Maintain a Relationship with God

How to Maintain a Personal Relationship with God in Real Life

Having a relationship with God is not just a one-time experience; it requires daily effort, trust, and consistency. Just like any human relationship, it grows through communication, trust, and love. Below is a step-by-step guide with real-life examples and scriptures to help you maintain a strong and personal connection with God.

1. Spend Daily Time with God (Like Jesus Did)

Your relationship with God grows when you spend time with Him daily.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Just like a strong friendship, if you never talk or spend time with someone, the bond weakens.
• Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16).

✅ How to Apply It:

• Set a daily appointment with God (morning, evening, or throughout the day).
• Pray, read the Bible, worship, or just sit in silence before Him.

✅ Scripture:

• “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” – James 4:8
• “In the morning, O LORD, You hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before You.” – Psalm 5:3

2. Talk to God Like a Friend (Honest & Open Prayer)

Prayer is not just a ritual; it’s a conversation with God.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Imagine your best friend—you talk about everything: fears, joys, struggles. That’s how prayer should be.
• David was honest with God in his prayers:
  • When he was happy – Psalm 103
  • When he was angry – Psalm 13
  • When he was afraid – Psalm 56:3

✅ How to Apply It:

• Instead of only praying formal prayers, speak to God naturally:
  • “God, I feel lonely today. Please help me.”
  • “Lord, what do You want me to do today?”

✅ Scripture:

• “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” – 1 Peter 5:7
• “Call to Me, and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” – Jeremiah 33:3

3. Listen to God (Through His Word & Inner Promptings)

A strong relationship is two-way—you speak to God, and He speaks to you.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• If a friend only talks and never listens, the relationship is weak.
• God speaks through the Bible, Holy Spirit, thoughts, people, and circumstances.
• Elijah heard God’s whisper (1 Kings 19:12).

✅ How to Apply It:

• Read the Bible daily—even just one verse.
• Pay attention to inner nudges and sudden thoughts.
• Ask, “God, what are You saying to me today?”

✅ Scripture:

• “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” – Psalm 119:105
• “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” – John 10:27

4. Obey God’s Word (Live It Out)

A real relationship isn’t just words; it’s shown through actions.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• If you love someone, you respect and listen to them.
• Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
• Abraham obeyed God even when it was hard and confusing (Genesis 22:1-18).

✅ How to Apply It:

• When you read something in Scripture, ask:
  • “How can I live this out today?”
• If God nudges you to do something, obey—even if it’s small.

✅ Scripture:

• “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” – James 1:22
• “Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” – Luke 11:28

5. Trust God in Difficult Times

A strong relationship means trusting God even when things don’t make sense.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Job lost everything but still trusted God (Job 1:21).
• Paul was imprisoned but still worshiped (Acts 16:25).

✅ How to Apply It:

• Instead of asking “Why, God?” ask “What are You teaching me?”
• Surrender your worries and believe God is working behind the scenes.

✅ Scripture:

• “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
• “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” – Romans 8:28

6. Surround Yourself with Other Believers

Relationships need community—you grow better when you connect with other Christians.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• If you want to get physically fit, you surround yourself with people who work out.
• If you want to stay strong in faith, you need godly friends who encourage you.

✅ How to Apply It:

• Join a Bible study, Christian group, or church.
• Find one or two Christian friends who can pray with you.

✅ Scripture:

• “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
• “Do not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encourage one another.” – Hebrews 10:25

7. Worship & Thank God Daily

Worship brings God’s presence into your life.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Paul & Silas worshiped in prison, and God sent an earthquake to free them (Acts 16:25-26).

✅ How to Apply It:

• Thank God daily for something, even small things.
• Play worship music and sing along.

✅ Scripture:

• “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.” – Psalm 100:4
• “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

8. Stay Away from Sin & Keep Your Heart Pure

Sin weakens your relationship with God.

✅ Real-Life Example:

• If you keep hurting a friend, the friendship weakens.
• If we keep sinning without repentance, we feel distant from God.

✅ How to Apply It:

• If you mess up, repent immediately.
• Ask God to help you overcome temptation.

✅ Scripture:

• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” – 1 John 1:9
• “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8

Have a Walk with God.  “Enoch Walked with God” 

The phrase “Enoch walked with God” is found in Genesis 5:24:

“Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

This means Enoch had such a close, deep, and faithful relationship with God that he did not experience death—God took him directly to heaven.

How Did Enoch Walk with God?

1. He Lived by Faith → Hebrews 11:5-6

   “By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death… He was commended as one who pleased God.”
   ✅ Key Thought → Faith in God was the foundation of his walk.

2. He Obeyed God Fully → Amos 3:3

   “Can two walk together unless they are agreed?”
   ✅ Key Thought → Enoch aligned his life with God’s will.

