Developing Intimacy with God-Part 1

Dear Reader,

Welcome to this exciting month of February. I pray your light will keep shining brighter, and men will come to the rise of your glory in Jesus’ name! This month, we shall explore Developing Intimacy with God as a Teenager.

According to the Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, intimacy is defined ashaving a close friendship or relationship with someone. Relationships are powerful, and in one way or the other, we get involved in them daily. Many Christians go to church, follow all the rules and obey all of God’s commandments, but they do not have a one-on-one relationship with God. However, the scriptural understanding of how to build and keep a sound, healthy and godly relationship is vital to fulfilling our destiny. As it is written: And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13; see also Psalm 63:1). To seek is to desire, crave and pursue after something with all your might. Seeking an intimate relationship with God is necessary for building intimacy with God. Your relationship with God can be considered from three levels: as your Creator, Father and Lord.

Let us Examine these Levels of Relationship with God:

• God as your Creator: The Word says: So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them (Genesis 1:27). You can relate with Him as your Creator. Every human being on the planet earth, saved or not, was created by God. Therefore, God is the Creator of everything living.
• God as your Father: As soon as you surrender to Jesus, you are born again. As such, God becomes your Father. The Word says: But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John. 1:12). When you have a personal relationship and encounter with Him, He becomes your Father. So, He becomes both your Creator and Father.
• God as your Lord: The highest form of relationship with God is when He becomes your Lord. He becomes your Lord when your life is sown as a seed in dedication and absolute commitment unto Him. He is Lord to those who have consciously and deliberately dedicated their lives unto Him. He is Lord to those ready to say ‘Yes’ to His will, plan, purpose and destiny like Apostle Paul (Philippians 1:21). This is the level God desires from us.

The question is: Is He Lord over your life, or are you lord over yourself? He can be your Father without being your Lord. When He becomes your Lord, you can be sure nothing can change His plan and purpose for your life. Therefore, it is important to understand that God desires an intimate relationship with you, but you have to open up to Him. To develop an intimate relationship with Him, you have to consciously, deliberately, intentionally, willingly and excitedly make yourself available through deep Word study, prayer life and constant fellowshipping with Him.

No relationship in life can compare in value, equal or can replace your relationship with God. We can safely say that your relationship with God is the only sure foundation for success in every other relationship. So, it is utterly important to straighten up your relationship with God. Seek God and search for Him wholeheartedly. Seek Him and search for Him with all your heart because that is the foundation. The Word says: I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me (Proverbs 8:17).

However, until you are born again, you cannot seek an intimate relationship with God. If you are not born again, please say this prayer of faith: Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner, and I cannot help myself. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Precious Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the Living God. From today, Lord Jesus, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You Jesus for saving me! Now, I am Born Again.

Congratulations! You are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave or forsake you. With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace, in Jesus’ name! Please write or call to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com OR 08141320204 and 07026385437. For more insight, these books, authored by me, are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian Bookstores: Holy Spirit: Your Helper, Single with A Difference, Make Your Life Count, and You Are Welcome to God’s Family.