Walking with God-What does it look like?

[Connect]

Hello all,

I have a question that I’ve been wondering about for a while and wanted to ask you all. From your personal experience, can you tell me what, in your life or the life of a loved one close to you, what happens when you/he/she are “walking closely with God”? I mean, what does it look like for you and them? In other words, if I met you or them on the street and you were "walking closely with God" what would I observe? What is happening internally and externally? What would I see in your actions? Behaviors? Relationships? Conduct? More prayer? Fasting? Fellowship? Etc. Please do not limit you answers those above but add anything that you can note from your own experiences. Thank you all for your thoughts.

Connections

 

[chilifrankplate]

I think you'd see someone who was full of love, someone who was at peace regardless of what was going on around them. Someone who had seemingly limitless patience.

 

[Connect]

Hi chilifrankplate,

Thank you for your reply. "Full of love, peace and patience." How would you operationalize those? What would they look like in your life? Thanks for your thoughts.

Connect

 

[chilifrankplate]

It's not so much something you put into operation as it is something that you become. When you're spending that much time with the Father, and in that close of fellowship, it has an affect on your whole being.

 

[Connect]

It's not so much something you put into operation as it is something that you become. When you're spending that much time with the Father, and in that close of fellowship, it has an affect on your whole being.

Hello, Sir. I understand what you are saying. What I meant by operationalize is how does it behaviorally break down? How would I observe it in you? I am really loving this site. That you for contributing your thoughts to answer my questions!

Connect

 

[iafic]

Hello all,

I have a question that I’ve been wondering about for a while and wanted to ask you all. From your personal experience, can you tell me what, in your life or the life of a loved one close to you, what happens when you/he/she are “walking closely with God”? I mean, what does it look like for you and them? In other words, if I met you or them on the street and you were "walking closely with God" what would I observe? What is happening internally and externally? What would I see in your actions? Behaviors? Relationships? Conduct? More prayer? Fasting? Fellowship? Etc. Please do not limit you answers those above but add anything that you can note from your own experiences. Thank you all for your thoughts.

Connections

this is MY question!!! When I am walking closely with God I get tremendous reactions from strangers on the street. That has always been my question. "What do they see?"

Example...At work one day (at a roller rink) I was minding my own business, washing some dishes. Some stranger kept rolling by on her skates. Everytime she rolled by she would look at me. (Now there is no reason to roll by the front of my counter continuously. ) Each time she skated by...she would stare a little longer. til finally she stopped at the counter and dead lock-stared at me. I approached the counter and asked if I could help her. All she said was "what is it with you?"

In total bewinderment I just stood there. then she said "everytime I pass by you I feel really wierd."

Then it clicked...this was normal for me...I said, "OH THAT...that is just God. He is reaching out to you from within me..."

Her eyes got huge and she freaked as she zoomed away.

Now what did she see? What did she feel? I have no clue. I wasn't being spiritual. I wasn't floating. I was washing dishes. But the annointing walked with me everywhere I went.

I could tell you numerous stories of that happening. I have NO idea, what it is they see and feel. I have always asked that.

But I have also seen a co-worker, who my friend and I introduced to God and he got saved. My friend sent him home with a Bible and some tapes. The next morning that co-worker came in with his face glowing!!!! I had never seen anything like it. three of us just stared, as one said, "what happened to Mike?" I said, "he's been with God." I knew! It was like Moses coming off the mount: his face shining like the sun!

all I know is when you walk closely with God, as you are so utterly in love with Him, that annointing manifests. Oh the stories I can tell. it's real. it's powerful, and it heals the sick, it casts out demons and it raises the dead!!!!

 

[Jillymac]

You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to iafic again.

Thank you for posting that iafic!

 

[iafic]

​

Thank you for posting that iafic!

you are welcome!! I have always sought out that answer...what do they see? I hoped maybe the OP would get some answers...I haven't. God is so cool!!!!!

 

[Christina M]

Connect.... you remind me of me! I always want to know "What does it look like in reality?" "What is the practicality?" Especially when people say "Just trust God" or "Let go and let God". I personally believe many Christians just mumble these pat sayings without really understanding what they mean.

When I am walking my closest with the Lord, I have some of the same reactions iafic spoke about in her post. I have been told there is some sort of 'glow' about me that draws people to me.... by the way, that same 'glow' also repels some people. Even walking at the mall has people staring at me.... it always catches me by surprise!

I find more people come and ask questions they would never ask anyone else. Others come to me and it feels like it is a confessional...they pour their hearts and sins and troubles out and say that my answers are just what they needed to hear.

I don't "feel" anything different. In fact, most of the time, when I "feel" bad, or not close to God that day, it seems is when more people seemed to be blessed.

People that I know who have what seems to be a "direct line" to the Lord, are go-getters for Him... they have a confidence about them. Many say they are arrogant, but it is only complete confidence in the Lord. They know that they know that they know He is with them and has their back. They are open and welcoming to others.

 

[CindyisHis]

I hope they see Jesus! Jesus said, "If you've seen me you've seen the Father." In 1 John We're told to walk as He walked. So, whatever we see Jesus doing, that is what we do.