3. He Had a Deep Relationship with God → Jude 1:14-15

   Enoch was a prophet who spoke God’s truth.
   ✅ Key Thought → He was not just religious; he had a genuine friendship with God.

How Can We Walk with God Today?

✅ 1. Develop a Close Relationship with God

• Spend daily time in prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
• Meditate on God’s Word (Joshua 1:8)

✅ 2. Live by Faith, Not Just Sight

• Trust God’s promises even when life is uncertain (2 Corinthians 5:7)

✅ 3. Walk in Obedience and Holiness

• Follow God’s ways, not the world’s (1 Peter 1:15-16)

✅ 4. Seek to Please God in Everything

• Make choices based on what honors God, not just what feels good (Colossians 3:17)

✅ 5. Stay Away from Sin and Walk in the Spirit

• Let the Holy Spirit guide you (Galatians 5:16)

Final Takeaway: Walking with God Like Enoch

✔️ Faith in God → Believe in Him completely.
✔️ Daily Fellowship → Pray, read His Word, and listen to Him.
✔️ Obedience → Align your actions with His will.
✔️ Holiness → Live a life that pleases God.
✔️ Spiritual Awareness → Stay close to God’s presence.

✅ Conclusion: If we live like this, we too can “walk with God” in such a way that our lives reflect His presence daily!

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Luis Pickford

• David: A Man After God’s Own Heart

  David is often described as a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14), despite his flaws and mistakes. His life serves as an example of how to pursue a deep and passionate relationship with God, even in the midst of challenges and imperfections. Let’s explore what it means to be “a man (or woman) after God’s heart” and how we can achieve that in our own lives, with real-life examples and biblical principles.

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  David’s Heart for God: What Made Him “A Man After God’s Own Heart?”

  A. Deep Love for God

  David’s life was characterized by a deep love for God, expressed through his worship and praise. He sang songs to God, wrote psalms, and danced before the Lord. His love for God was genuine and passionate.

  Psalm 63:1 → “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you…”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • Worshiping with passion—Even in tough times, find ways to praise and worship God, whether through music, prayer, or simple gratitude.
  • Set aside time each day to reflect on God’s greatness through quiet time or worship.

  B. Willingness to Repent

  When David sinned (such as in the case of Bathsheba), he was quick to acknowledge his mistakes and seek forgiveness. He didn’t hide from God or justify his actions. He repented with sincerity and a contrite heart.

  Psalm 51:10 → “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • When we make mistakes, own up to them, and go to God in prayer for forgiveness. A heart that is willing to repent and change is key to maintaining a relationship with God.

  C. Desire to Follow God’s Will

  David had a heart for God’s will and was constantly seeking to align his actions with God’s desires, even when it was difficult. David often prayed for God to guide him and asked for direction.

  Psalm 25:4-5 → “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior…”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • When making decisions, seek God’s will through prayer, scripture, and counsel. It’s important to ask, “What would God want me to do in this situation?”
  • Stay in the Word—Read the Bible daily to learn how to live in a way that pleases God.

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  How We Can Be a “Person After God’s Heart” Today

  A. Develop a Personal Relationship with God

  David’s relationship with God was personal and intimate. He didn’t just follow religious rules; he pursued a relationship with God.

  Psalm 27:4 → “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life…”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • Spend quality time with God every day. Pray, talk to Him like a friend, and listen for His guidance.
  • Build a habit of seeking God in all areas of your life, not just when you need something.

  B. Be Humble and Dependent on God

  Despite his status as a king, David remained humble and dependent on God. He recognized that his victories were because of God’s favor and strength.

  Psalm 18:2 → “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge…”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • When facing challenges, acknowledge God as your source of strength. Trust Him to help you overcome obstacles.
  • Remain humble by recognizing that your abilities, success, and provision come from God, not yourself.

  C. Be Courageous in Faith

  David had great faith, whether he was fighting a giant like Goliath or leading the nation of Israel. He knew that God was with him and would fight for him. He was bold in his trust in God’s promises.

  1 Samuel 17:45 → “David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…'”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • Stand firm in your faith, even in difficult or scary situations.
  • Don’t let fear hold you back—trust that God is with you in every challenge, and step out courageously in His strength.

  D. Serve and Lead Others with Integrity

  David led by example, and his leadership was rooted in integrity and humility. He always sought God’s guidance and cared for the people he led.

  Psalm 78:72 → “And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • Whether you’re a parent, a friend, or a leader, lead with integrity. Serve others selflessly, and always do what is right, even when no one is watching.
  • Use your influence to point others to God and lead with His values.

  E. Worship and Praise God with All Your Heart

  David often expressed his love for God through worship and praise. He made it a priority to worship God regardless of his circumstances.

