I amsaved but have backslidden many times, everytime I try to get close to Christ it does not happen and I get discouraged and give up. How can I definitely grow close to God and make him number one before anything else and have a great relationship like pastors and on fire youth do. Feel free to share your own experiences and things that worked for you.
How Can I Make God Number One in my Life??
- Thread starter m0rdecai89
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Only you can make God number one in your life. You have to decide to put him above anything and everything. Set aside a certain time to pray and spend time in God's word - Be committed to this and soon it will become habit.
Don't worry about things you have done or have not done - just ask for forgiveness and begin again.
Everyone's relationship or building of their relationship with God is not the same - you have to do what's best for you.
"everytime I try to get close to Christ it does not happen and I get discouraged and give up"
What does not happen?
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- Dec 19, 2010
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I agree with patience7. You and you alone will have to decide that you want God more than you want anything else. The request should be put before God, not other people.Just ask Him for a deeper relationship with Him. Be sincere. and take time every day to read the scriptures and pray.
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believe this with all your might. it is a promise Jesus made to you.
Matt.5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
Matt.5:6Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
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branchofthevine
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I am glad for you m0rdecai.
Have you heard about the Tabernacle? It had three parts. The outer court, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Likewise man (human) has three parts (the Trinity of man, in the image of God) Body, Soul, Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23) which line up to the Tabernacle.
Body=Outer Court
Soul = Holy Place
Spirit = Most Holy Place.
God dwelt in the Most Holy place only. You want god to be number one in your life so ultimately your goal is to dwell in the Most Holy Place 24/7. However, only a High Priest could go into the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, but...
Hebrews 10:20 says this
20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.
and Hebrews 6:19-20 says this
19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Basically our soul contains our mind and emotions. When Jesus was on earth his denied his will and gave it up to do the Father's will (Read Gethsemane to see Jesus saying "not my will, but thine be done" so he had his own will that he denied for his entire life). Through his death he tore the veil between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. In Hebrews 6 it says Jesus has gone into the Most Holy Place for us to Mediate between us and God.
So what says you?
Well Jesus says that we can come through him to the Father (somewhere between John 14-John 17). Therefore, we can through the blood of Christ come into the Most Holy Place as well. This require our denial of our will and to take up God's will (Jesus said to take up our cross and follow him daily [Matthew 16:24]. When you are on the cross, you lose all rights and are dead. No ifs ands or buts.)
There is no other way but this. By the grace of God you must deny yourself. Give up your flesh, and sinful desires (we all have these and all must do the same) and take up our cross and submit in obedience to God every day.
Luke 1:74-75 says that everyday we must serve the Lord without fear (perfecting Love 1 John 4:17), Holiness (2 Corinthians 1) and Righteousness (Romans 4:3).
Read scripture slowly and understand these things. By relying fully on God and not our own human means (Galatians 3:1-4) we can overcome our sins, our flesh, and the Devil & his fallen angels.
This is how you put Christ first in your life. It will bring suffering, it will hurt, there will be many storms. People will laugh at you to your face, and think you crazy, and say you are too radical. I know from experience. To follow God isn't always what seems logical (I got a job and the second day he said I don't need money, but more faith, so I quit and people think me crazy because they don't think I can provide for schooling now, but I know God will provide for me). Even professing Christians will laugh at you and think your going too far. However, that is the price. Jesus said to count the cost of following him. You must follow God even if your family demands you do the opposite. You must suffer many tribulations to enter the Kingdom of heaven (Acts 14:22), and I will say it is a slow process, and will take years, so don't expect immediate results, but like a plant growing little by little day by day so too will you grow. Read the scripture quotations and pray that the Holy Spirit reveal this to you, otherwise it is all babel of man. Read the scripture slowly and try to understand these things and you will find the narrow path.
Have you heard about the Tabernacle? It had three parts. The outer court, the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. Likewise man (human) has three parts (the Trinity of man, in the image of God) Body, Soul, Spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23) which line up to the Tabernacle.
Body=Outer Court
Soul = Holy Place
Spirit = Most Holy Place.
God dwelt in the Most Holy place only. You want god to be number one in your life so ultimately your goal is to dwell in the Most Holy Place 24/7. However, only a High Priest could go into the Most Holy Place, and only once a year, but...
Hebrews 10:20 says this
20 By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place.
and Hebrews 6:19-20 says this
19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. 20 Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Basically our soul contains our mind and emotions. When Jesus was on earth his denied his will and gave it up to do the Father's will (Read Gethsemane to see Jesus saying "not my will, but thine be done" so he had his own will that he denied for his entire life). Through his death he tore the veil between the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place. In Hebrews 6 it says Jesus has gone into the Most Holy Place for us to Mediate between us and God.