How that looks?
We do what we're sent to do. When Jesus began His ministry He fasted 40 days and I believe in that time He was communing with the Father. Often in His ministry He would pray all night, or rise up early to pray, always seeking the will of the Father.

He opened the eyes of the blind, He opened deaf ears, He raised the dead, He made the lame walk, He healed lepers.

He spoke the truth. He taught the multitudes.

He never sought His own glory, but that of the Father. He didn't speak His words, but what He heard the father speaking.

So what does this mean for us? We do that which the Lord has called us to do, that which He prepared before the foundation of the world for us to do.

We speak His words. We speak His words in our homes, on the street, wherever we are. We proclaim the good news. We lay hands on the sick and they recover.

We fast and pray and seek the Lord, rising before dawn, or even staying up all night in prayer as the Spirit leads.

We are one with the body of Christ, understanding there are many members, each differing from another. We walk in love, free of strife and contentions. We seek to edify and build each other up. We look after the needs of each other.

Is this anymore helpful to you, connect?

I find it interesting to see the answers here and on the Pentecostal thread. I think I learned over there that I'd rather not talk about myself.

 

[iafic]

.... by the way, that same 'glow' also repels some people. Even walking at the mall has people staring at me.... it always catches me by surprise!

Nice post ChristinaM!!!! And you are exactly right!!! sometimes that "annointing" repels people. but I KNOW it's the bad spirits in them that are repeled. or the sin in them that are convicted! all in all...it's all good. Jesus caused a revival or a riot everywhere he went too. I find in my life that very few people are indifferent to me. They either are really close and love me alot, or they REALLY hate me!!!! Same with Jesus, and I will bet same with you and many on this site. It's the presense of God they feel. usually has nothing to do with us! We are merely the conduit of that flow!!!!

PRAISE GOD

 

[Connect]

Hi iafic,

Thank you for your reply. What I see you saying is that by God is living in you and that others can see it.
God reaches out to others from within you. You liken it to “a glow” in the saved person. Finally it looks like you are saying that you are utterly in love with God and this anointing does wonders! You say you have a lot of stories. Maybe you can tell us what behaviors you observe in other people who become saved. What differences to you notice? How is their behavior radically changed beside “the glow”?

Thank you iafic!

Connect

 

[iafic]

I find it interesting to see the answers here and on the Pentecostal thread. I think I learned over there that I'd rather not talk about myself.

I just plain avoid "over there." I like to converse and share with those who believe. where you can freely testify about God without being called arrogant. Never understood why they think that when it's all about God and HIS power.

I once testified about raising the dead.. and a poster asked, "how do you know that God had anything to do with it?"

I was speechless. I can't do it by myself, and the devil wouldn't want to do it...what other choices do we have??? Only God is good!

 

[Connect]

Hi Jillymac,

Can you tell me where I can find info about all that stuff in the upper right of the posts. Things like Rep points, health, refs, etc. What do they mean?

Thanks,

Connect

 

[Connect]

Connect.... you remind me of me! I always want to know "What does it look like in reality?" "What is the practicality?" Especially when people say "Just trust God" or "Let go and let God". I personally believe many Christians just mumble these pat sayings without really understanding what they mean.

When I am walking my closest with the Lord, I have some of the same reactions iafic spoke about in her post. I have been told there is some sort of 'glow' about me that draws people to me.... by the way, that same 'glow' also repels some people. Even walking at the mall has people staring at me.... it always catches me by surprise!

I find more people come and ask questions they would never ask anyone else. Others come to me and it feels like it is a confessional...they pour their hearts and sins and troubles out and say that my answers are just what they needed to hear.

I don't "feel" anything different. In fact, most of the time, when I "feel" bad, or not close to God that day, it seems is when more people seemed to be blessed.

People that I know who have what seems to be a "direct line" to the Lord, are go-getters for Him... they have a confidence about them. Many say they are arrogant, but it is only complete confidence in the Lord. They know that they know that they know He is with them and has their back. They are open and welcoming to others.

Hi Christina M
So you have also been told there is a “glow.” Your experience is that you actually spend more time talking to people with them opening up to you. It also sounds like the Lord gives you the words to share with them. You also say that believers turn into “go-getters for Him” and they have a confidence about them and they become more open and welcoming to others. Just for some clarification, would you say that they are more forthright? They initiate conversation? They talk about certain things? Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Connect

 

[iafic]

Hi iafic,

Thank you for your reply. What I see you saying is that by God is living in you and that others can see it.
God reaches out to others from within you. You liken it to “a glow” in the saved person. Finally it looks like you are saying that you are utterly in love with God and this anointing does wonders! You say you have a lot of stories. Maybe you can tell us what behaviors you observe in other people who become saved. What differences to you notice? How is their behavior radically changed beside “the glow”?

Thank you iafic!

