Wanting to be closer to God. Never been close with God, but now i do.

Annmarie - posted on 10/18/2009

I Summer, my name is Annmarie. I am so happy to know that i can share my experience with you has a Christian. I became a Christian over a year now, and it's wonderfull. Most of my familys' are Christian' like my mother and her sisters. Me and my brother is only Christian from the younger generation side now. I used to feel the same way as you. Always afraid to take a step foward, but once you accept the Lord things get easier, just take it one day at a time. Dont preasure yourself, you will feel the right moment within yourself. God is not going anywhere soon he has patient because he wants you on his side. You wont be judge my anyone, God does the judging. Open your mind and blocked everthing out for awhile, feel the peace of your soul and relaxed, trust me you will feel so good. Having Jesus in your life will make you feel mesmerized, and worthy. Before becoming a Child of God, i used to find myself worrying about every little thing, and once i accepted Him in my life, i am relaxed because what ever is going on i just prayed and left every decision to him. I am at peace with myself and the world. I only live in this world but I am not of this world. Another thing dont worry about who will be offended when you mention God because there are others who will listen, and maybe one day they will accept the Lord in their life. I used to be like that too never want to hear about words of the Lord although I was bought up by Christian belief. You are not alone I have friends that I cant even mention about being a Christian, but who cares, I dont. I learned to leave people because no matter what you do or not do it boils down to one thing. They have to make this change on their own. Try to associaate yourself with Christian and you dont have to watch what you say. I would love to recommend this website to you if you have a ipod. www.dailyaudiobible.com. It's great to listen. And it will motivate you and how to accept the Lord. This website is part of itune. Good luck, hope my words help you a little.

Courtney - posted on 09/26/2009

If you need daily encouragement in your walk with God - please stop by my blog - I write Monday through Friday and often about spiritual things at http://www.womenlivingwell-courtney.blog... I hope you will find direction and encouragement here! Please stop by!



Courtney

Yvonne - posted on 09/25/2009

First and foremost God is always listening. Going back to Church is a disapline, it is hard at first but eventually it will be second nature to get up early and go in, and completely worth it as well. When you feel the need to go up and pray with a pastor, or speak to someone about becoming closer to God that is the Holy Spirit acting in you, don't ignore that "calling". The people that go to your church are there to worship and to have a community or family. If they place judgment on you for trying to become closer to God then they have not yet grown in their faith. Don't not let the fear, or other people hold you back from loving your God. That is the enemy...that is the devil. Turn your back to the enemy and walk toward Gods grace with your head held high. Your whole life will change. It is scary first, a scary journey. I know at my Church they have alot of different oppurtunities to speak witha pastor about how to grow your faith. See if your church has any other times to speak witha pastor and pray or be blessed with out an audience, so you can feel more comfortable.

good luck and god bless.

Cheri-Lynn - posted on 09/25/2009

I am a youth group leader, who did not grow up in a Christian home, but came to the Lord later in my life. I tell my youth group to talk with God, like you do your best friend. Tell him your fears, your joys, your sorrows, anything and everything is in His hands and in His ears. A piece from Romans 12 (from the Message) says 'so here is what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday ordinary life - your sleeping, eating, going -to-work and walking around life and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the BEST thing you can do for Him." Those words speak so much to me and remind me that it is a simple thing to spend time in prayer with God.
You can do it, praying for you! :)

KittyJo - posted on 09/24/2009

Don't worry about formal praying or prayer time... you can get so caught up in trying to say all the right words or thinking about whether it 'sounds right' that you miss the blessing of spending time with Him. If you just go about your day talking to Him like He's right there with you... and He is... you will find yourself drawing closer and closer to Him. I'm saying talk to Him like He's there with you as in...

"Which outfit do You think I should wear?"

"God, You are awesome!"

"I have a friend who needs some encouragment... what do You think would be the best way to help her?"

"Whoa! You're quite the artist! I love how You painted that sunset! And it was just for me??? Thanks!!"

"I love You, Daddy!"

"You are so holy... and I am so thankful that I am your child!"

"I'm not sure how to get through today... can I lean on You?"



And praise Him!