  Psalm 34:1 → “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.”

  ✅ Real-Life Example:

  • Praise God in good times and bad. Even when you face struggles, worshiping God shifts your focus back to His greatness.
  • Sing, dance, or simply express gratitude for God’s presence in your life.

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  Practical Steps to Become a Person After God’s Heart

  1. Cultivate Daily Prayer and Worship: Start and end your day with time spent in God’s presence.
  2. Repent and Seek Forgiveness: When you fall short, don’t hesitate to come to God in repentance.
  3. Read and Meditate on Scripture: Spend time in the Word to understand God’s heart and will.
  4. Obey God’s Commands: Choose obedience even when it’s difficult or unpopular.
  5. Serve Others with Integrity: Lead and serve others, reflecting God’s love in your actions.
  6. Trust God in Every Situation: Step out in faith, knowing that God is with you.

David’s heart for God was marked by love, repentance, humility, trust, courage, integrity, and worship. You can achieve a heart like David’s by cultivating a close relationship with God, seeking His will, living with integrity, and pursuing Him daily through prayer, scripture, and obedience. Through this, you’ll find yourself drawing closer to God and growing into a person after His heart.

Moses – The Friend of God 

Moses is one of the most prominent figures in the Bible, known for leading the Israelites out of Egypt and receiving the Ten Commandments from God. His relationship with God was unique, and the Bible describes how Moses spoke with God “face to face.” Let’s dive into this extraordinary relationship and what it means for us today.

1. Moses’ “Face to Face” Relationship with God

A. What Does “Face to Face” Mean?

When the Bible says Moses spoke with God “face to face,” it doesn’t mean Moses saw God’s literal face. God is spirit (John 4:24) and cannot be seen in His full glory by humans. Rather, it signifies an unusually close and direct communication. God spoke to Moses in a way that was personal and intimate, unlike how He communicated with other prophets.

Exodus 33:11 → “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”

✅ Key Thought:
Moses’ relationship with God was marked by personal conversation and intimacy, showing a level of access and trust that was exceptional.

B. Moses’ Boldness and Confidence in God

Moses wasn’t afraid to engage with God. Even when the people of Israel sinned, Moses interceded for them boldly, asking God to forgive their sins.

Exodus 32:32 → “But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Boldness in Prayer: Just like Moses, you can approach God with confidence. Even in tough situations, you can ask God for guidance, intervention, and forgiveness.
• Intercessory Prayer: Pray for others, as Moses did for the Israelites. God honors those who pray on behalf of others.

C. God’s Favor on Moses

Moses was chosen for his faithfulness, obedience, and humility. God trusted him to lead His people and gave him divine revelations.

Numbers 12:7-8 → “But this is not true of my servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord.”

✅ Key Thought:
Moses was chosen because of his faithful obedience and humble heart, which made him worthy of this extraordinary relationship with God.

2. The Importance of Moses’ Relationship with God

A. Prayer and Seeking God’s Guidance

Moses’ relationship with God wasn’t just a one-way conversation. He consistently sought God’s guidance and responded with obedience. When facing difficult situations, Moses would seek God’s direction, showing his dependence on God.

Exodus 33:13 → “If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you.”

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Seeking God’s Will: Moses didn’t take action without consulting God. In your own life, seek God’s will in all decisions—whether big or small—through prayer and scripture.

B. Moses’ Role as Intercessor

Moses’ close relationship with God made him a powerful intercessor for Israel. When the people sinned or faced danger, Moses would intercede, pleading for mercy.

Exodus 34:9 → “If I have found favor in your eyes, then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance.”

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Interceding for Others: Like Moses, we can stand in the gap for others in prayer. Whether it’s for friends, family, or even the world, God listens to the prayers of those who intercede for others.

3. Moses’ Trust and Obedience to God’s Commands

Moses was entrusted with leading the Israelites, receiving God’s commands, and delivering them to the people. His trust in God’s instructions was unshaken, even when it seemed impossible.

Exodus 14:15 → “Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on.'”

✅ Key Thought:
Moses didn’t question God’s commands but followed them, even in the face of overwhelming obstacles (like the Red Sea). His obedience demonstrated deep trust in God’s plan.

4. How Can We Have a Relationship with God Like Moses?

A. Cultivate an Intimate Relationship with God

Moses spoke with God regularly, and so can we. God desires a personal relationship with us, not just formal prayers. Take time each day to talk to God, share your heart, and listen for His voice.

James 4:8 → “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Regular Prayer and Quiet Time: Set aside daily time for prayer, reading Scripture, and listening to God’s guidance.

B. Boldly Seek God’s Will

Like Moses, we are encouraged to seek God’s will for our lives. Don’t be afraid to ask God difficult questions or request His guidance in tough situations.

