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How to Get to Know God

March 29, 2024 1 Comment

The Bible tells us to take a moment, be calm, and understand that God is with us. Jesus even said that knowing God is like having a special kind of life. In John 17:3 (NIV), He says, “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” We cannot call ourselves true believers if we don’t really know who God is, how He operates, and what He wants from us. This article shows us how to start the journey of knowing God. It is not just about following rules but about finding a friend in God. When we know God, we find guidance and meaning in our lives. We know that our lives are not about us but about Him. He is a Sovereign God and controls everything that happens in our lives and all over the world. Listed below are some of the practical ways of getting to know God. · Read God’s Word The most direct route to getting to know God is by reading His Word. God’s Word in John 1:1 (NIV) says, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” The Bible reveals to us who God truly is because it is the voice of the Lord. It is like God talks to us through the Scriptures and when we read them, we get knowledge and understanding of His nature. The Bible is like a letter from Him to us, filled with stories, teachings, and promises. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it says that the Bible is God’s way of teaching us and showing us how to live. When we read it, we discover who God is, His love, and His plans for us. Please note that this is not just about learning facts; rather, it is about building a deeper relationship with Him. So, make it a habit to open the Bible regularly, not just to get information but to connect with the One who inspired the existence of the Word, to understand His heart, and to let His words guide your life. · Pray Prayer is like having a one-on-one conversation with God. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to talk to God about everything – our worries, thanks, and requests. It is a special and divine way to connect our hearts with His. Just like when you meet someone new on the streets, at school, church or anywhere else, you have to have a chat with them so that you may know them. Through this chat, you get to know their names, where they come from, and many other facts concerning their lives. Similarly, through prayer, we learn so much about God. When we pray, we express our feelings, seek His guidance, and share our joys and struggles. And God does not remain silent on us when we pray. Instead, He reveals His character, power, love, and faithfulness to us. Just like talking deepens any relationship, praying helps us build a personal bond with God. It is often said that communication is one of the foundations that build a healthy relationship. This applies to our relationship with God too, the more we pray, the more we draw closer to Him and the more we get to know Him. So, take time every day to talk to God, share your thoughts and feelings, and listen for His gentle guidance in return. · Meditate Meditation involves quiet reflection, focusing on God’s truths, and letting them sink deep into our hearts. The no other thing God would want us to learn other than His truths. Joshua 1:8 suggests meditating on God’s Word day and night to find success and wisdom. This kind of meditation is not about emptying your mind but filling it with God’s promises and teachings. Take moments to think about what you have read in the Bible and let its truths shape your thoughts and actions. Meditation helps us internalize God’s Word and make it a part of who we are. It is a peaceful practice that allows us to absorb God’s wisdom and love, drawing us closer to the One who knows us best. · Listen to God’s Voice Getting to know God involves not only speaking to Him but also listening to His voice. In 1 Kings 19:12, God didn’t speak to Elijah through a mighty wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. Similarly, God often speaks to us in different ways – through thoughts, feelings, or a quiet prompting in our hearts. Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) says, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” To hear His voice, we need to create moments of stillness, like finding a quiet place or being in nature. It is about tuning in with an open heart and attentive spirit. Listening to God’s voice helps us understand His guidance, feel His comfort, and receive His love in a more personal way. · Fellowship Building a relationship with God is not meant to be a journey to be taken alone. In Hebrews 10:25, we are encouraged not to neglect meeting together but to gather in fellowship. Remember that when we gather together in God’s name, His presence dwells among us. Surrounding ourselves with other believers provides encouragement, support, and shared experiences on the journey of knowing God. Fellowship could be through attending church services, joining small groups, or engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow believers. Through these connections, we gain new perspectives and learn from one another. · Praise and Worship Him Expressing love and gratitude is a powerful way to get to know God intimately. Psalm 100:2-4 encourages us to come into His presence with thanksgiving and praise. When we engage in worship, whether through music, words, or actions, we acknowledge God’s greatness and express our adoration. Praising and worshiping God draws us closer to His presence