So what says you?
Well Jesus says that we can come through him to the Father (somewhere between John 14-John 17). Therefore, we can through the blood of Christ come into the Most Holy Place as well. This require our denial of our will and to take up God's will (Jesus said to take up our cross and follow him daily [Matthew 16:24]. When you are on the cross, you lose all rights and are dead. No ifs ands or buts.)
There is no other way but this. By the grace of God you must deny yourself. Give up your flesh, and sinful desires (we all have these and all must do the same) and take up our cross and submit in obedience to God every day.
Luke 1:74-75 says that everyday we must serve the Lord without fear (perfecting Love 1 John 4:17), Holiness (2 Corinthians 1) and Righteousness (Romans 4:3).
Read scripture slowly and understand these things. By relying fully on God and not our own human means (Galatians 3:1-4) we can overcome our sins, our flesh, and the Devil & his fallen angels.
This is how you put Christ first in your life. It will bring suffering, it will hurt, there will be many storms. People will laugh at you to your face, and think you crazy, and say you are too radical. I know from experience. To follow God isn't always what seems logical (I got a job and the second day he said I don't need money, but more faith, so I quit and people think me crazy because they don't think I can provide for schooling now, but I know God will provide for me). Even professing Christians will laugh at you and think your going too far. However, that is the price. Jesus said to count the cost of following him. You must follow God even if your family demands you do the opposite. You must suffer many tribulations to enter the Kingdom of heaven (Acts 14:22), and I will say it is a slow process, and will take years, so don't expect immediate results, but like a plant growing little by little day by day so too will you grow. Read the scripture quotations and pray that the Holy Spirit reveal this to you, otherwise it is all babel of man. Read the scripture slowly and try to understand these things and you will find the narrow path.
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- Oct 4, 2010
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Hi Mordecai,
I'd encourage that you memorize Psalm 1 and make it the goal of your life. Then everytime you think or say the name God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit or the word you include somewhere in that sentence or thought the words "I love..."
You'll probably be just amazed how many friends you'll lose. By the way, just curious, but reading your description of your spiritual life, what makes you know that your name is written in Jesus' Book of Life?
God bless you.
In Christ, Ted
I'd encourage that you memorize Psalm 1 and make it the goal of your life. Then everytime you think or say the name God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit or the word you include somewhere in that sentence or thought the words "I love..."
You'll probably be just amazed how many friends you'll lose. By the way, just curious, but reading your description of your spiritual life, what makes you know that your name is written in Jesus' Book of Life?
God bless you.
In Christ, Ted
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Only God can make Himself number one in your life by changing your heart by Himself.. He is the author and finisher of your faith. You are not. Your work is to believe in whom the Father has sent, Jesus.
So really, God does everything involved in changing your heart. There are things you can do to prepare your heart for this change He does to make Him number one in your life. You gotta believe He wants and desires to do it for you. Find Him - get in His presence - and affirm His sovereign grace. Let go, and let God. Prepare for any discipline that he may give you. I once prayed to God that I wanted Him to discipline me enough so I could recieve instruction and be willing to obey. He doesn't need to be told that! He will do it anyway. And it's not pleasant. But God knows how to turn us into gold tried by fire. And because of your faith, He will succeed in your honorable request to be able to declare that He is, in fact, number one in your life.
So really, God does everything involved in changing your heart. There are things you can do to prepare your heart for this change He does to make Him number one in your life. You gotta believe He wants and desires to do it for you. Find Him - get in His presence - and affirm His sovereign grace. Let go, and let God. Prepare for any discipline that he may give you. I once prayed to God that I wanted Him to discipline me enough so I could recieve instruction and be willing to obey. He doesn't need to be told that! He will do it anyway. And it's not pleasant. But God knows how to turn us into gold tried by fire. And because of your faith, He will succeed in your honorable request to be able to declare that He is, in fact, number one in your life.
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It is not just about believing in God and trying to be more Godly, but knowing and having communion with the Savior-God --the Lord Jesus Christ. One has said: "Our spiritual life will be in direct proportion to the place we give the Lord Jesus in our heart and our daily experience"
- 1 Watchman
- 1 Watchman
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SharonL
Senior Veteran
Being saved and having a relatinship with God are two different realms. I am 76 years and have always been a Christian - but not until about 20 years ago did I have a real relationship with God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
I was a Christian who warmed a pew in the church - but little did I know what I was missing. I met someone who had something in her life that I did not have - she was Spirit Filled - I knew nothing about the Spirit Filled life - so I started searching and one day I was home alone and reading the book 'In the shadow of His hand' - It was about being filled with the Holy Spirit - I just laid the book down and said 'God - if this is of you - I want it' - WOW - what a difference - I was in the presence of the Holy Spirit for over 3 hours - life has never been the same.
