We all have a desire to be in the presence of God as seen by our obedience to deny ourselves during this cooperate time of prayer and fasting. This has been seen in the stories shared of physical hunger being replaced with a hunger for God; the understanding of placing ourselves in the company of individuals that will encourage us, and the thanks given for stories shared in the blog thus far. In seeing the repetition of the three previous statements being shared daily, along with the sermon from yesterday, the prayer for today is timely in affirming the importance of our relationships with others. So I will place a brief question on the table.
If we desire to better our relationship with God (who desires to be our friend), can His presence be seen in our relationships with those around us?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I believe so wholeheartedly...if we strive to feel and know the love of God in our relationship with him that love and grace has no choice but to fall over into other aspects of our life. I know for me the sermon yesterday truly hit home...I had to ask myself the question..."you say you are seeking him and getting your relationship back on track but it is showing in all you do?"
ReplyDeleteIt was a convicting and powerful sermon...I appreciate God thru Pastor for giving me a boost to further run this race...Now I have to be wary in all that I do good bad or indifferent. But having that relationship with HIM allows me to run a check in my spirit in all that I do and all that I encounter.
FELLIN' GOOD! FEELIN' GREAT!!
ReplyDeleteThis day was good for me,for the past year I have been seek God's guidance in my life with regard to my family, friend and other relationships. I know those who are affliated with me know that I am a christian, but I know some of them are confused about what they believe. I have some friends who believe, but don't really think going to church means anything because there parents was relaxed about attending faithfully.
ReplyDeleteThis pray wasn't hard for me just long, I started to remember a lot of people I needed to pray for, and I still think I am praying for more :).
Well saints stay encourage and be blessed.
Don't fast to show others you are religious or blessed, fast to seek God our father in heaven.
TATA
Geneva B.
One thing I've noticed through this fast is that the stronger your relationship with God is, the easier it becomes to 'sift' through relationships with others. I remember not too long ago, I was the kind of person that would befriend any and every one. Now, understanding how the company you keep affects you in many ways, I am much more mindful of those I let in my sphere. It is important to me that I have God-fearing friends to surround me because when I turn to them in crisis, they are the ones that will remind you to turn to HIM. I appreciate having friends I can ask and count on to pray for me. I love having friends that come to me when they need prayer, friends that trust in the awesome power of God. I am thrilled to have friends that know and serve the Lord and I can't say I was at that place just yet before I developed my relationship with Him further.
ReplyDeleteI also think that the closer you are to God, the easier it is to pray for others and our relationships with them. The one difficulty people have in relationships is that they get frustrated in not being able to control other people. We have to realize that the only person we can control is ourself. And in that, when you find difficulty in your relationships, the best thing you can do is pray about it.
So to answer the question, yes I believe that your relationship with God can be seen in your relationship with others. You are more inclined to treat others how you want to be treated, it's easier to forgive because you know how much your Father has forgiven you, and even when people don't treat you right, instead of fighting against them, you pray for them.
Pastor talks about how we must love our fellow man, who we see everyday. Because if we can't love them, how can we truly say we love God when we can't see Him? I think that is so true!
As for this week in the fast, does anyone else feel like God has really intervened and made things easy for you? I know last Thursday-Sunday, I hardly had an appetite. I thought I was going to chow down, but I barely wanted to eat. I think that was to prepare my body for this week because God knew we'd be continuing. Then I think about the Daniel fast to follow and it just seems like a walk in the park, considering :) What are your thoughts???
I pray that my relationships with others reflect God...but honestly, I don't know. I strive, everyday, to do God's will, but like most, I fall short. Some days I do succumb to gossip, anger, thoughts, etc., and some days those things happen with and around my friends. Is God reflected in those instances, of course not, but does He convict me, forgive me and love me in spite of them and make me strive to be more like Him...Of Course He does.
ReplyDelete