Here are 9 Characteristics of a Good Christian

February 22, 2024 No Comments

To be a good Christian is to walk in the footsteps of Christ, embodying His teachings, and radiating His love in every facet of our existence. Being a good Christian extends beyond participating in Christian rituals and traditions. It is more than being baptized, going to church every Sunday, reciting Bible verses, and taking part in other normal church activities. A popular and very powerful quote by MacArthur reads, “You are the only Bible some unbelievers will ever read, and your life is under scrutiny every day. What do others learn from you? Do they see an accurate picture of your God?” Being a good Christian is a daily commitment to emulate the virtues exemplified by Jesus Christ. It is about cultivating a heart of compassion, extending forgiveness, and embracing a life of selfless service. The characteristics of a good Christian are not confined to religious gatherings but are shown through daily interactions, decisions, and responses to life. A good Christian is one who others can learn good virtues from. When you look at your life, is there any virtue that people would want to emulate? · Obeys God’s Word A fundamental characteristic of a good Christian is a great commitment to obeying God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding our actions and choices. A good Christian recognizes the Bible as the ultimate authority and diligently seeks to align their life with its teachings. This obedience is not a mere adherence to rules but a heartfelt response to God’s wisdom. It involves a willingness to follow His commandments, imitating the life of Christ, and allowing the Holy Scriptures to shape their character and conduct. In John 14:21 (NIV), Jesus says, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” A good Christian follows the teachings of Christ and walks in obedience to the commands of God. · Lives in Holiness Holiness is a hallmark of a good Christian, as exemplified in 1 Peter 1:16: “Be holy, because I am holy.” Living in holiness means striving for purity and righteousness in thought, speech, and action. It involves a conscious effort to distance oneself from sin and align with God’s standard of moral excellence. A good Christian recognizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and allows sanctification to take root in their life. Holiness is not a pursuit of perfection but a continuous journey of becoming more Christ-like, marked by repentance, surrender, and a commitment to live a life set apart for God’s glory. · Does Not Conform to Worldly Patterns A good Christian stands firm in their faith and refuses to conform to the patterns of the world. Romans 12:2 instructs believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds. This involves resisting the pressures to adopt values contrary to the teachings of Christ. Seeking God’s approval takes precedence over gaining the approval of mankind. This characteristic embodies a courage to swim against the current of societal norms when they conflict with God’s principles. A good Christian finds their identity and purpose in Christ and not in society. They find fulfillment in pleasing God rather than seeking the fleeting approval of the world. Galatians 1:10 (NIV) says, “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” We cannot claim to be followers of Christ if what we only seek is to win the approval of society. Our focus must be on pleasing the Lord and doing what draws us closer to Him. His approval is the affirmation of a life lived in accordance with His will. · A Good Christian Is Humble Humbling oneself is a distinctive trait of a good Christian who echoes the example set by Jesus during His earthly ministry. Proverbs 8:13 (NIV) says, “To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” A good Christian does not do the things that God hates; they are not proud but humble. Humble Christians acknowledge their dependence on God’s grace and power. They do not boast but recognize that every good gift is from above. This humility is expressed in interactions with others, where a good Christian seeks to serve rather than be served. Humility fosters an open heart, ready to learn, grow, and extend grace to others. It reflects a genuine understanding of one’s flaws and a willingness to rely on God’s strength rather than personal accomplishments. · Shows a Good Example A good Christian is a living testimony of Christ’s transformative power. Matthew 5:16 encourages believers to let their light shine before others, so that they may see their good works and glorify God. Showing a good example involves integrity, authenticity, and consistency in living out the teachings of Christ. Whether in the workplace, community, or family, a good Christian strives to be a reflection of love, kindness, and righteousness. This example is not rooted in self-righteousness but emanates from a genuine desire to reflect God’s character and draw others closer to Him. · A Good Christian Is Not Double-Minded The Word of God warns against being double-minded, describing such individuals as unstable in all their ways. James 1:6-8 (NIV) says, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” A good Christian exhibits a steadfast and undivided commitment to their faith. They do not vacillate between worldly

What is the true purpose of prayer?