Your walk becomes the only thing in your life - but it comes natural - you don't have to strive or look at what you give up - but only embrase the love that surrounds you. Just remember Jesus is your friend, He walks beside you at all times, you can talk to Him, worship, pray and you will never be alone. Everything your life is led by the Holy Spirit you don't receive words in your ear - but as you walk daily the Holy Spirit will lead you - if you are going in the wrong direction, you will feel this check in your spirit, that is the Holy Spirit saying - not that way, this way.
Your life takes on an excitement as you strive to be the best servant to our Lord Jesus Christ and you can go boldly to the Throne of God.
I was a Christian who warmed a pew in the church - but little did I know what I was missing. I met someone who had something in her life that I did not have - she was Spirit Filled - I knew nothing about the Spirit Filled life - so I started searching and one day I was home alone and reading the book 'In the shadow of His hand' - It was about being filled with the Holy Spirit - I just laid the book down and said 'God - if this is of you - I want it' - WOW - what a difference - I was in the presence of the Holy Spirit for over 3 hours - life has never been the same.
Your walk becomes the only thing in your life - but it comes natural - you don't have to strive or look at what you give up - but only embrase the love that surrounds you. Just remember Jesus is your friend, He walks beside you at all times, you can talk to Him, worship, pray and you will never be alone. Everything your life is led by the Holy Spirit you don't receive words in your ear - but as you walk daily the Holy Spirit will lead you - if you are going in the wrong direction, you will feel this check in your spirit, that is the Holy Spirit saying - not that way, this way.
Your life takes on an excitement as you strive to be the best servant to our Lord Jesus Christ and you can go boldly to the Throne of God.
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We were created to worship Yahweh.
Someone said the other day you can’t worship with you on your mind. I definitely agree. I encourage you to get before Him alone and begin to tell Him what’s on your heart. Spending time meditating (doesn’t mean emptying your mind, it means focusing) on Yahweh and His Word such as Psa 145 about who He is. Or get a list of His titles, names and attributes and think about a few of those at a time. Playing music, that’s just about Him
Someone said the other day you can’t worship with you on your mind. I definitely agree. I encourage you to get before Him alone and begin to tell Him what’s on your heart. Spending time meditating (doesn’t mean emptying your mind, it means focusing) on Yahweh and His Word such as Psa 145 about who He is. Or get a list of His titles, names and attributes and think about a few of those at a time. Playing music, that’s just about Him
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How easy it is for me to get into the mode
doing, doing, me, me doing doing will make God number one in my life..??
no, I'll wear myself out in unbelief
It's Him who came and called me, who adopted me to his family, who saved me by laying down HIS life and imputed His righteousness to me...
Molding the vessel of the heart is the job of the Father. Who will instruct the Almighty?
doing, doing, me, me doing doing will make God number one in my life..??
no, I'll wear myself out in unbelief
It's Him who came and called me, who adopted me to his family, who saved me by laying down HIS life and imputed His righteousness to me...
Molding the vessel of the heart is the job of the Father. Who will instruct the Almighty?
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It is important to realize that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are more than just a concept. They are real. The Bible is real. When you have an encounter with the real and living God, you'll want to make Him the most important part of your life and He will be. Your life will be about Him. If you earnestly seek and pray and live for Him, then He will reveal Himself to you. You will be able to see His hand in your life all along.
Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit we have the power to heal, to raise the dead, to speak truth and so much more al for the glory of God. It is not hard to make God number one in your life when you realize this!
That's just my experience...I hope it helped.
In Christ.
Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit we have the power to heal, to raise the dead, to speak truth and so much more al for the glory of God. It is not hard to make God number one in your life when you realize this!
That's just my experience...I hope it helped.
In Christ.
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tcwoods91
Friend of God
I was going through the same exact thing less than a year ago. I was trying to allow God to become #1 in my life, but I was finding it so hard. Then I read the passage of scripture where Jesus encounters the rich young ruler. (Mark 10:17-31) In this man's case he had one thing that was keeping him from following Jesus entirely. While money is not a bad thing, it had become more important to him than following Jesus, thus Jesus could not be #1 in his life. Money has never been something that I've sought after, in fact I place very little value in it, but I realized that I had something in my own life that was keeping me from making God #1 in my life.
Often it is not the bad things that are the biggest obstacles in the way of us following Jesus as those are things we want to be free of, but sometimes it is the good things in our lives. The things that we put before God and have become gods in our lives. For me it was my love of watching and keeping up with sports. I would spend 3+ hours per day checking sports stats and news. I lived and breathed sports and it consumed me. It had my attention and I would find myself putting it before God at times.