Praise Him for Who He is... and what He's done, and even for what He's done that hasn't happened yet (that you can see)! Look back at where you've been and where you are now, and praise Him for what He's brought you through already.

Praise Him for what He has seen in your life that He has prevented from happening... the health issues that could have come on you but din't... the times when He caused you to be late so you could avoid the accident you would have otherwise been in... the times when the devil tried to take you out and your Father said "No! That's My child and you will not touch her!"

Praise Him because He's holy... and righteous.. and the One who created you just because He loves you.

Praise Him because His mercy endures forever and His grace is everlasting.

Praise Him because He can cover you with the Blood of Jesus and satan cain't touch you because to get to you he'd have to go through the Blood and that's not possible!

Praise Him in everything... even the negative situations.

Praise Him for already working out that difficult situation that you are just starting to encounter.. even if it looks to you like there's no way though it.

Praise him for the perfect plan He's had for your life since before He created the world.

When you realize that His plan is the absolute best plan for your life, it's much easier to just put your hand in His and say "I trust You, Father!"

Just remember... it's your praise that makes Him say "Come here, daughter... I like what I'm hearing... let me put my arm around you and we'll walk together." and when you're walking with God, you're protected from anything the devil tries to bring against you!

Lorine - posted on 09/23/2009

Quoting Summer:

Wanting to be closer to God. Never been close with God, but now i do.

As i was a child my family went to church off and on, when i was in my teens we stopped going so i wasn't raised in a big church/God filled home. Don't get me wrong i have a wonderful family who taught me right from wrong.I have good morals, i do my best to do the right thing. I don't have church going friends so when i bring God up they seem distant. Now that i am a adult and a new mother ( my son is 3 months) i want to start going and become a better christian. I want to raise my son as a christian. I'm just so use to not going to church i find sometimes i don't have motivation and i feel silly sometimes when i pray cuz i don't know if God is really listening. At church when they ask who wants to come to the front to speak to someone about becoming closer to God i want to but i feel like all eyes will be on me and i will be judged. I want the christian life, i just don'really know how.

   I am 53 years old. I became a Christian in 1991. I also felt uncomfortable when the alter call was made, but God just kept nudging me to do it until I finally did. I believe that the first thing you need is a Bible that you can easily undrstand, like the New International Version, or the New Living Translation. There are others, but these are the two translations I can understand the best. Try finding a Bible Study group or other fellowship group that can help guide you through God's Word. If your church doesn't offer anything like that, find a church that does. Fellowship is very important in developing a relationship with God. As far as God listening to your prayers...He hears ALL of our prayers. He is ever present and all powerful. Once you have accepted Jesus as your Lord and savior, you never have to worry again about God being there for you. He knows what we need and the best way to deliver. Never be afraid to talk to God He loves to hear from us as much as possible. You can just carry on a casual conversation with Him if you want (of course you don't want to do that just any old place or someone may call the men in white coats). 

   Don't worry about  offending your friends. Just do the right thing and don't compromise your values and you will be surprised at the respect you will earn from others. After you've developed a relationship with other believers, you will have more friends than you can keep up with. But that's OK, too, because true friends will always understand when you are busy with other things.

   I hope this helps you. Don't be intimidated by the unknown. Stepping out of our comfort zone is the best way to grow. Be bold. Be comforted in the knowledge that you are heading for a better, more secure life and you are leading your son on the right path.

Jennifer - posted on 09/23/2009

I have to agree with Heather, Tam, and Rebekah! They have given you some really sound advice! But l want to add one thing that we do at our church. As so many people are not comfortable walking up to the altar in front of everyone due to them being shy and such, our pastor will tell everyone, if you want to get closer with God, if you want to start a relationship with God, but are not comfortable walking down the aisle see me after church and more times than not during the week, when they know he will be at church they will go by and just the two of them will go to the altar. It is nothing to be ashamed of but I do understand that some people just are not comfortable being in front of a lot of people.

April - posted on 09/23/2009

Summer,

Prayer is a great way to begin getting closer to God! As far as motivation I have found that the less I want to go to church is when I get the biggest blessing. It seems like every song, testimony, and sermon is meant for me and I am very thankful that I didn't give into this weak flesh. The Lord knows the desires of our hearts so please don't feel like He is not listening. I thought that I would never become a mother & after many many nights & years of crying & getting discouraged He sent me the most beautiful, precious twin boys that I have ever laid my eyes on. My point is don't give up for the reward is great!!! Praying for you to have a closer walk with God.