February 16, 2024 No Comments

As Christians, we are often told to pray all the time, but what does that really mean? When should we pray and why is prayer so important? Is there a specific formula on how exactly we should do it? These questions can be answered by looking at the story Jesus told about a friend who came knocking at midnight, found in the book of Luke 18:1-8. Our prayers are not in vain, most especially when we pray without ceasing. When we pray, our prayers do not fall on deaf ears but on the active ears of a God who answers prayers. Sadly, many of us give up along the way when God takes a little longer to respond to our pleas. Often, we conclude that God does not answer prayers and we stop praying. As Christians, we must not give up on prayer. We must pray until the heavens respond and heed our voices. I know you must be asking yourself, “Is it worth it to continue praying even when God seems silent on us?” And my answer to you is, “Yes, you must pray without ceasing regardless of how God seems to respond.” The friend at midnight in Luke 18:1-8 kept on knocking until the door was opened and what they needed was granted to them. Suppose they gave up and went back to their house, do you think they could have got what they needed? Let us look at some of the benefits of praying endlessly. · Strengthens Our Relationship with God Praying without ceasing is akin to maintaining an ongoing conversation with a trusted friend. Prayer strengthens the bond between us and God. Just as frequent communication deepens human relationships, continuous prayer nurtures spiritual connection. It is a way of acknowledging God’s constant presence in our lives and fostering a sense of dependence, trust, and intimacy. Through persistent prayer, we cultivate a habit of turning to God not only in times of need but as a constant companion on life’s journey. We should not be the kind of person who only seeks God’s face in prayer when our lives are troubled. God wants us to talk to Him every day, every time, and for every good reason. This continual dialogue transforms prayer from a ritualistic practice into a dynamic relationship that anchors us in His love and guidance. Are you feeling distant from God? Then, pray and watch Him draw closer to you. · Endless Prayer Brings About Divine Intervention The parable of the friend at midnight illustrates the effectiveness of persistent prayer in bringing about divine intervention. In this story, a persistent friend’s midnight plea for bread is initially met with reluctance, but due to his unyielding persistence, the homeowner eventually responds and provides what is needed. Similarly, when we pray without ceasing, we align ourselves with God’s timing and demonstrate unwavering faith. This persistent prayer can lead to miraculous interventions and the fulfillment of God’s promises in our lives that would not have happened if we gave up on prayer. Our persistence in prayer aligns us with God’s will, helps us to remain patient as we wait on God, and opens the door for His divine intervention in our circumstances. · Offers Protection from Spiritual Attacks Praying without ceasing acts as a spiritual shield that protect us from the unseen forces that seek to undermine our faith. Ephesians 6:18 encourages believers to pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. This Scripture highlights the role of prayer in spiritual warfare. I want to bring to your attention that spiritual warfare is not a one-day battle; it is ongoing. We are told that the devil always roams around looking for whom to devour. So, we must arm ourselves daily to face this enemy who seeks to destroy and kill. Just as a soldier equips themselves with armor for protection, ceaseless prayer fortifies us against spiritual attacks and the schemes of the enemy. When we maintain a continuous connection with God through prayer, we invite His presence to guard and guide us. It becomes a proactive defense mechanism, ensuring that we stand firm in our faith and remain anchored in the protective embrace of our Heavenly Father. · Helps Us Overcome Temptations Praying without ceasing is a powerful tool in the battle against temptations. In Matthew 26:41 (NIV), Jesus says, “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” He advised His disciples to pray at all times to avoid falling into the temptations that the devil may try to bring their way. Prayer strengthens our inner man, and when we do it continuously, we become firm and unshaken by the allure of sin and worldly pleasures. By maintaining a constant line of communication with God, we invite His wisdom and discernment to help us discern the tactics the devil is using to make us sin. Ceaseless prayer provides a continuous awareness of our dependence on God’s grace and helps us overcome the traps that may entice us. It’s a means of staying vigilant, seeking God’s wisdom, and finding the strength to navigate life’s challenges with integrity and resilience. · Helps Us Align Our Desires with God’s Will Praying continuously serves as a compass that helps us align our desires with God’s will. In the process of persistent prayer, we learn to surrender our ambitions, dreams, and plans to the divine guidance of our Heavenly Father. Through this ongoing conversation, we develop a deeper understanding of God’s purposes and align our hearts with His desires for our lives. When we pray, we prove to God that we trust Him and we are ready to let His will be done in our lives. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Ceaseless prayer transforms our

