Searching for Truth

In our quest for spiritual intimacy, there are often some difficult, but necessary challenges along the journey. We have discussed in previous segments the importance of being alone with God. Just as Jesus found it necessary to spend time alone with God, we also will enhance our relationship with Him by being with Him. As we meditate in solitude and silence in the presence of God, we cannot help but at some point be confronted with our sinfulness as we bask in the presence of His holiness. As we contemplate God, the brilliant light of His truth shines completely through us, illuminating, revealing, and eliminating all self-justification, hypocrisy, self delusion, and blame. As our hearts are laid bare, we openly and honestly admit our sins to our Father. It becomes quite natural, therefore, to desire the forgiveness, cleansing, healing, and sanctification found in God’s love, mercy, and grace through the blood of Jesus. Confession is truly good for the soul. We must allow God to probe...

In one of the past articles, I discussed the spiritual disciplines of solitude and silence. Some spiritual disciplines that very naturally grow out of solitude and silence are meditation, reflection, and confession. Solitude and silence help God to clear our minds of all that distracts and hinders us from developing a loving relationship with Him, which will transform our hearts. Whenever we spend time alone with our Father experiencing His presence and learning to not only be comfortable with Him, but also to enjoy our time with Him, our relationship will deepen. As our minds gradually become clear in solitude and silence, we naturally begin to focus our thoughts on God and our relationship with Him. As we meditate our spiritual sensitivity and awareness becomes heightened. Once our minds are clear from the clutter, worry, and cares of the world, we see ourselves as we are, and recognize our need for God. As we meditate on the vastness of God’s greatness, magnanimity, power, love, mer...

God created us to have an interactive relationship with Him. Our primary focus in the relationship is to connect with God and stay connected with Him. In previous articles, I've been discussing with you the importance of prayer. Prayer is certainly a vital activity that helps us stay connected with our heavenly Father. As long as we are connected to Him, He will transform our hearts in order that we may become like Jesus. Imagine being the kind of person who points out the successes of others and promotes their wellbeing rather than promoting yourself. Think about being a person who gives praise and credit to others rather than seeking to receive credit from people. What if we became a person that prays for our enemies rather than condemning them? Or how about being someone who is more likely to give up power rather than taking control of it? As God changes our hearts, we can be like Jesus. We actually become kind, gentle, tenderhearted, patient, compassionate, and conscienti...