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lokobo -> please help me get closer to God (6/26/2008 1:55:45 AM)

Hi friends,

There was once a time, nearly a decade ago, where I always felt a very strong connection with God. This was way back when I lived with my parents, before I started college. My family was very religious, and we prayed every morning.

I remember how it felt--I always had God on my mind, and it was like he was always with me. He even came to me in dreams. I remember one dream very clearly. The previous week in school we were learning addition in math class, and I couldn't understand how to do carry over. Then one night God taught me how to do it, and I was a stellar math student since then. I even got a 800 on the SAT math. I felt like I had a 1:1 connection with him, and I could talk to Him like I'd talk to myself. He'd always help me make decisions, and everything always worked out well.

Unfortunately, when I started college, I became more and more busy and more and more irregular with my daily prayers. After my first year, I began mixing with the wrong type of people and fell into quite of bit of sin. Some of this lead to some serious consequences (people getting arrested). By God's Grace alone, I ended up basically free from any prosecution, and had began praying to God daily and trying to get forgiveness and to get my old life back.

However, I soon become a lot more busy with my work load in college, and then in the following year I started medical school, and I was not nearly as regular with my prayers as I had been. I know God was with me every step of the way through medical school, because there's no way I would have got through if He wasn't.

But it still feels like He is missing from my life. It's like that part of my mind that could talk to Him just completely shut down. I can't seem to get Him to help me make major decisions about my life, and I would like to see him in my dreams again.

For the past year, I have been working as a surgeon, and am often too busy to find time to sit down and do my prayers. Sometimes I pray while driving to work but it seems incomplete. I know I'm not a perfect person. There are so many things in my life that I would like to change. I cuss too much. I frequently find myself lustful thoughts, and I believe that it's these thoughts that is the cancer that is killing me.

Please help me friends. I can't talk to anyone else because I don't think anyone would understand. [:(]



timf -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/26/2008 7:13:21 AM)

Please help me friends. I can't talk to anyone else because I don't think anyone would understand.

The book of Galatians in an interesting read because it describes how a church got diverted from following the Spirit to living by the flesh. In their case their "carnality" (fleshly Christian walk) still appeared to be religious (activity, works, etc.). However, carnality can also be manifest in other ways.

I had a friend who was going through medical school and when he took his rotation in surgery, he commented that he found the stereotypes of surgeons to be correct (focused, bossy, confident, and competent). In a way it sounded like this field in particular accentuated the abilities and liabilities of what the Bible calls the flesh.

The problem with the flesh is that it elevates self, quenches the work of the Holy Spirit, and eventually even cuts us off from other people in addition to our loss of "connection" to our Lord.

The Pharisees are an example of religious carnality. One reason Jesus warned His disciples about the hypocrisy (leaven) of the Pharisees is that religious carnality produces a "blindness" that makes a person almost a prisoner. It is religious pride that puts up a wall that cannot be breached.

Worldly carnality can be just as harmful, but it can more easily be corrected. Christianity has always been about "truth". Jesus is truth and so any path back to our Savior has to be following a path of truth. James 4 describes a little process of drawing near to God that is parenthetically bracketed by "humility". Truth about who we are and who God is can only produce humility and gratitude. This opens the door to more grace and a closer walk with the Lord.

Some indicators of the degree to which we follow the flesh are frustration and emptiness. One can read Ecclesiastes and see how effect of living by the flesh effected Solomon. Solomon's father David also got caught up in worldly success (being king). David had gotten so far from the Lord that he committed adultery and had the husband of the woman killed to cover it up. He didn't even consider he had done something wrong until God sent Nathan to tell him.

It is interesting to note that no matter how far a Christian's path is diverted, his Savior is always waiting with open arms for his return. When we can turn from the world and the flesh and see our Lord in truth, we can grow in proper humility and surrender ourselves to Him who died for us.

All the promises of the Christian life (love, peace, joy, etc.) are not found in achievement, but as the free gift of God living and working in us. If we can turn our lives over to our Lord, He can create something wonderful and powerful in us. It is when we try to control everything ourselves that we elevate self and choke out the work of God in us.

Feel free to PM me if you would like to dicuss this in greater detail.



lmarchal -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/26/2008 7:14:27 AM)

Hello Lokobo

I just want tell you the same thing happen to me. I had dream and so many encounter with the Lord, even so time I can here him talking to me, then I start to get busy with my Job and get busy with Life.

I know How you feel inside, sense of been lost, don't really know who I am, and don't even my purpose in life. Now I have A new life with the Lord, When I started to study the Word of God, and I decided to LIVE BY FAITH. FOR LIFE IS BETTER WHEN YOU ARE LIVING BY FAITH.