Finally in September of last year I gave up watching sports and keeping up with sports entirely. It was painful as it had become an idol in my life and I felt like a part of me was being torn out. (it was being torn out) All of the sudden God was given 1st place in my life. I began to hunger to know God more and in deeper ways. To make a long story short, God has brought me through an incredible journey the past several months that has led me into deliverance ministry (dealing with spiritual warfare) and it has been incredible to see how God has been working. I have great joy because God is 1st place in my life and God has been transforming me very quickly. It's amazing how quickly God works when we allow Him to be number 1! Ask God if there's anything in your life that is being put before God, and if so ask Him what you should do about it. He may ask you to give it up, He may ask you to do less of it, He may ask you to do something else entirely. Hunger for God and ask yourself the question of what it means to follow Jesus? In the answer to that question will be the depth of relationship that you seek!
Blessings,
Trevor
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SharonL
Senior Veteran
Some teach that to make God #1 in your life you have to be in church all the time, talk nothing but Bible, have certain times to pray, carry your Bible with you all the time - this is not the case.
Making God 1st in your life means to realize that Jesus walks with you each step of the way - you talk to him all day long, as things come up offer a prayer as you go forward. You don't have to on bended knee to talk to God.
I am not one that gets on my knees all the time to pray, in fact I am a poor prayer warrior - but I am conscious that Jesus is with me each step of the way in all that I do and say. I don't make a decision without knowing that it is the road that God would have me travel by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
I'm not perfect and lack a lot of dicipline in my prayer life, but I walk each step holding the hands of the Master, if I fail, it is not intentional and I repent and move forward. Just as you cannot get away from your shadow, Jesus is only a heartbeat away and the Holy Spirit leads us in every decision we make.
Making God 1st in your life means to realize that Jesus walks with you each step of the way - you talk to him all day long, as things come up offer a prayer as you go forward. You don't have to on bended knee to talk to God.
I am not one that gets on my knees all the time to pray, in fact I am a poor prayer warrior - but I am conscious that Jesus is with me each step of the way in all that I do and say. I don't make a decision without knowing that it is the road that God would have me travel by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
I'm not perfect and lack a lot of dicipline in my prayer life, but I walk each step holding the hands of the Master, if I fail, it is not intentional and I repent and move forward. Just as you cannot get away from your shadow, Jesus is only a heartbeat away and the Holy Spirit leads us in every decision we make.
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I got a word from him that he wants me to be like Moses and David and seek and be with him day and night. I come home and pray and just speak to him and sit with him while listening to some worship music but often fall asleep. I am not sure how to do this either, any help is appreciated.
As for putting things before God I realized that I was putting my Fiancee ahead of him (who is also a new Christian) so I got prayer at church and we all felt God was calling me not to completely remove her from my life but just cut it down to only talking briefly on the phone daily and nothing else so we can both re focus our lives on God and not each other, it has been 3 days of this and I am still having a hard time with it, any thoughts?
As for putting things before God I realized that I was putting my Fiancee ahead of him (who is also a new Christian) so I got prayer at church and we all felt God was calling me not to completely remove her from my life but just cut it down to only talking briefly on the phone daily and nothing else so we can both re focus our lives on God and not each other, it has been 3 days of this and I am still having a hard time with it, any thoughts?
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tcwoods91
Friend of God
You are wise to not remove her from your life. It's extremely easy for us to put our relationships before God and it's cool to see that you realize that you have in your life.
Jesus said that the two most important things that we can do in our lives is to love God and to love people.
Jesus replied: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments. Matthew 22:37-40
Jesus certainly emphasized that our relationships are important. First our relationship with God and then with others. My advice would be to continue to seek God. Set aside some time with Him. At the same time I wouldn't completely cut off the amount of time that you are spending with your fiancee. Rather I would invite God to take the place in your heart that was occupied by you fiancee. We as the church are literally the bride of Christ! We are married to Christ! With God filling the place in your heart that was occupied by your fiancee you are able to allow Him to become the center of your marriage. A marriage that remains God centered cannot be broken. True, you can't be perfect, but God gives huge amounts of grace and will walk with you throughout your day when you invite Him to.
I hope this helps you in your journey. I do want to say though that this is a tough question and I certainly don't have all the answers. It is a constant journey that we are on and we must always stay hungry for more of Him. The more that God reveals Himself to us, the more we realize that we need Him. Of ourselves we can do nothing, but through Christ all things are possible. My prayers are with you my brother! Keep fighting the good fight and seeking the face of God. Those who seek will always find!
Blessings!
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