Jeremiah 33:3 → “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Ask God for Wisdom: In all areas of your life—whether work, relationships, or ministry—seek God’s guidance boldly, trusting that He will answer.

C. Be Willing to Intercede for Others

Moses interceded for the Israelites when they sinned. We can also pray for others, asking God to intervene in their lives.

1 Timothy 2:1 → “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made for all people.”

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Pray for Others: Intercede for family members, friends, and even strangers, asking God to touch their lives and bring them closer to Him.

D. Be Obedient to God’s Commands

Moses was obedient to God even when the commands seemed difficult or unclear. We too are called to obey God’s Word and trust that His commands are for our good.

John 14:15 → “If you love me, keep my commands.”

✅ Real-Life Example:

• Follow God’s Word: Strive to live out the teachings of the Bible in your daily life, trusting that obedience leads to blessing.

Conclusion:

Moses’ relationship with God was marked by intimacy, obedience, boldness, and intercession. He spoke to God face to face—which signified a deep, personal relationship—and sought God’s will at all times. Like Moses, we can develop a close relationship with God by spending time with Him, seeking His guidance, praying for others, and obeying His commands. Through these actions, we can walk with God as Moses did, experiencing His presence and favor in our lives.

Adam and Eve: The First Intimate Relationship with God

Why was their relationship unique?

Adam and Eve had the first direct relationship with God in the Garden of Eden. They walked with God in the cool of the day, and God spoke to them freely.

Genesis 3:8 → “Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden.”

God created Adam and Eve for fellowship, and their relationship was one of intimacy, trust, and complete dependence on Him.

How can we develop a similar relationship today?

• Walk with God daily: We can experience God’s presence in our lives through daily prayer and meditation on His Word, just like Adam and Eve walked with God in the garden.
• Be obedient: Just as Adam and Eve were given instructions in the garden, we are called to follow God’s commands, trusting that His plans are for our good.

Noah: A Righteous Man in a Corrupt World

Why was his relationship unique?

Noah is described as a righteous man who walked with God in a time when humanity had become corrupt (Genesis 6:9). God spoke to Noah and gave him specific instructions on how to build the ark to survive the flood.

Genesis 6:9 → “Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God.”

Noah’s unique relationship with God was marked by obedience and faithfulness in the midst of a corrupt and sinful society.

How can we develop a similar relationship today?

• Stand firm in your faith: In a world filled with distractions and temptations, Noah’s faith teaches us to stay righteous and walk faithfully with God.
• Be obedient to God’s guidance: Just as Noah followed God’s specific instructions, we must listen for God’s guidance in our lives and obey His Word, even when it doesn’t make sense to others.

Elijah: A Prophet of Power and Prayer

Why was his relationship unique?

Elijah had a bold relationship with God. He prayed for miracles and saw God move powerfully. Elijah was also courageous in confronting evil kings and false prophets, standing alone in his faith.

1 Kings 18:36-37 → “At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed, ‘Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command.'”

Elijah’s relationship with God was characterized by confidence and boldness in prayer.

How can we develop a similar relationship today?

• Pray with boldness and faith: Just like Elijah, we can pray with confidence, believing that God hears and answers prayers.
• Take a stand for God: Elijah boldly confronted evil. We can take a stand for righteousness, even when it’s difficult.

Mary: The Mother of Jesus

Why was her relationship unique?

Mary’s relationship with God was unique in that she was chosen to be the mother of Jesus. Her response to God’s calling was one of humble obedience and submission.

Luke 1:38 → “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”

Mary’s trust in God’s plan was deep, and she embraced her role with humility.

How can we develop a similar relationship today?

• Say “yes” to God: Just as Mary submitted to God’s will, we are called to humble ourselves and submit to His plans for our lives.
• Trust in God’s timing: Like Mary, we can trust God’s timing and plans, even when we don’t fully understand them.

Conclusion: How Can We Build a Unique Relationship with God?

1. Cultivate Daily Communion with God: Spend time daily in prayer, worship, and Bible study. Develop a routine of connecting with God.
2. Trust God’s Promises: Just like Abraham and Moses, we must trust God, even when His ways are beyond our understanding.
3. Be Obedient: Whether we are called to a task like Noah or to stand firm in faith like Elijah, obedience is key to deepening our relationship with God.
4. Worship with Passion: Like David, express your love for God in worship, making it an integral part of your relationship with Him.
5. Pray for Others: Like Moses and Elijah, intercede for others in prayer, asking God to move in their lives.

These figures exemplify a range of ways we can build a unique relationship with God. Each one teaches us that through obedience, faith, prayer, and humility, we can draw near to God and experience His love and power in our lives today.