Materials are ephemeral. Today they are here, tomorrow they are gone or no longer in vogue. There is something way more important, and to a large extent has a greater impact on your life – Intimacy with God.
How do we as Christians cultivate intimacy with God?
The genesis of our intimacy with God is first and foremost having an encounter with God.
Men of old who were known for their faith and their personal relationships with God, all had close encounters with God
– Abraham (Genesis17:1-9)
– Jacob (He even wrestled)
– David- The disciples (spent 3.5 years with Jesus)
– Peter especially walked on water (Matthew14:22-29) Just to name a few.
If you’ve never had an encounter, seek God more. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Heb11:6). If you’ve had an encounter in the past, you need to press in for more. As the deer pants for the waters, so my soul pants after you (Pslm42:1). Your encounter with God shouldn’t be a one-off event.
Ways we encounter with God
-God shows up (e.g the burning Bush experience with Moses)
-When men seek Him out (e.g. the woman with the issue of blood). Seek and you’ll find.
What roles do encounters with God play in our lives?
-They prove God beyond a shadow of a doubt (You cannot convince Peter otherwise that God isn’t real. Not after all the encounters he had with Jesus Christ including walking on water, just to mention a few)
-They affirm our identity in him. If God says you are the apple of His eyes, no one or nothing can change that.
-A transaction happens in encounters. Glory is transferred, something rubs off on you. A transfer of God.
-The proof of that encounter goes forever. You will always remember it and make reference to it.
-Encounters fuel intimacy. In God’s kingdom, when we eat, we get hungrier. We long for more encounters and these engender greater intimacy with God in the process.
Finally, in the pursuit of an encounter, it is important to keep the fire going. Pray without ceasing. Be attentive. May the Lord continue to open the eyes of our hearts…
Join us every Sunday at the RCCG Potters House for an awesome time in God’s presence.
#godspresence #encounter #encounters #intimacywithgod #intimacywithjesus #spirituality #church #newark #newarkde #newarkdelaware
