Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Intimacy with God

But if one loves God truly [with affectionate reverence, prompt obedience, and grateful recognition of His blessing], he is known by God [recognised as worthy of His intimacy and love, and he is owned by Him]. 1 Corinthians 8:3 AMP

What is your depth of intimacy with God? What do you talk to Him about? What are you prepared to do for Him? What do you thank Him for? What is your expectation of Him? What do you do when you experience disappointment from unmet expectations? 

Just a few questions to get the day started. And here are some more ..... When you think about the people you are closest to, how do those relationships compare with your relationship with God? Who are your 'go-to' people? Is God on that list? And if yes, what number is He on that list?

I am asking these questions, not to bring condemnation, but rather to give us the opportunity to think about our level of intimacy with God. 

I know for me, my level of intimacy with God has certainly changed since I became a Christian about 20 years ago. It has deepened and widened as over the years God has taught me that He is the ultimate 'go-to' place. He is my secret place.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my fortress, my God, on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! Psalm 91:1-2 AMP

The daily challenge though is to stay close to God in that secret place, and not get drawn into the busyness and stress of circumstances and issues that present themselves each day. 

Final question for today, when you reflect on your level of intimacy with God, is there room to grow? If yes, why not ask God to show you how, and expect to develop a deeper, more beautiful intimacy than you ever thought possible.

Everyone who confesses that Jesus is God's Son participates continuously in an intimate relationship with God. We know it so well, we've embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God. God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. 1 John 4:15-16 The Message

 

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