#5 – A Two-Way Relationship
Hi,
No one likes to be in a relationship which seems one-way. One person doing all the effort. One person trying to communicate, trying to love the other. It’s horrible.
The great thing about our relationship with God is that it is two-way. I find this remarkable. Knowing God is not religion. It’s not all on us, one-way, our religious efforts. Instead, it’s a relationship.
That means, we can talk to God and he can talk to us. Open communication, because of Jesus’ death on the cross (eliminating that barrier of our sin, our unworthiness). And because we believed in him, inviting him into our lives we are now his children, known by God and loved.
You might be wondering how prayer works. How do we talk to God? Do we use specific prayers? No need.
Prayer is talking to God as you would a friend. Share whatever is on your heart, whatever you’re thankful for, whatever concerns you. Ask God for what you need. He is our loving Father.
There’s no formula, no script needed. It’s just talking to God and bringing your needs and concerns to him. God does answer our prayers and encourages us to ask!
Jesus said to his disciples, “Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.” (John 16:24)
He knows everything about our lives, every detail, past, present and future. We can trust him to answer in ways that are best for us.
Here is an article for you, to guide you a little bit in how to pray.
https://www.startingwithgod.com/new-life/new.html
Regarding God speaking to us. God almost always speaks to me through the Bible. This is God’s Word to us.
It is where God reveals to us what he’s like, how he wants us to view life, what to do with difficult problems we encounter.
Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. He who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) I love that promise.
Jesus encourages us to listen to his words so that we will know what’s true. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31,32) Isn’t that great?
Jesus’ words are recorded in the Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John). The rest of the Bible also contains God’s Word to us.
God has a way of speaking to our very hearts, on an individual basis, as we read the Bible. Primarily, we hear from God and get to know him better this way. I’d encourage you to focus on the New Testament right now…it’s easier to understand.
If you’d like, you’re welcome to sign up for this free series with me through the Gospel of John:
https://www.startingwithgod.com/gospel-of-john.html
So this is how our relationship with God works…we get to talk to him, ask him for our needs, share with him whatever is on our heart; and he talks to us, guiding us and revealing himself to us in his Word, the Bible.
Again, if you have any questions, just ask:
https://www.everystudent.com/contact.php
Marilyn Adamson
director of EveryStudent.com
and StartingwithGod.com
All the Messages in
The Spiritual Starter Kit: