How to Create a Deeper Relationship with God

 

Grow in Faith

Becoming more intimate with God is not just an experience. It's an ongoing process that calls for dedication, reflection and a teachable spirit. There are so many who want to be closer to God, but only want to do it by their own efforts, and by their own standards.

On the contrary, God wants to bring you closer to Himself by his own hand, and on His own terms. After all Christ is not the bride: you are. Now tell me; between the bride and the groom, who entreats the other to themselves? The groom, right? Then why do you want things to be different with God?

Spiritual Growth... or is it growth in Faith?

When people talk of growing spiritually, they are referring to being conformed to the image of christ. It's a process that starts from the time you believe in the gospel of Christ, and continues.....

2 Corinthians 3:18

New International Version

18 And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate[a] the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Sanctification, as it's referred, is a process grounded on the working of the Holy Spirit. All you need to do is to yield yourself up to his leading, and he will gradually transform you from inside out. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruits that will be apparent in you when you subject to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.

However, you would do better than to try to force them out of yourself without Him having born them inside you. You will burn out sooner or later. If you are guava inside, don't struggle to bear mangoes. Wait till the Holy Spirit bears them through you in increasing measure.

Prayer and Meditation

Prayer is not just another ritual or even a religious activity. It is communion with God. In prayer we thank God for all He has done, which can see or are yet to see, we interact with Him through the connection of His Spirit, and cast our care unto him.

It is for this reason that we are reminded to pray without ceasing. (1 Thessalonians 5:16). Like your most cherished lover, God wants to be in communion with you. You don't have to ask, ask, ask, ask. You can marvel at the divine attributes of God.

Pray for others, pray for the nation...by all means pray. Instead of sulking you can take those worries to God This is what He is telling us:

Philipians 4:6-7

But before you can pray effectively, you need to know what the word of God says. This is because an effective prayer is based on God's will, which you can only know through His word.

That is exactly what is contained in the Bible. God's word is His power... unto salvation. It has all the things you require to live an abundant life. If you meditate on the word of God daily(Psalms 1:2-3), then you will have led a beautiful life. You will know God all the more, and will be drawn to him all the more, and His power will be more apparent in your life.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

As said earlier, it is the work of th eHoly Spirit to build a more intimate bond between you and God, and yours is to subject yourself to him. His indwelling guidance will help you live a life that honors God. 

The Indwelling Spirit

Upon believing and being born again, the believer is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. He is not just a sign of salvation and a mark that we belong to God, he is also the springboard for sanctification and the driving force too. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul speaks of our bodies as the temples of the Holy Spirit.

Well he is not talking of the temple like the church where we go to every sunday and go about our businesses out of church the whole week: He is talking from the priest's point of view, because th epriest lived in the temple. Now the Holy Spirit has made our bodies his dwelling place. He's not moving out any time soon or later.

He signifies that we are set aside for God's purposes, and continues to make small changes within us to conform us to our new identity.

While inside us, the Spirit testifies with out souls that we are children of God(Romans 8:16-20). As God's children, he nourishes us with what we need for growth in faith and in knowledge of the truth. He convicts the world of its sin through us and demonstrates our righteousness in God(John 16:8) He is the only one we need in us to live a life concurrent with our new nature in Christ.

The Holy Spirit as a Guide

In John 16:13, Christ promised the Helper who would lead us into all truth. He has now come, lives in us and leads us into the word of truth. His guidance is more than that of a father to a son; he searches the innermost secrets of God and helps us align with the thoughts of God.

This is more than a mere discernment of right and wrong. In fact, no one has ever been made right with God by doing what is right and shunning the wrong. The Holy Spirit makes us understand th escriptures in depth, allowing us to know what exactly God is saying and meaning and thus cementing our faith in Him.

Needless to say, the Bible is God's blueprint, and to understand it is to get into his thoughts. Furthermore, it is the primary tool for sanctification, as it bares the character of God to us and tells us, " this is what you have become.(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

This brings to mind the story of a vulture that was captured as a small chick, and brought up among chickens. As the small chicks quaked and scratched, the small vulture, we shall call her Hellen, having no other role model, believed she was one of them and scratched and tried to quack like them. 

In her adolescence Hellen was behaving exactly like the other adolescent chicks, but wished she could fly every time an eagle passed by. But one day a vulture perched herself in a nearby tre and said in vulture language, " you are one of us, look at me and compare with yourself!" Hellen looked at her reflection in a water tray and realized she was more of a vulture than a hen

When the vulture in the tree flew away, Hellen followed suit, flapped her wings and glided in flight. That's what the Spirit does to us. When we read what humans can't do, He tells us, " you are gods"(Psalms 82:6). When the world is cracking under the weight of sin he announces to us that we can not sin(1 John 3:9). When others are struggling to grasp the truth, the Spirit has revealed all things to us(1 John 2:20). I have covered more in depth on the role of the Holy Spirit in my book. Grab a copy and read more.

If you give yourself wholly to the Holy Spirit, are intentional on getting deeper into a relationship with God, and are committed to the journey, you hav eno cause for worry. Many have been here and succeeded. In fact, there is nothing to succeed in. It is God drawing you near to Himself. Yours is to comply. To believe him when he says you are what His word says you are.

 As we commit to prayer, meditation on Scripture, fellowship with other believers, and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we will find ourselves growing in faith, love, and holiness. As I have said earlier in this blog, growing in faith and getting deeper is not a destination but a journey. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you have already been brought close to God. In fact, You are in God.

3 Steps to Forgiveness and Reconciliation

 

Of the deadliest poisons, one is bitterness, because it eats away at the heart leaving in its wake broken relationships, pain and spiritual decay. But you must be asking yourself, "can I really unshackle myself from the bondage of acrimony?

You are not alone( not good news though). there are so many others just like you,strugglung with anger, unresolved issues, and deep-seated hurt that create a barricade of resentment, which separates you from others and even from experiencing the very essence of God.

Good news: there is a cure, which you have been avoiding. like the sour-tasting pills that make you puke but ultimately ease your pain, you will only find healing within forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Burden of Bitterness

Holding on to grudges is like carrying a heavy load that only gets heavier with time. The more you harbor piqueness in your heart, the more you feel the need to revenge. The truth is, bitterness is not just an emotional burden: it seeps into every aspect of your life, affecting your relationships, physical and mental health, and spiritual well-being.

In Hebrews 12:15, the Bible warns:

Hebrews 12:15

The Voice

15 Watch carefully that no one falls short of God’s favor, that no well of bitterness springs up to trouble you and throw many others off the path.

Bitterness defiles both the wronged person and also those around them. It's like a fart, that makes the air foul for those in the vicinity though it only came from one person. But this one does not lead to a mere twitching of the nose: it leads to anger, malice revenge, and separates us from those we care about.

Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not about justifying wrongs done to us or even forgetting the pain. There is another word for that. Instead, it's about releasing yourself from the grip of anger and resentment. 

You don't have to be a prisoner of your own feelings all your life. You don't have to carry someone in your heart for decades. You don't have to keep poisoning yourself till thy kingdom come.

Forgiveness is an act of grace, a decision to let go of the need for revenge, and entrust justice to God. Imagine one day without that lump in your throat when you think of a certain person, won't it be great? This life is too short to allow yourself to languish in enmity.

Let God do the heavy-lifting while you enjoy life to the fullest. If you ever feel like you have been subjugated, justice belongs to God. Instead of planning how to get at the other person, plan on a night out with friends. You can even invite the one who wronged you and start working things out.

This is what Christ Jesus taught:

Matthew 6:14-15

The Voice

Jesus says to declare forgiveness of those who have wronged us. This is because forgiveness of other people emulates God’s forgiveness of us.

14 If you forgive people when they sin against you, then your Father will forgive you when you sin against Him and when you sin against your neighbor. 15 But if you do not forgive your neighbors’ sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Forgiveness starts with a conscious decision. A decision to let go of hard feelings and to embrace the brighter side of life. The results may not happen overnight. The pain may linger, but each step brings toward healing.

Don't hesitate to take that step toward a better you. Don't stop at what someone did to you. Don't be halted by your feelings, which may try to steer you in another direction. 

Forgiveness unchains you from bitterness and opens the door to reconciliation.

Reconciliation

Forgiveness is individual, but reconciliation is mutual. It requires the input of both parties. One party extends grace and the other receives. Sometimes it's not about who did wrong, or who failed, it's about forging a new path and putting the past behind you.

Restoring broken relationships is not a walk in the park though: it requires courage, humility, repentance and willingness to walk together. This is not subjective to which party, the aggrieved or otherwise, but a mutual need. All parties need these qualities in equal proportion for reconciliation to surfice.

However this doesn't mean that broken relationships will be reinstated to their previous position. It is normal for people to act suspicious of each other after coming back together, or to harbor some sort of reservations. But at least by making an effort towards reconciling, peace and understanding can be achieved.

Matthew 5:23-24

The Voice

23 Therefore, if you are bringing an offering to God and you remember that your brother is angry at you or holds a grudge against you, 24 then leave your gift before the altar, go to your brother, repent and forgive one another, be reconciled, and then return to the altar to offer your gift to God.

Reconciliation is an act of obedience to God, reflecting his desire for us to live in peace and harmony, unity and love. It's not a requirement of some basic law we must fulfil, but the very essence of the image of God.

Don't be afraid, even the most fractured relationships can be healed. You just need to be willing to work together to glue the pieces together. 

Path to Renewal

the path towards reconciliation through forgiveness meanders through thickets, rocks and swamps. It's Not easy, but it's vital.

It's a journey that requires humility, courage, faith... but the rewards are immeasurable. I once asked a lady if she was so furious with me as to put a bullet through my head, and it prompted a huge debate that eventually led to "peace talks". Am not proud of the approach I took then, but at least it ignited something that shed light on our predicament.

Instead of pointing her resentment at me like a loaded gun, she put the safety catch back on and downed her arms so we could talk things over. That's the spirit of forgiveness and reconciliation.

By choosing reconciliation, you break free from bondage to bitterness and open your heart to healing, restoration of relationship and to peace.

Ephesians 4:32

New International Version

32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Christ Jesus is the epitome of forgiveness and reconciliation. He bore our sins, forgave us and reconciled us to God. Imagine if God still held a grudge against you; how long would you live? But he didn't wait for you to say how sorry you were. Instead He packaged Himself in a body like yours, to be able to feel like you, and bore the punishment due to you.

I know you can't possibly die for your most treasured mate, let alone your enemy. but you can definitely try to bring them closer. Remember, the burden of hurt lies heavily on you, not the other person who wronged you. It's you who is wounded, not them.

It's you who is imprisoned by your own negative feelings. Follow Christ's example and break free. Don't be held back anymore by negativity. Don't suffer while others are enjoying this precious life. Let go of spite and embrace love. 

Remember: there is renewal in forgiveness and reconciliation.

The Untold Secret to Rising above Life's Greatest Adversity

 

From Ashes to Glory

A lot of people have asked themselves this question: How can I rise from my present challenges, and emerge stronger and better? Well, this post will answer that question. In fact, you'll be left asking yourself, "Why didn't I think of that before?"

So put on your helmet and prepare for a headlong dive into the mine.

Needless to say, life is full of hardships, that ultimately test our strength, like waves knocking at the walls of a dam. The only difference with us is that catastrophe strikes when least expected.

Don't be frightened, though. on the brighter side, through these hard times, your true character is forged. After all, pure gold is purified through fire. Instead of grumbling when passing through the furnace, be thankful and pas through it with grace.

    Let me assure you of something: like the proverbial phoenix, you         have the power to overcome and emerge stronger. 

Before I outline how to, let's look at what the calamity basket contains.