Gloria - posted on 09/23/2009

gloria jenkins I use to be the same way. I always went Church thought I was doing good until I did go up and ask GOD into my life now Iam not sure how I dealt with things before GOD . My husband did not go to church unless A play or something with the kids now we are both CHIRSTIANS. maybe you can go talk to the Paster . I am sure he could help learn more about the CHURCH and GOD . let me know more how you are doing ok may GOD lead you just ask he wont think your silly

Claudia - posted on 09/23/2009

I hope that in the time since you posted this you have found someone to encourage you personally near your home or church. I know it is scary and you feel like all will be judging you, or looking at you. But truly, all you need to do is simply say, wherever you are. Lord, I recognize that I am a sinner, and I receive your gift of salvation, and I ask you to come into my life, to guide me to change me and mold me into the person that you want me to be. Amen. Simple. God doesn't need fanfare, he just needs a sincere and open heart willing to accept the gift of salvation through his son Jesus Christ. He loves you and sees you in your situation, and he knows your heart.
But if you do want to go up for someone to pray for you think of it like this, it helped me: When I die, it will be God and I. No one else will be there to blame or to hold my hand. If that sounds harsh, please understand that I mean it in the most loving way. It's just the way that I put it plainly to myself. Therefore you shouldn't fear what others might think, for the ones that you truly want as friends will encourage you in your walk of faith anyway, everyone else will have to fall away. I lost a lot of old friends, (that were not good for me anyway) but I gained many new ones that were great people, people that were like family to me. Rely on God for your strength, as new moms there are lots of struggles we face, and we need all the help we can get. As I said, the Lord knows your heart, he knows you are seeking. He will open the door for you.

A good place to go is www.intough.org, Pastor Stanley was a great source for me. He is a great man of God and so fatherly you'll wish he was your grandpa. I wish you the best and if you ever need someone to talk to please look me up. Best to you.

Alicia - posted on 09/23/2009

Summer, you have made a GOOD decision--to get closer to God and raise your son as a Christian. The Holy Spirit of God is the one that is giving you the desire to come forward and surrender your life to Jesus. This is the FIRST step, but a very important step. After doing that ask the Lord to help you learn to live out your faith as God wants you to. It is a process, little by little your faith will grow. Put your focus on the Lord and pleasing him and you won't think about how you appear to others, just how you can please God. Love your good intentions, don't give up!

Jewel - posted on 09/23/2009

My childhood sounds similar to yours. My parents never went to church but I attended fairly regularly from 4th grade to 8th grade. Family life was not great but I felt safe and accepted when I was in our church. When i became pregnant(at 35) I knew that I wanted my child to grow up being part of a church family and even if she drifted away when she grew older, she would at some point remember and be drawn back. She is attending a Nazarene college now and wants to be a missionary! I talk to God every day. It is a silent conversation usually but it brings me peace. I don't overthink it, I just accept, believe and receive. When the world beats me up I pray to my true Father and his love wraps its self around me and I find comfort and peace. Getting involved in a Sunday School group or women's bible study will give you a place to connect on a smaller less intimidating level and you will find you are not alone - we are all walking the same walk. You may have to try several churches before you find the one that feels like home - be patient but remember that God can be with you anywhere!

Delfina - posted on 09/22/2009

That is great that you seek to be closer to the Lord. Standing up and doing anything that involves people looking at you is very intimidating as a new believer. I have been a Christian for almost 3 years now and I am 28, I finally stood up in front of everyone to give my testimony, that was scary for me, I've stood up before for prayer request but never to speak in front of the congregation. Keep praying, that is the best thing to do, the more you pray the better you get at it, God with answer your questions. Go to Church and the more you go the more comfortable you get, I attend Church alone most of the time since my children attend the children ministries. I don't mind walking in alone anymore. I know my Church has some type of Moms ministry where Moms meet separate from regular service. Read that Bible, its not always easy but you will learn from it. God has helped me through a lot in the passed 3 years and I still lots of obstacles ahead of me as a single Mother but I know the Lord will be there by my side the whole way. I've learned to live a Godly life seven days a week and not just on Sunday, you will still find yourself making mistakes sometimes and its because we are all human. I am happy that you have the urge to go to church and learn more about our Savior, I say go for it will all your might. God Bless

