WHAT IS INTIMACY WITH GOD INTIMACY IN PRAYER

"WHAT IS INTIMACY WITH GOD, INTIMACY IN PRAYER, HOW DO WE REALLY SHOW OUR LOVE TO GOD? “ Throughout the ages there has been the attempt of man to reach for a non-existent god. But the true God is not reached in such a way. Rather than permit His creation to reach-up in a vain search for Him, He reaches down to their level through the presence and sacrifice of His Own Son. God's grace is extended to the masses; but to those who yield themselves as His subjects, His role becomes a very personal, intimate relationship. This is vividly demonstrated by the Biblical record of Jesus' appearance to His disciples after His resurrection (John 20).

INTIMACY WITH THE HEAVENLY FATHER IS A SURRENDER OF SELF AND SUBMISSION TO HIS PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES In contrast: The rich, young, ruler had every qualification and reason to follow our Lord, but he would not surrender his riches (Mt 19). Ananias and Sapphira failed to surrender by desiring to hold-back on material security (Acts 5). In beautiful conformity: Barnabas, "Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet" (Acts 4: 37). Speaking most favorable of the Macedonian churches, Paul wrote, "And this they did. . . but first gave their own selves to the Lord" (2 Cor 8: 5). Romans 12: 1 -2, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies. . . "

Our intimacy with God is evidenced by: How and where we spend our time How we handle our finances Our attitude toward assembling with others of like faith Devotion displayed in serving others (Mt 25: 32 -45) Our attitude and disposition (1 Cor 13). Never a question of the Christian failing to do what is right but rather would this choice be best for God's glory and my pleasing service to Him.

Our approach to God through prayer. Away from public prayer where others are following our lead, can we speak openly, freely with God, and express our sins and shortcomings, our needs, our sincere thankfulness for His presence, our feeling of smallness before His greatness? Posture and place are unimportant – but sincerity and humility are most important. "Whosoever offereth praise glorifieth Me" (Ps 50: 23). "Abraham was called the Friend of God" (James 2: 23). Can we approach God as our friend?

HOW DO WE REALLY SHOW OUR LOVE TO GOD? Recognize and acknowledge that, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1: 17). Recognize that, "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands: 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though He needed any thing, seeing He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after Him, and find Him, though He be not far from every one of us" 28 For in Him we live, and move, and have our being" (Acts 17: 24 -28). Rev 2: 10, "Fear none of those things which. . . “ This is where and when we REALLY show our love to God.