When are you the closest to God?

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Joshua99 Jul 4, 2005

I responded to the question under "other speakers -Art Katz About when are you closest to God? I felt the need to start a separate post on this topic. You are closest to God, after you respond to His Grace, in the form of repentance, thereby we SURRENDER to His will. It amazes me that in the church across America today, many believers think they can choose to obey the Lord. The only choice we have, my friends is to say..YES LORD! Proving we are True believers, Jesus said in the Gospel of John.. John 8:31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If you abide in my word, then are you truly my disciples; John 8:32 and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. and also along with this Truth.. John 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatsoever you will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:8 Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so shall you be my disciples. May I define "fruit" here in these scriptures? The lord is not speaking about the works of ministry, but of the Character of God, the like-ness of Christ, being birthed in the believer, resulting in a heart that is being pure, and Holy before God, Our Father. When I'm the closest to God is when He sees me living and Abiding in the Living Word, that is "Christ in us"- to the Glory of God. We must surrender ourselves to death in order to become His disciples, and live a life "Approved unto God" acceptable before Him, where He is welcomed to Abide in us and…Be the closest, living out through us. Blessings

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dohzman Jul 5, 2005

That's a tough question in some respects.There are ,as it seems, times when we are in season and out of season, so I can't really equate closeness as a matter of consecration or in the act of the santifying work of the Holy Spirit in my life, to go that road will be much like a rollercoaster ride(been there done that). I think it's much more practical than that, I see it summed up in Jesus' words : "In as much as you've done it to the least of these.....". I believe that simple acts of love and kindness to the least of these places us about as close as one can get. The scope is pretty broad in the fulfilling of that though and the Spirit of God will always lead a willing heart in the right way. Blessing In Christ- Bro. Daryl

sermonindex Jul 5, 2005

dohzman,You are always very practical! In your post on missions, you recommended a season of prayer before any mission. I'd say that's practical, too. It has the added advantage of countering any Martha-type serving, instead of sitting at Jesus' feet. Perhaps both are inextricably linked and prayer without action is the job only half done... I'll think about that. :-) Joshua, that's my answer... I feel closest when I am in the Father's presence in prayer. But, with respect to your answer in a different thread, I feel there are many specific occasions when I'm in His presence in a conscious way, and I offer Him praise or thanksgiving or worship, and also, expect to hear from Him or be ministered to by Him. The rest of the time I believe I'm in the Lord's presence, whether it feels like it or not. This includes when I'm specifically praying, and when I'm just going through the day - whether consciously worshipping or not.One thing I have learned in recent years is, when a tough moment arises, be it temptation or a matter which I've never thought consciously of bringing to Him for fixing, or, something I've always thought I could fix by myself, or, I would have been embarrassed to mention it to Him, now I tend, as soon as I notice the issue, to invite Him to be in particular attendance. Again, whether I feel He is close or not, I trust that He's close and I expect Him to alter the dynamics of the issue, simply by BEING, (there) as only He IS.

sermonindex Jul 5, 2005

....feelings have nothing to do with His "closeness". He said He would "never leave us or forsake us". That's the final proof. On occasion however, He will open up the veil of heaven, just a bit, and let some of His glory leak out upon us. It is joy unspeakable.The last time I was on the mountain top was a couple weeks ago when a friend of mine came over and we sang for our residents. From the first song of sound check my heart just swelled up with "His presence", and I began to weep. I knew what we were doing was pleasing to the Lord. The Lord really ministered to many here as we sang. Thank You Jesus.The last time I was really on the "mountain top" was when I was in India. I remember walking down this tiny lane in a mountain village full of energy and joy knowing beyond doubt that I was exactly where God wanted me to be at that moment. It was wonderful, beyond words. Most of the people had never seen a white skinned man. Many had never heard the name of Jesus. There I was, me of all people, walking among them, sent there to proclaim His Holy Name. I probably had more in my pocket than what the entire village was worth, and that was not much, believe me. But the presence of the Lord was manifested, and it was awesome. (John 14:21)Needless to say, I can hardly wait to go back. I'm addicted to "His presence". I love the way He makes me feel inside, when He lets me feel His presence. I love what He does to me in my spirit when I joy in His presence with deep groanings that are just too wonderful for words. Groanings of gratitude and thanksgiving for saving a wretch like me. Oh my, my, my. God is good, all the time. I'd better close this and just enjoy the Lord. I'm so blessed to be in the fellowship of this wonderful place enjoying the testimony of so many who are really "alive" in Christ Jesus.To those who have not felt "close to God lately", I'll give you two clues. In everything give thanks, regardless of of circumstances or events. The second and most important is Matthew 6:33. Read it until it becomes your life. When the Lord is "there", nothing else matters. When He is "not there", nothing else matters but getting Him back. By faith of course we know He is always "there". But God desires to have fellowship with us, if only we will walk in repentence, faith, obedience, and thanksgiving. Praise God. Alleluia!Worshipping,Lahry

