Embracing Intimacy with God: Our Covenant Right and Shield Against Deception

Embracing Intimacy with God: Our Covenant Right and Shield Against Deception

In our Christian journey, establishing a deep and direct connection with God is not just desirable; it is our covenant right. As believers, establishing a deep and direct connection with God is paramount—it is not an option.

Developing an intimate relationship with God is simple, as He is closer than we can ever imagine. His door is always open when we’re ready to know Him.

James 4:8 (NIV) says, "Come near to God and he will come near to you." 

Intimacy with God

Intimacy with God can only be achieved through a one-on-one conversation with Him from the silence of your room or a place where you can be alone. You are unique in the presence of God, and no pastor or someone else can replace you. Having a direct connection with God necessitates a sincere heart, devoid of any mediator, rooted in a genuine parent-child relationship with complete transparency.

Even if you've never prayed or spoken to God before and don’t know what to say, just start a conversation like you would with a parent or friend. Talk about what you’ve done wrong and ask for forgiveness because you want to renew your strong relationship with Him. 

Repentance and Confession

Repentance is the first step toward an intimate relationship with God. Acts 3:19 (NIV) reminds us, "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." By confessing our sins directly to God and asking to be cleansed with the Blood of Jesus, we acknowledge our wrongdoings and seek His mercy and forgiveness, purifying our hearts and loosening Satan’s hold.

1 John 1:9 (NIV) assures us, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

No Need for Mediators

Intimacy with God and growing in faith involve personal introspection and a deep, internal journey that goes beyond external rituals. We don't need any mediator to be in God's presence; Jesus has already paid the price.

1 Corinthians 3:11 (NIV) reminds us, 'For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.'

You should know that there is a significant difference between growing in the Church and growing in faith. Spending years in Churches, maintaining close contact with your Pastor, or even serving as one of his ministers, will not necessarily get you closer to God. As you continue growing in faith, the Holy Spirit will guide, comfort, and empower you in your daily life. Read more about 'The Roles of the Holy Spirit' below.

1 Corinthians 3:16 (KJV) confirms, ''Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?''

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) encourages us, "Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32 (NIV) tells the story of the prodigal son, a powerful parable of repentance and forgiveness. When the younger son squandered his inheritance and found himself in destitution, he decided to return to his father, confessing his sins and hoping to be received not as a son, but as a servant. However, his father, filled with compassion, welcomed him back with open arms, restoring him to his rightful place as a son. This parable beautifully illustrates God's readiness to forgive us and welcome us back into His arms, no matter how far we’ve strayed. Just like the prodigal son, we must repent and return to God, confident in His unconditional love.

Turning Away from the Past

Do not be deceived; true repentance means turning away from the unclean ways of our past. Without true repentance, intimacy with God will not be possible because Satan will keep standing as an accuser before God and will not lose his hold, preventing you from being completely free.

Ephesians 4:22-24 (NIV) instructs us, "put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Trusting in God's Work

Even when we cannot see or feel His presence, God is always at work in our lives. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) says, "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

The Power of Fasting: Daniel’s Example

Fasting is a powerful tool to deepen our intimacy with God. Daniel's fast, as seen in Daniel 1:12 (NIV), is an excellent example: "Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink." Fasting not only purifies our body but also sharpens our spiritual focus, aligning our heart with God's will. 

The Roles of the Holy Spirit

As believers, understanding the roles of the Holy Spirit is essential to deepening our intimacy with God. The Holy Spirit is a divine presence within us that enriches our relationship with God, actively working to transform and empower our lives in various ways.

1. Comforter and Counselor

The Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Comforter or Counselor, providing us with solace and support in times of need. When we face challenges, sorrow, or uncertainty, the Holy Spirit offers peace that surpasses all understanding, helping us navigate through life's storms (John 14:26).

2. Guide and Teacher

One of the key roles of the Holy Spirit is to guide us into all truth. As we seek to understand God's word and His will for our lives, the Holy Spirit illuminates scripture, offering insight and wisdom. This divine guidance helps us make righteous decisions and align our lives with God’s purposes (John 16:13).

3. Empowerer for Service

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to fulfill their calling and serve others effectively. Through spiritual gifts, the Holy Spirit equips us to minister in unique ways, whether it’s through teaching, healing, prophecy, or acts of service. This empowerment is vital for building up the body of Christ and spreading God’s love (Acts 1:8).

4. Agent of Transformation

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our sanctification, the process of becoming more like Christ. By convicting us of sin and fostering spiritual growth, the Holy Spirit transforms our hearts and minds, enabling us to live lives that reflect God’s holiness and love (2 Corinthians 3:18).

5. Source of Unity

The Holy Spirit fosters unity among believers, binding us together as one body in Christ. This unity is essential for the church to function harmoniously and for us to effectively carry out God’s mission on earth. Through the Holy Spirit, we are connected to one another in a profound, spiritual bond (Ephesians 4:3-4).

Join Our Supportive Community

As you embark on the journey of Intimacy with God, remember you’re not alone, join SGTJ in a minute. In a world where life's challenges prevent us from being who God wants us to be, unity is our strength. United as a Supportive Community, we can all be part of the solution to the challenges facing communities and the Body of Christ.

- See also our discipleship program: Jesus' Disciples if you need help.

- See also our Daniel Fasting Challenge.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) encourages us: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."