Having a personal relationship with God begins the moment we realize our need for Him, admit we are sinners, and in faith receive Jesus Christ as Savior and know the truth that is The Holy Spirit. God, our heavenly Father, has always desired to be close to us, to have a relationship with us. Before Adam sinned in the Garden of Eden (Genesis chapter 3), both he and Eve knew God on an intimate, personal level. They walked with Him in the garden and talked directly to Him. Due to the sin of man, we became separated and disconnected from God. Joining a church will not necessarily enhance that relationship. Don't rely on a self worshiping cult...skip "playing church"...just Jesus in the environment He has created is all you need.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
If God had not redeemed me,been my guide, my Lord and my constant friend, I would be dead. I have learned to ask of Him help, direction, ability and wisdom before I attempt anything. It is comforting having Him as a constant friend. His word, the Bible, is my favorite book and study. There have been times that I foolishly failed to follow the path He has marked out for us. In the end, I found myself fleeing to Him. By His grace I live. Blessed be the Lord, Creator of all that is.
ReplyDeleteI WAITED patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry
clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God:
many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and
respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.
Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou
hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot
be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of
them, they are more than can be numbered.
Hope you all are doing good through this little cold spell :D
I got back into church but soon left it again. I was in nursing school...broke beyond relief. All I wanted to do was to worship with the congregation but all I got was opened palms wanting me to give money for this or for that. I had to leave again. I needed a charity myself!
ReplyDeleteKeep one's feet on that Rock.
ReplyDeleteI hear you Smack Mama. I felt so sorry for a good young Christian man in Anchorage years ago who was so distressed because the church was demanding money and he was on disability. He thought he would have to change churches.
ReplyDelete"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets,
ReplyDeleteand stonest them which are sent unto thee,
how often would I have gathered thy children together,
even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings,
and ye would not!"
(Matthew 23:37)
"Seek ye the Lord while he may be found,
call ye upon him while he is near:"
(Isaiah 55:6)
"For God so loved the world,
that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life."
(John 3:16)
You are in the finest church in the world. God's creation of nature. Outdoors is the place to see His work, feel His presence and know His greatness. The sunrise is the art of Jesus, he paints it new each morning. Each moment is a new portrait, a painting of His infinite greatness, variety, beauty and love. If we get out of the work of men (cities) and get out to the work of God ... the Earth... we are changed forever.
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