I have so many things to tell you how good The Lord is to me. But remember one thing HE CARE, AND HE LOVE YOU, HE NEVER STOP LOVING YOU.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.



mvic -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/26/2008 8:33:19 AM)

Hi lokobo,

Welcome to the Forum.

Many people go through experiences like yours where they drift away from God or even have a crisis of Faith and no longer believe.

At least you still believe; hence your desire to get closer to God.

There is no magic wand quick fix solution. This is something you should do by yourself in your own time with God's help of course.

I suggest to start with by joining a church, if you're not a member already. Then, join a Bible Study Group to learn from/with others. By discussing your views and fears with others you will learn and benefit from their wisdom and share their experiences.

Take one step at a time and I'm certain you'll go far.

God bless.



sparkleingsnow -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/26/2008 12:18:22 PM)

Here is what His word says:

James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you....

So how do we draw close to Him?
We have to spend time with Him. Reading the Bible, praying, spending time with other believers, like at a good Bible study, praiseing Him, takeing time to see Him in everything good and wonderful that we see around us. He has to be the first and most importen thing in our lifes.

We all get busy, and its so easy to let the cares and concerns of this world be first in our thoughts and take up our time. But we need to stop and keep Him first in our thoughts. And you'll find Him right there waiting for you to turn back to Him. You see, He doesn't move away from us, we move away from Him. And He always wants us to come back.



SavedByGraceMD -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/26/2008 12:21:17 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: lokobo



For the past year, I have been working as a surgeon, and am often too busy to find time to sit down and do my prayers. Sometimes I pray while driving to work but it seems incomplete. I know I'm not a perfect person. There are so many things in my life that I would like to change. I cuss too much. I frequently find myself lustful thoughts, and I believe that it's these thoughts that is the cancer that is killing me.

Please help me friends. I can't talk to anyone else because I don't think anyone would understand. [:(]

Hello lokobo,
how are you today. I think you will find that we do understand, and we will be here to listen to you. So will God, who is always with you. But yes sometimes we get so busy that we miss Him, and don't realize that He is right there with us. Do you know that your prayers do not have to be lengthy. You can always make time for Him , and to pray. I think there is a book out right now titled " Too Busy Not To Pray". The busier we get, the more we need to lean on Him for strength.

Just so you know, even though I am not a surgeon, nor do I know what it is like to keep a surgeons schedule, I too struggle in areas of my life, ie cursing, thoughts, lust. But He is working and taking care of His end, so I need to take care of mine. I need to put in the work, and I think so do you. May God bless you and may He ease your troubles.



Leo71 -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/26/2008 2:34:48 PM)

I want to tell you that I really appreciate this post, lokobo. I, too, have need for redemption and thus a closer (permanent) walk with the Lord God Almighty. Sin prevents this. Problem is, I already know that, just as I know perfectly well the path I must take to get back "home," as it were. Flesh doesn't want to go back.

The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

I especially appreciate what timf has offered in response to the original post:

quote:

The problem with the flesh is that it elevates self, quenches the work of the Holy Spirit, and eventually even cuts us off from other people in addition to our loss of "connection" to our Lord.

The Pharisees are an example of religious carnality. One reason Jesus warned His disciples about the hypocrisy (leaven) of the Pharisees is that religious carnality produces a "blindness" that makes a person almost a prisoner. It is religious pride that puts up a wall that cannot be breached.

Worldly carnality can be just as harmful, but it can more easily be corrected. Christianity has always been about "truth". Jesus is truth and so any path back to our Savior has to be following a path of truth. James 4 describes a little process of drawing near to God that is parenthetically bracketed by "humility". Truth about who we are and who God is can only produce humility and gratitude. This opens the door to more grace and a closer walk with the Lord.

Some indicators of the degree to which we follow the flesh are frustration and emptiness. One can read Ecclesiastes and see how effect of living by the flesh effected Solomon. Solomon's father David also got caught up in worldly success (being king). David had gotten so far from the Lord that he committed adultery and had the husband of the woman killed to cover it up. He didn't even consider he had done something wrong until God sent Nathan to tell him.

It is interesting to note that no matter how far a Christian's path is diverted, his Savior is always waiting with open arms for his return. When we can turn from the world and the flesh and see our Lord in truth, we can grow in proper humility and surrender ourselves to Him who died for us.


This was awesome, because it's more than just a lot of "neat information." All of this must be considered with all our minds and all our hearts -- which reminds me of the Long-Standing Prayer that I personally have with God actually. I've found that it's difficult beyond measure sometimes to go ahead and humble myself... at which point, of course, God has no qualms about doing it for me (but that's a subject for a different day, perhaps). The flesh is so set against the things of the spirit, it's no wonder the Bible refers to it as a constant warfare taking place within each individual! Refer to the 7th chapter of Romans, for a prime example of this.

