Welcome back to my blog; a life of learning! Your girl is coming back to you as a new grad, having just completed my nursing degree! I am a BScN graduate and I am so eager to begin working under this new title. My final step now is to complete the NCLEX exam which covers all materials I have learned in the past 4 years (not too pumped to have to review pharmacology if I’m being honest). My passions are currently in obstetrics and women’s health. I can also see myself working in the nursing fields of mental and public/community health. If I get a job in any of the above, I would be so very grateful. God has been good to me regardless. I believe that he only has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Lets jump right into the message. Are you longing for a deeper relationship with God? Are you seeking to experience his presence? This blog entry was inspired by John & Lisa Beveres’ book titled pathway to his presence where they teach readers ways to experience life and intimacy with God. The book highlights how to overcome barriers that prevent us from connecting deeper to our heavenly father. What are some barriers you might ask? They include…
Mistaken Identity: Not being aware of who God says you are. Staying in this kind of mindset enables shame, regret and doubt to manifest as unbelief in our lives and distance us from God. When you lose sight of who you are, you become vulnerable to the thoughts of man which can be degrading and contrary to the identity and purpose that God calls us to. Colossians 1:13-14 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Cherished Sin: Sin that continues to harbor itself in our lives and is given permission to stay rather than being confronted and removed. Sin creates a chasm between ourselves and our heavenly father, rendering us powerless to overcome it unless we confront it with the power of the holy spirit dwelling in us and the blood of Christ which sets us free from all forms of bondage. Titus 2:11-12 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.
Heart Wounds: Pain or hurt from the past can prevent us from knowing God and experiencing his unmerited grace and mercies. At the age of 9 my parents got divorced and I had to experience life without a father figure. I was angry at my dad, to the point where my perception of my heavenly father was misconstrued. I didn’t trust God and I couldn’t experience the fullness of his love as consequence. It wasn’t until I relinquished those thoughts and brought them to the obedience of Christ, washed myself in the word of God, which proved more true and more real than my hurts and pains, that I was able to draw closer to him. Psalms 68:5 God is the father to the fatherless..
Reflecting on my current self, I’ve come to realize that I’ve grown comfortable with living as a somewhat mediocre christian during this last semester of school. For instance, I haven’t been doing a good job with filling myself with his word, praying and seeking his guidance. My close friends and family would probably agree and tell you right now that this kind of negligence to spiritual growth shows. I forgot about the Holy Spirit and his power living inside of me, to the extent where I didn’t consult him before choosing to fall back into past sin. I felt compelled to write on this topic of intimacy with God because I know I’m not the only one trying to work out a relationship with him and making mistakes along the way.
These mistakes dont make us who we are, for we are washed and sanctified by the blood of Christ as Christians. God measures the condition of our hearts and the level of our faith. Each new day, we get the opportunity to live for Christ and we get to learn ways to overcome temptation/sin by the word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. Our faith is strengthened and developed as we walk in his admonition and in his will, so don’t beat yourself up. As a believer in Christ, you are compatible with God and made new, he will continue to renew and transform you as you walk with him.
Thank you for reading Today’s blog. Like this post and comment below to add to the discussion. I’ve decided to make a part 2 which I will call “Overcoming Barriers to Intimacy with God” and post up after Christmas, God willing. In the meantime have an awesome week and Merry Christmas!
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