Hi, I am a brand new christian and this forum. I feel the need to share my story thus far and how God guided me to Christianity and the Bible, I am starting to read the Bible and feel more understanding and spiritual discipline will come, however felt I needed to ask some big questions that I need to get my perception right (for now).
Questions are-
Does God and Jesus remain with you 24/7, 365 days a year for our entire life or do they come and go?. (When I pray I feel like God and Jesus is elsewhere and I wait for them to come or some sort of message, I look within myself to feel if they are there, and not really feeling it)
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Scripture
Whoever comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those that diligently seek Him.
Thoughts
If you have received the Spirit of Christ, He will ever be with you. But keep in mind, He was ever with you before you received the Spirit. It was His Spirit which drew you to Him. As a new born babe with a perfect father, you will be given perfect lessons for your growth. God will test your faith at times by removing His presence. He's still there, but you have to exercise your faith like a muscle. God will continually give you greater understanding through greater and greater trials. Sometimes you will feel more alone than you have ever felt. Do not be fooled when the devil whispers in your ear that Yah has abandoned you. This is actually when He is closer to you than ever. Your obedience will determine your progress. As a perfect Father, He knows you perfectly, and He knows what is best for you, and the best means to get you there.
May I give you a very solemn warning young brother. Do not develops the habit of saying No, to Almighty God. Let your hearts response to God always be Yes Lord.
And never hesitate to do in the moment what you know is His will.
As is the case when learning anything, there must be a process. God usually does not allow us to skip steps.
Scripture
by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue,and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.
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Does Satan come and go by a bad choice (I occasionally have slipped back to the booze and start dreaming and or thinking (delusion) about my spirituality I believe this is Satan, in the past I thought it was God. The next day I am overwhelmed with guilt that I got suckered again and stooped again to a bad choice, then pray all day for God and Jesus to help me, then once the emotional pain has gone I tend not to be disciplined in praying when things are good, so silly!.)
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Scripture
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Satan is the accuser of the brethren.
Thoughts
Satan no longer has access to the throne as in the days of Job, but to the degree that God allows, He has access to you. And yes, sinful habits thoughts and behaviors do open doorways. But a child of God has no need to fear, God sets the boundaries. All things are now working for your good. The big question and one you need to settle in your heart at the beginning of this journey is; will you submit to your Heavenly Father and work with Him towards that end?
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Other than this I am a good person, kind to others, and make an effort, thanks for listening.