Jenny - posted on 09/22/2009

in my family, my parents were ultra-strict Christians, so i ran from God the first chance i got. about five years ago, i started searching again. it can be difficult, you may feel out of place or unsure of yourself, but the thing to remember is that God is waiting for you! He stands at the door of your heart, and He knocks, waiting for you to open up and invite Him to enter. He listens to your prayers, He wants that close relationship that you are now looking for. if you can find some friends in the church, i encourage you to open up to them, let them know how you're feeling. i have found that when i do that, i often discover that i'm not the only one going through the things i'm going through. it's easy to lack motivation to go to church, especially if you don't know anyone there. i encourage you to find a small group mid-week meeting. that's what got me going back to God! it's so much easier to find friends and to ask questions in a small group setting.

Niki - posted on 09/22/2009

Read your Bible. That's a wonderful way to get to know about our Lord and Savior. I'm guessing, based on what you've shared, is that you're a "babe in Christ," so why don't you invest in a New Living Translation-one that gives you the teachings in standard English. I would recommend "Daily Study Bible for Women" Once the Word starts to place an imprint on your heart-and it will-you'll feel compelled to find you a church home to share the good news with.

NEVER, EVER, EVER FEEL SILLY ABOUT PRAYER. DON'T WORRY ABOUT WHAT OR HOW YOU SHOULD PRAY. APPROACH GOD LIKE YOU WOULD APPROACH A DEAR FRIEND, BECAUSE THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT JESUS IS...A DEAR AND TRUSTED FRIEND.

Be Blessed!

Samala - posted on 09/22/2009

Hey I am new to circle of moms, but I am a Christian woman. You can't be afraid of learning more about the Lord. He is our everything. Whenever you feel like you're not motivated enuff, grl, tell that devil to get off your back!!! That is all it is, that is the devil trying to keep you in the same frame of mind and hold you back from the Lord. I will be praying with you and for you and hope to hear from you soon.

Kathy - posted on 09/21/2009

Wow you have gotten some great answers that I second. Remember God finds us, and when He started the tugging on my heart I wasn't even in a church at that time. Someone told me to read my Bible and I would pray a little prayer before I would start reading, "Lord I want to know you, help me to understand what I am reading." God is faithful. He says he who seeks, finds.. so seek Him and you will find Him. He loves soooooooo much! He is the one who put this desire in your heart in the first place.. If you do go forward at that time you will have entered into the family of God and everyone will welcome you, and the angels will rejoice.

God Bless Bless you , Beloved

Victoria - posted on 09/21/2009

I find it interesting that your Church would ask you to go up in front of everyone. In our Church we ask people to raise their hand, while every is in a time of prayer/reflection. However that is their practice & I won't knock it. On the other side of things, you've already made the choice to have a closer walk with God, now all you have to do is actively walk in that choice. Start by spending time in His word daily as that is the substanance you will need. As you read his word God will make things clear to you, like YES He does hear you when you pray & not to forsake the fellowship of the believer, that in itself will become a source of motivation to get up & go to Church. Also you have to find the right Church. God know the church that is right for you to attend, and it might not be the one you've been going to, if you're in the right Church that again will be motivation, because you won't want to miss anything that God is doing there. I am a part of the ministry team in our Church (at the Lay level). And I know that if you were in our church we would want you to come speak to someone in the leadership, we wouldn't question why you didn't go up to the front ( that's between you & God & maybe he's not calling you to do that) because that isn't the proof that you've accepted Christ into your life, it's how you live it. I recommend you talk to the pastor, or any of the leadership in your Church. They are the shephards, there to teach, guide, encourage & support you as a member of their flock. I'll keep you in my prayers, but the first step is the hardest & you've done it, you've made the choice to walk in Christ. Congratulations dear Sister in the LORD.