Also, I myself have to constantly refer back to the book of James... specifically the parts where he reprimands me for being a "double-minded man." The only reason I can even return to that scripture is because along with the truth, he also provides grace, when he offers me the option of actually "purifying my mind." Truth without grace leads only to an overwhelming sense of condemnation, which of course is not the work of the Lord but of the Devil (who came to steal, kill and destroy). I'm sure we're all aware of John 3:16-17, correct? Skip down to 17, and you'll see quite plainly that God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved!

Therein lies hope. Therein lies faith. Therein lies love. All three. But the greatest of these is definitely love.

The kind Jesus demonstrated over 2,000 years ago on the cross.



thiricy -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/27/2008 1:17:13 AM)

You're not the only one going through this, I'm facing that right now. In college right now, and its difficult to always keep God in my mind when stuff is always going on but each day God's grace is with me. The replies to this thread is great, thanks.



mikejonesoftn -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/27/2008 1:26:35 AM)

Hi, lokobo

This is what helped for me, it may not be same in everyone's case however it is quite simple.
It's good to know that you do believe in God and you have had some personal encounters with God. Try to make it a goal to read a few scriptures if not a chapter of God's word everyday, preferably during bedtime. Late night, which is when I have most of my time, I often to come this forum, join in topics and also read and learn about God.

Sometimes I feel like I have been to busy to talk to God or I felt like my prayers were incomplete. Take 5 minutes out of your schedule, go somewhere private. In my case it would be my bedroom, I would just get on my knees and talk (out loud) to God and tell him everything. This will be help you.

My words and advice isn't as powerful as Jesus' but they are true, without my knowledge and relationship with God I wouldn't have been able to post this.



iamjc-s -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/27/2008 11:51:01 AM)

-
Suggestions:

1> Listen to the Bible on tape to work.

2> Listen to praise music at lunch & praise Him in your heart.

3> Pray whenever possible during the day (including that God will hear you & help you & your patients & your patience.

4> On the way home give thanks to Him from whom all blessings flow.
-



truthrevealed -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/27/2008 12:21:10 PM)

As you can see, MANY can identify with where you are-- myself included. During this season in your life continue to talk to God--before going to bed, on your way to work, in the middle of seeing a patient... Just affirming to God in prayer that despite how you feel and what you see, you still love Him will help you tremendously because you DO love Him and He certainly loves you.
As christians we go thru seasons where the feelings and confirmations that we were accustomed to in our relationship with God began to transform--during this time our "roots" are growing deeper in Him (and roots grow in "dark" places)so you may not "see" God but your faith is developing, growing and maturing and He's ever present.
No matter what issues within yourself that you're dealing with(cursing etc.)as long as you have a heart that hates the sin(but NOT YOURSELF for doing it) and a willingness to forsake it then move forward with ***GREAT*** confidence that He'll help you and even now He IS helping you even if you don't feel His presence!



bobby1654 -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/27/2008 4:00:29 PM)

I was recently introduced to an interesting illustration about the Christian life: The Christian life is like a train being pulled by a steam engine. The engine is representative of the FACT of the Gospel, providing all the power and strength for the train. The engine is followed by a car filled with coal, which is FAITH. The engine cannot run without coal, just as the Gospel has no power in our lives without faith. All other aspects of the Christian life are represented by the various train cars after the coal car. These include worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship, good works, etc. The last car in the train is the caboose, which is representative of our emotions and feelings. The caboose often gets a lot of attention because of its bright red color and its position at the end of the train. As long as we occupy a body of flesh, our emotions/ feelings are extremely vulnerable to attacks from Satan. He knows how powerful our feelings are to our effectiveness as children of God. When Satan can make us feel unworthy, weak, and discouraged, he robs us of the peace and joy that should be ours in Christ. We have to remember that our feelings are important just as the caboose is important to the train; but as long as the engine and coal are working, the train can run very well without a caboose. We may feel distant and out of fellowship with God at times, but the truth of the Gospel and the faith that we are given by God are not dependent on our human emotions.
Someone once said, "If you aren't feeling close to God, it was not God who moved away."
Get hooked back up to the train and enjoy the ride.



Lufia -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/27/2008 8:02:09 PM)

quote:

as long as you have a heart that hates the sin(but NOT YOURSELF for doing it)


How do you do that? I hate myself so much when i sin ...



Cloak -> RE: please help me get closer to God (6/27/2008 8:47:14 PM)

Loko~ Find a good church. You are still baby in your spiritual walk and what you feel is quite normal. Also find some good Christian friends with whom you can go out, pray together and socialize.

Faith is like a lil baby, it grows every day.

You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Blessings!



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