Youthnet Buzz ~7th Sep08

GOD LIKES YOU!

How do you get close to someone who does not like you?

Our problems in developing intimacy with God was aptly summarised by Rev Ed
Silvoso at the weekend conference.

God loves me but does He like me??It happens,?even if?the feeling of being
disliked is not true but perceived.

So the devil has wormed his way into so many?Christians' lives. No wonder
many do not feel like reading the Bible and praying, it could be as simple
as, I do not know the Bible well nor do I pray well. So God must be
displeased with me. Many go around doing it out of duty and guilt. We do
not enjoy the time with God, yet we force ourselves to do it.

Some quit being a cell leader, and even leave church, because they do not
think they please God with their service.

We thus set a performance trap, not only on ourselves, but on others too,
and find it difficult to develop affirming relationships.We cannot let
these rule our lives. Instead, we must ask the Lord to search our hearts to
see if there is any hurtful way (Psalm 139:23-24, NASB) in us,
thoughts that confuse or deceive us about God's displeasure towards us,
that drives us away from intimacy with God.

Lord,now I know you like me, hold my hand and draw me near to you..