How to grow closer to God?

Now, that you are born again. (If you have not read how to enter into God's kingdom kindly read this post before you proceed. Enter into God's kingdom)

How do you get to know God? You know He is your Father. That is step 1. A child knows who the father is. But he has no deep relationship as yet. He is just delighted to see the father. As he grows up he comes to know and understand his father better. Its a journey, like any other relationship. And it takes time. 

The journey from simply knowing WHO YOUR FATHER IS  --> WHAT IS IN HIS HEART has just begun for you. God holds your hand as you prepare for this journey.

Set apart a time to communicate with God.

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1. Don't try to follow a religious procedure. Remember, this is a relationship. So, just be open to one. He can communicate to you in the way you can understand. Just like a parent can comfort a crying child who has not learnt to speak.

2. Read the Bible

You can start at Ephesians 1:4-11 for a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. A physical copy of the Bible is best. You can also download a free copy here.

3. Speak with God

Use Psalms to speak to Him. Psalms is a book of ranting, frank outpourings from those who had no one but God to turn to. Use it to learn how to speak with your Father.

4. Learn what God wants from your life

The same way we love our children by providing love AND rules. God also has rules that have to be followed if you want to continue down the path of godliness. Proverbs is a very good book to learn about what God expects from you.

5. Talk to Him at regular intervals. Talk to Him while you cook, while you drive, while you lie down. Talk, talk, talk.

God

Let the little children come to Me says, God. 

If you grew up listening to people teach that God is lost up in the mountains and you have to go THERE to catch a TINY GLIMPSE of Him you are in for a surprise. 

God is closer to you than you know. He shaped and formed you EVEN BEFORE YOU WERE BORN. You are not a combo of genes. You are a precious creation of a Mighty God.  

I don't understand those who choose to send people on all the wrong directions. Eg. Go on top of a mountain, chant a few words, keep a strict fast, get as many good deeds on your side then you MAY or MAY NOT enter God's realm. How cruel? 

If our father and mother are kept this far away from us, would we survive a day? And if you are a parent yourself would you tell your children that they have to pierce themselves with sharp objects JUST SO they can come close to you? Or roll around on hard floors to appease your anger? Are you so hardened? 

If you as a human being can be so gentle to your children, how so much is God? He sees you. He listens to you. He prays for you. 

Unless you become like a little child, you cannot enter the kingdom of God. That is, all you need is - Belief. A little child sees his mother or father with absolute trust. And no matter what they say he sees it as truth. That is the mindset God wants you to have to accept Him as He draws near to you. 

If you have read this far, I think we can go on to the prayer that can just change your life from a nobody to God's child. 

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Father, 

I am a sinner. I need you. I accept your son Jesus as my personal lord and saviour. He is my redeemer and by His stripes, I am healed. I thank you, Father, for hearing me and saving me. 

Congratulations. Now, you are a child of God. A chosen generation. A royal priesthood.