so much about what it means and what it doesn't mean to experience intimacy with God, but I realized that I haven't given you the "how". So here's Dr Joe Stowell's take on how to draw close to God, though I really think that I'm stating the obvious and you are probably going to go "I bet she's going to talk about reading the Bible and prayer!"
With God, absence does not make the heart grow fonder. On the contrary, it makes it grow more distant. If you don't communicate with Him for a period of time, sin and self-sufficiency will grow stronger. Rebuilding the relationship with Him will be tough. Therefore, communication must be ongoing!
So READ, MEDITATE ON, AND STUDY THE BIBLE! Don't just read without understanding and applying. What is faith without deeds? In the same way, you should allow the Word to transform you. Importantly, give the Lord your BEST TIME. Not before bed, if you tend to doze off close to sleep time. DON'T FEEL GUILTY IF YOU MISS QT FOR ONE DAY because intimacy is more than a half hour discipline. It's a daylong continual walk. But if you miss communicating with God for 3 or 4 days, it'll be difficult getting back on track. Remember, reading the word helps us cling to His righteousness in a secular world. It brings us comfort as well.
As for PRAYER, the most meaningful aspect of it is not the answers to prayer. It is the way it helps us to focus on God. As we present our concerns to Him, don't you think that we are also re-affirming our belief and faith in Him? You won't pray to something you don't believe in or something like a worthless idol that you know will never give you any form of help, right? Take time to praise the Lord, thank Him, confess to Him and bring your needs to Him, when you pray.
Stay tuned for extra postings with more tips on bible reading and prayer coming soon! I really benefited a lot from these tips so I'll be sharing them with you. Stayed tuned!
No comments:
Post a Comment