The Nature of Adversity

Misfortune comes in many forms, like financial slip-ups, health challenges, broken relationships, loss of a loved one, and such occurrences that  hit us hard.

The truth is that these hard times may leave you feeling defeated, even to a point where you question your purpose in life. At such times you even doubt your ability to move forward. Your only option seems to throw up your hands and resign to fate.

But let me remind you something: Adversity is not the end of the story: it's just another chapter. It makes life more interesting. Instead of going smooth all the way, trouble is like a bump that jolts you back to wakefulness, forcing you to concentrate on what's going on ahead.

Adversity is not the end of the story: it's just another chapter.

James 1:2-4

New Living Translation

Isaiah 40:31
New Living Translation



31 

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.
x

2 Dear brothers and sisters,[a] when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Challenges are an opportunity for growth. You must outgrow your trials to overcome them, and you have all it takes. Not only that, but also you have the confidence that God has a plan for your lifedespite suffering. Hardship doesn't negate any of them.

Embracing Struggle.

Embrace you said? Yes!

The first step to overcoming misery is embracing it. I concur, it's a natural reaction to resist pain/ discomfort, but denying the reality's only prolongs the healing process.

Embrace suffering as it is, acknowledging pain without it to define you. You are not defined by what you are going through, but by what you are inside.

Take Joseph from the Bible as an example. He was sold into slavery by his kin, was falsely accused and thrown into prison. But he didn't let that define him. 

Instead, Joseph, through the power of unfailing hope and by God's help, rose to a position of power in Egypt. Th slave boy ended up saving his entire family from famine.(Genesis 37-50)

When life seems unfair, the road ahead bleak, remain steadfast in your faith and trust there's a bigger purpose beyond this.

Why Sticking it Out Matters More than you Think

Perseverance is very key to overcoming struggles. But this is barely evident in people faced with trying times. In times like these, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and want to give up.

But you are not everyone. Dig your heels in, dig deep and find strength to keep on. This is what we are told in the Bible:

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

Enduring hardships builds character and strengthens hope that sustains us through even the darkest times.

Rising From the Ashes

Mishaps, while painful, can be a catalyst for immense personal growth. They force you to comfort your limitations, re-evaluate your priorities and discover strengths you never thought you had before. 

It's like falling into a river, and discovering a new trick for swimming under pressure, while having a chance for a really good bath!

But rising above your challenges is not that "wow". It requires a positive mindset, with persistence, commitment to self- reflection and strong faith. To get to the other side yo must keep on keeping on.

You must believe there is renewal for you. Believe that this is not the end of the road. You must crane your neck higher to see beyond the obvious. 

To get past the canopy of devastation, you must be willing to kick a few more asses, step on toes and bulldoze your way up. You must see the future ahead and reach out for it.

No matter how demoralizing the circumstances are, you have the capacity to build your life back together and soar to new heights.

moving forward with Hope.

Hope is the guiding light that guides us through the darkest of valleys, the anchor that keeps you steady when storms rage.

With hope you can face trials with courage and emerge from your struggles stronger, wiser and more compassionate. When you hope for better things in the future you are able to stay afloat even if the storms rage ravenously.

When you trust in God you can rise from the ashes of trials and realize a future full of purpose and possibilities. He is there with you every step of the way to strengthen and comfort you.

Whatever you re going through, you have the strength within you to overcome. 

Trust in God throughout the process, and lean on your faith, and you will never lose sight of better things that lie ahead.

The Ultimate Guide to Finding Solace in Faith Amidst Grief and Loss

 

Healing from Pain and Agony

Grief is an unwanted burden that proves overwhelming to many. Well, some may take it in their stride, but others are unable to cope, while others struggle to come along.

When we think of grief, so many things come to mind. But loss of a loved one, dream, cherished part of life, and such occurrences can rip us apart, leaving us in a furtive search for a lifeline. During times like these you realize how naked you are, and how vulnerable you can be.