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roadsign Jul 5, 2005

Joshua99, I think it is great that you are continuing this discussion by starting another thread. It is an important issue. I've been meditating on 1 John 1 and 2 lately, and, after reading your post here, it seems like we are "in sync" in our discoveries. In 1 John the concept of the presence is expressed in a variety of ways."annointing - ie the Spirit" 1 Jn 2:20 "Knowing" "walk in the light" "live by the truth" ,"felllowship with him" '"his word.. in our lives", "God's love made complete in him". "LOVING others, fellowship with others.".... I like the way you titled this post: "When ARE you the closest God, not "When do you FEEL the presence of God." Understanding the difference may even affect our eternal destiny. For, I'm sure that on the last day many will say, "Lord, Lord, I felt your awesome presence every Sunday at church, please let me in to heaven... and Christ will say, "Depart from me..." Warm fuzzy feelings are not an indication of God's presence abiding within us, but they can at times be a wonderful product of it and can help afirm us. They can also be a temptation I remember having awesome manifestations, and my first response was, what did I do to make that happen? I must try to do that again." Thankfully God never obliged. He never became a puppet on my string - under my control - dishing out manifestations at my beaconing. Also he did not want me to became dependant on experiences. That would have kept me immature, as was discussed in the other threurl=https://www.sermonindex.net/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=6094&forum=34&23]Esteeming the Presence of God -Art Katz[/url]ad: Pain is sometimes the product of being close to God - when his Spirit is convicting us of sin and drawing us into his fellowship. Pain can also be an indication of our communion with God - when we identify with his grief over sin, when we intercede for the sinners. ___________________Positive feelings that we label as "God's presence" might merely be pleasurable sensations worked up through desirable circumstances - especially religious experiences, or other mood alterers. I've seen a lot of that in church, and it grieves me a lot, for many of the people who seem to experience God have not even submitted their lives to God. They are still filled with pride and self-righteousnes. They lack love. They are blind to their sin, and don't admit it. According to 1 John 1:8, they are decieved and are living a lie, and also make out Christ to be a liar. Their experiences are not an indication of the presence of God.Diane

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Joshua99 Jul 5, 2005

Yesterday< I had abit of a headache and didn't feel like doing anything, but lay down. I was scheduled to go to the "camp" at our federal prison system. This is an area where the inmates are about to be released, and have qualified a"trust" not to escape-run for there is no fence. They live in a metal bldg, with many comforts etc. As I have been doing this type of ministry for some years now, going in with music and then, when I get the chance, to teach the Word of God. I so love hungry hearts! Last night july 4th, I just laid there praying and fighting a headache, sensing the Lord. I didn't feel like going, but my heart wanted to bless the men who would be there waiting to worship and hear the Word. As I prayed the Lord blessed me with release from how I was feeling and off I went to prison. When I got there, the men were surprised ANYONE was coming especially me since I hadn't been there for sometime, and it was the 4th of July!. They were so blessed to be able to worship and sing praises to our God!! The Word went forth, fullfilling that which it had been sent, to 7 hungry hearts!! Glory to God. Another time "when I know I'm close to God" is when I'm in His Will-knowing what He desires of this servant to do. Learning to be faithful and serve, even for 7 men! You see, I desire to serve as a Pastor/teacher, and giving my all, everywhere He sends me, I'm learning to walk with Him as He leads. Being Faithful even when it appears "in the little things". The Lord is so Gracious and full of Compassion!! Blessings

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roadsign Jul 5, 2005

Another time "when I know I'm close to God" is when I'm in His Will-knowing what He desires of this servant. Joshua, I hope that your testimony will encourage others to step out in faith. Your experience reminds me of one day a few years ago when I sensed God's calling to a prayer meeting. I was so ill with Chronic Fatigue Syndrone that I could not hold my hands up. Nevertheless the call was strong and I went anyway. On the way God filled me with just enough strength to drive, and then at the meeting he filled me with so much energy that I stayed up till the wee hours of the morning - enjoying his presence. The point God was teaching me: Obedience above anythig. Diane

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crsschk Jul 5, 2005

To this question:Often reading through post's like this :-)

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inotof Jul 5, 2005

I'm closest in the closet.