Connect

wow thanks. Different behaviors? Well like one guy friend of mine, Shane...God told me that him and his friends were my next mission. he told me specifically what to do with them, and then he would be pulling me out. (Cuz I really didn't want to hang out with 5 heathen guys!) But I knew, by my instruction that I would only plant seed. I ended up spending the funnest summer of my life with these 5 heathens...oh what a story of God's grace!!!

anyway!!!! Time came that God pulled me away. and about 6 months later, Shane met and started dating a Christian Girl. She led him to the Lord finally. Him and I talked extensively about the new birth and what happened to him.

With HIM, the thing I noticed was his manner. I can't really explain it, but his whole manner changed. he didn't look different, but I knew he was different inside. he would really think about things now. he told me that he has a hard time explaining how he feels inside. he said, "All I want to do is thank God for everything. I thank him for my mom, and for ...and for...and for...I just keep thanking him!!! over and over."

I KNEW!!! this was a new Shane. his spirit was recreated. His attitude was different.
--------------
Others I have seen born again, have no change what-so-ever. Some I see that glow, others, it's in their eyes, others, nothing....

 

[Connect]

I hope they see Jesus! Jesus said, "If you've seen me you've seen the Father." In 1 John We're told to walk as He walked. So, whatever we see Jesus doing, that is what we do.

How that looks?
We do what we're sent to do. When Jesus began His ministry He fasted 40 days and I believe in that time He was communing with the Father. Often in His ministry He would pray all night, or rise up early to pray, always seeking the will of the Father.

He opened the eyes of the blind, He opened deaf ears, He raised the dead, He made the lame walk, He healed lepers.

He spoke the truth. He taught the multitudes.

He never sought His own glory, but that of the Father. He didn't speak His words, but what He heard the father speaking.

So what does this mean for us? We do that which the Lord has called us to do, that which He prepared before the foundation of the world for us to do.

We speak His words. We speak His words in our homes, on the street, wherever we are. We proclaim the good news. We lay hands on the sick and they recover.

We fast and pray and seek the Lord, rising before dawn, or even staying up all night in prayer as the Spirit leads.

We are one with the body of Christ, understanding there are many members, each differing from another. We walk in love, free of strife and contentions. We seek to edify and build each other up. We look after the needs of each other.

Is this anymore helpful to you, connect?

I find it interesting to see the answers here and on the Pentecostal thread. I think I learned over there that I'd rather not talk about myself.

Hi CindyisHis,

That was a great post! You were very specific; just what I was looking for. So, to get this straight, you are said, “they see Jesus (which points to the Father). You would be in communication with the Father, prayer and seeking His will. You would speak the truth, teach others, find our niche in God’s plan and do it, follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, understand our position amongst God’s people, “We walk in love, free of strife and contentions,” build each other up, and help each other. Great thoughts. I’ll be asking more specifics as we go along. CindyisHis, thank you for the excellent post!

Connections

 

[Connect]

wow thanks. Different behaviors? Well like one guy friend of mine, Shane...God told me that him and his friends were my next mission. he told me specifically what to do with them, and then he would be pulling me out. (Cuz I really didn't want to hang out with 5 heathen guys!) But I knew, by my instruction that I would only plant seed. I ended up spending the funnest summer of my life with these 5 heathens...oh what a story of God's grace!!!

anyway!!!! Time came that God pulled me away. and about 6 months later, Shane met and started dating a Christian Girl. She led him to the Lord finally. Him and I talked extensively about the new birth and what happened to him.

With HIM, the thing I noticed was his manner. I can't really explain it, but his whole manner changed. he didn't look different, but I knew he was different inside. he would really think about things now. he told me that he has a hard time explaining how he feels inside. he said, "All I want to do is thank God for everything. I thank him for my mom, and for ...and for...and for...I just keep thanking him!!! over and over."

I KNEW!!! this was a new Shane. his spirit was recreated. His attitude was different.
--------------
Others I have seen born again, have no change what-so-ever. Some I see that glow, others, it's in their eyes, others, nothing....

So one thing you noticed was a "thankfulness" in Shane. Thanks for that.

 

[Christina M]

Just for some clarification, would you say that they are more forthright? They initiate conversation? They talk about certain things? Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

Connect

Yes..... initiation of the conversation seems to be a big part of it. For me, I walk up to strangers and start talking... just "Hey. Howya doin'?" or "Hi. What a pretty suit!" or "Hi, it sure is a pretty day today, isn't it?" It almost always opens up the door to start REALLY talking!

My husband and kids are always "Puhleeeezz.. Don't talk to everyone today, ok???"

Others I have gone to when I needed help just had an "air of availability" that made them approachable. Always a smile.. always an open heart.

 

[CindyisHis]

I just plain avoid "over there." I like to converse and share with those who believe. where you can freely testify about God without being called arrogant. Never understood why they think that when it's all about God and HIS power.

Yes, it is!

I once testified about raising the dead.. and a poster asked, "how do you know that God had anything to do with it?"

No kidding!

I was speechless. I can't do it by myself, and the devil wouldn't want to do it...what other choices do we have??? Only God is good!

That's it. We can't do it. You can't do it. I can't do it. And definitely the devil won't! Lol. God alone is the one who raises the dead!