Kim - posted on 09/21/2009

I went through a similar situation. I got my kids baptized, but I didn't really start going til my son began CCD. I really love going now, and wish that I had all along. You shouldn't feel silly when you pray because that is when you are your closest to God, and he is the only one to judge you. Try not to worry about what anyone else thinks. If you feel that you want to stand up in the front, then that's great, but you don't need to, because God knows everything. You could start out slow, by attending church and doing prayers at home. Even doing prayers before meals; my daughter likes to lead. Simple. You don't need to know everything now, because we are always learning. The most important thing is to pray! Good luck with your journey to God!

Rebekah - posted on 09/21/2009

I'm on the other end of the fence, as a leader/pastor in my church, many people feel the way you do, a little scared to step out in fear of what others might think of them. Let's look at this verse, "We have all sinned and fell short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23. Not one person in that church can say they are without sin - and many of them had to take that very same walk down to the front of the church. But let's look at that walk not as a place of shame or condemnation, for the Bible says, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"... instead look at that walk as freedom. God loves you so much that He sent His only Son to take the place of death to forgive all the sins in the world.

I look at it this way, if you miss the opportunity to walk down to the front and you decide to go to the pastor later, the first thing most pastors will ask is "why didn't you respond the altar call?" And the reason is this - altar calls are lead by the Holy Spirit, that tugging on your heart that makes you want to walk down there is the Holy Spirit leading you and telling you "yes, go". And when you take that first step out, you'll eventually find yourself running to the altar because you can't stop the pressing of the Holy Spirit. But not just that when a pastor is moving with the Spirit, a true freedom will set in, and you will be surprised how many leaders/pastors will move in the prophetic at this time. Don't miss out when the Spirit is leading - it's amazing the things the Spirit wants to tell you and pour into your life at that time!

I also encourage you this way, if you keep feeling the tugging on your heart to go to the front and keep finding yourself hiding away, you need to talk with a leader/pastor in your church to help you find the reason and to reassure you that no one will judge you (and if someone does, they will want you to come to them and tell them, for that is out of line in a church and that can be a serious problem in the church).

I can't promise you that no one in the church will judge you, but I CAN promise you that God will not judge you. God, the Father in Heaven, looks down on you and sees His Princess, one that is full of glory, and that is perfect in His sight. No one else's approval matters, excepts God's!

Tam - posted on 09/21/2009

I agree with Heather. That it is a spirit of intimidation that is making you afraid to go to the front. I know it's not easy, but that's why it's faith. You have to simply trust that He is there and He is waiting for you to take those steps.

The next time you feel silly, you remind yourself of why you are doing this. Remind yourself that God is bigger than any fear we have.

I would like to recommend a great book that will help you with that fear. It's called "Breaking Intimidation" by John Bevere. If you can get the workbook, I also recommend it. Be honest with yourself as you read through it and pray that God shows you where you can work out your salvation and bolster your faith in Him.

Your precious baby is important and so are you. Christ believed you were so worth it that He died for you and rose again so you could be with Him if you simply believe and put your trust in Him. ((hugs))

Heather - posted on 09/20/2009

First off, if you chose to go up front everyone will see it as a good thing. But that has to be a choice you make. Which is more important to you, what others think or what God thinks? One of my favorite scriptures is Galatians 1:10 Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.



Another thing I want to tell you is that you can't draw close to God on you own. You need his help. He always hears prayer. He hears everything and even knows what we feel in our hearts. So even if you don't say it out loud, he knows. A question I like to ask people who don't think God hears their prayers is do you believe the Bible? Acts 15:8 says God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. God not only knows our hearts, but has given us the Holy Spirit so that we can better know our own hearts. God knows us better then we know ourselves. Pray and ask God to draw you close to him. This is a prayer that I think everyone should pray daily. You aren't going to wake up one day and say, alright, I am where I need to be. That's not how it works. We are to pick up our cross daily to follow Christ, we are to keep moving towards the goal until we are taken to heaven where God will complete the work he has started in us.



So keep praying, and dig into your Bible. Start making friends at church. It takes time, and if you want to have friends at church start getting involved. Find a Bible study. Let God lead you and draw you close to himself. I will pray for you.