Understanding Grief

Grief is a very natural part of human emotion, that elicits emotions of sorrow, anger and disbelief. This is not to say that you are not allowed to feel otherwise when going through grief, but these are some of the most experienced feelings in grief. 

However, it is good to remind yourself that grief is not a destination but a journey. In fact, part of a journey. You could be mourning today and celebrating tomorrow. Just go through this rough patch at your own pace and with grace. You will come out the other end a stronger person.

Is there a right way of going through heartbrokenness? No, there isn't right or wrong in distress. every situation is unique, and everyone was created differently, so you would handle your agony differently. It's allowed. 

Even when you feel like giving in, remind yourself that the pain may seem unbearable, but healing is possible. Just focus on healing.

The Power of Faith

Faith is an indispensable source of comfort during loss. It gives a framework for understanding suffering, hope, and is a connection to God Himself, who is way greater than you( or your loss) 

Many people turn to different distractions to escape the underlying feelings that come with loss, but there a few real solutions that you could turn to. God is the central focus when it comes to healing from heartache. His words are filled with relief, understanding and optimism.

Look at what he says:

Psalm 23:4

New International Version

4 

Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

God will never leave you even in your darkest hour. He is here, always speaking comforting words to you. He is here offering his shoulder for you. He is here, giving the best of heaven to you.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

New International Version

Praise to the God of All Comfort

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

Today you are being comforted. Tomorrow you will be strong enough to comfort others. It's God who says it in His word. He is filled with compassion and understanding, that He can't let you be when you are beside yourself. He is beside you instead, carrying you through it all.

John 14:27

New International Version

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

The peace of God surpasses all manner of human understanding. When He gives you peace, nothing in this world, or the next, would ever disturbed you. Are you feeling like the signs of a storm inside you? Embrace the peace that God gives.

The good thing with the peace of God is that it does not come with a price tag. When He gives, it's in the true sense of giving. In your grief, you have God giving peace to you, and expecting nothing in return.

The power of faith is beautifully illustrated in the story of my grandfather. A man of strong faith, he was devastated by the loss of his son, Nahashon - the brightest star among his many children. The pain was almost unbearable. 

I was a young boy, in Form One, and felt helpless in the face of such sorrow. Yet, amidst the storm of grief, my grandfather’s faith, coupled with the support of his district fellowship, became a beacon of hope.

His testimony is a testament to the enduring power of faith. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest hours, hope can be found.

Finding hope

Did I just say that hope can be found? How and where? Before I start baring the truth to you, let's flesh out some truth: faith doesn't cross out pain, but it offers us the hope of a better future. 

We know that even if things might look bleak today, we are assured of better things tomorrow. Through faith we believe in a future where healing and restoration are possible. Not just possible, but very real.

When we know hat healing is possible we start envisioning it in our minds and working towards it. Misery stops being our driving force, and consolation and inspiration takes its place.

Slowly, a step at a time, you start making progress our of your agony, and into happiness. Am not promising you a one-day experience that leaves you feeling great again, no: grief is a process that takes time. 

Just take those baby steps towards healing, and work your way up. Be patient with yourself and allow yourself to feel your emotions. Who doesn't experience them?

Seeking Support

During tormenting times, it's advisable to not shrink back into your cocoon and rot in misery. Instead, it would be of great help to surround yourself with a supportive community. They don't have to be all the witty and mighty people, or the most sympathetic. Your normal group of friends can do.

The idea is to enable you to share your feelings with someone who can lend an ear, be it a support group, trusted friend.... or you can seek professional counselling. By all means, don't keep your feelings to yourself. You don't have to go through it alone.

You will realize at the end that grief, though a challenging experience, is a great opportunity for growth and spiritual deepening. Do you remember the song that goes, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, stand a little taller..."

Grief is not there to kill you: It's there to shake out the loose bolts, and replace them with steel-reinforced ones. Your loss is for your detriment ,but so that you can gain experience in life, and a testimony for the future.

Through faith you will find solace, strength and hope to carry you through.

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en.wikipedia.org