How God’s hand works in Your Life

February 8, 2024 No Comments

In the life of every believer, there exists a mighty force that finds its way through every moment and circumstance. This mighty force is the hand of God, a powerful and guiding force that shapes our existence. In Isaiah 41:10, God promised to uphold us with His righteous right hand. He says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” God asks us to fear nothing, for His hand is always working in our lives. I want you to know that this does not mean that everything will be okay but that we should find comfort and strength in every situation since God will always be there to uphold us. In this article, we will explore the concept of God’s hand at work in the life of a believer. We shall unravel the symbolism it carries and understand the ways in which it truly operates. Understanding God’s Hand The Bible frequently speaks of God’s hand, a metaphor that symbolizes His presence, power, authority, and influence in the lives of His people. It is more than a mere figure of speech; it embodies the intimate involvement of God in the affairs of humanity. When we refer to God’s hand at work in our lives, we acknowledge His sovereignty, authority, and dominance. In the Scriptures, the hand of God often represents His creative power, as seen in the account of the formation of Adam: “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature,” (Genesis 2:7 ESV). Here, we witness God’s intimate involvement in the act of creation, molding and shaping humanity with His own hands. Additionally, God’s hand is a symbol of His guidance and protection. In Psalm 32:8 (ESV), we read, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” This verse illustrates the tender care of a loving God who guides His children with a watchful eye, directing their steps according to His divine plan. How God’s Hand Works in Our Lives There are many ways through which we see and experience the hand of the Lord working in our lives. God’s hand works in both our good and sad moments. We can experience it through; · Divine Provision God’s hand operates through the provision that governs the universe. While the Israelites were moving from Egypt to Canaan, God proved that His hand was with them by providing for them. He provided manna and quails in the wilderness. He also miraculously provided them with water in miraculous ways whenever they felt thirsty. What does this mean? This means that God’s hand can manifest through the fulfillment of our heart desires. Personally, I have heard people testify that they have seen the hand of the Lord when He provided for them what they thought was impossible for them to get. Take this example; a person who is wondering where to get finances to clear their loans, pay school fees, or sort out their bill meets someone who helps them out. Isn’t this the hand of the Lord at work? That is our God and just like He provided in the wilderness, His hand will also work in our times of need · Answered Prayer Prayer is a powerful medium through which we connect with God. When we pray, we invite God’s hand to intervene in our lives. In Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV), Jesus encourages us, saying, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” God’s hand responds to the cries of His children, bringing about answers to prayer that align with His perfect will. · Scripture and Revelation The Word of God serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, Psalm 119:105 (ESV). Through the Scriptures, God’s hand imparts wisdom, guidance, and revelation. As we immerse ourselves in His Word, we discover the principles and promises that shape our lives. The Holy Spirit, often referred to as the Counselor, enables believers to grasp the truths in God’s Word, guiding them in their daily decisions and actions. · Circumstances and Challenges Even in the midst of trials, God’s hand is at work in our lives. In Romans 8:28, the Bible says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” God’s hand does not just work in some situations or circumstances. Rather, He still works even in the bad times so that He can change them to something good. Joseph, in the Old Testament, experienced betrayal and hardship but later acknowledged God’s hand in everything, saying, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today,” Genesis 50:20 (ESV). God’s hand can turn adversity into great opportunities, using challenges to refine and strengthen His children. When we encounter challenges and we find the grace to navigate through them, it proves to us that God’s hand is working in our lives. It is only through the hand of the Lord that we can find the strength to soar above the storms and every challenge that comes our way. · God’s Hand Shatters the Schemes of the Enemy Exodus 15:6 (NIV) – “Your right hand, Lord, was majestic in power. Your right hand, Lord, shattered the enemy.” This reminds us that God’s hand is not passive but actively engaged in breaking the schemes of the enemy. As believers, we can take refuge

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How to Get to Know God

Here are 9 Characteristics of a Good Christian

What is the true purpose of prayer?

How God’s hand works in Your Life

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How to Get to Know God

Here are 9 Characteristics of a Good Christian

What is the true purpose of prayer?

How God’s hand works in Your Life

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