"WHAT IS INTIMACY WITH GOD,
INTIMACY IN PRAYER,
HOW DO WE REALLY SHOW OUR LOVE TO GOD?“
Throughout the ages there has been the attempt of man to
reach for a non-existent god.
But the true God is not reached in such a way. Rather than
permit His creation to reach-up in a vain search for Him, He reaches
down to their level through the presence and sacrifice of His Own
Son.
God's grace is extended to the masses; but to those who
yield themselves as His subjects, His role becomes a very personal,
intimate relationship.
This is vividly demonstrated by the Biblical record of Jesus'
appearance to His disciples after His resurrection (John 20).
INTIMACY WITH THE HEAVENLY FATHER
IS A SURRENDER OF SELF AND
SUBMISSION TO HIS PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES
In contrast:
The rich, young, ruler had every qualification and reason to
follow our Lord, but he would not surrender his riches (Mt 19).
Ananias and Sapphira failed to surrender by desiring to hold-back
on material security (Acts 5) .
In beautiful conformity:
Barnabas, "Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and
laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4:37).
Speaking most favorable of the Macedonian churches, Paul
wrote, "And this they did...but first gave their own selves to
the Lord" (2 Cor 8:5).
Romans 12:1-2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of
God, that ye present your bodies..."
Our intimacy with God is evidenced by:
How and where we spend our time
How we handle our finances
Our attitude toward assembling with others of like faith
Devotion displayed in serving others (Mt 25:32-45)
Our attitude and disposition (1 Cor 13).
Never a question of the Christian failing to do what is right but rather would this choice be best for God's glory
and my pleasing service to Him.
Our approach to God through prayer.
Away from public prayer where others are following our lead,
can we speak openly, freely with God, and express
our sins and shortcomings,
our needs,
our sincere thankfulness for His presence,
our feeling of smallness before His greatness?
Posture and place are unimportant –
but sincerity and humility are most important.
"Whosoever offereth praise glorifieth Me" (Ps 50:23).
"Abraham was called the Friend of God" (James 2:23).
Can we approach God as our friend?
HOW DO WE REALLY SHOW OUR LOVE TO GOD?
Recognize and acknowledge that, "Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17).
Recognize that, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing
that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with
hands:
25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any
thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the
face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and
the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after
Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us"
28 For in Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17:24-28).
Rev 2:10, "Fear none of those things which...“
This is where and when we REALLY show our love to God.