Welcome to SpiritPath: Your Journey to a Deeper Connection.

"The ONE THING I desire above all other things is to know Him more intimately, to dwell in His presence every minute of every day of my life – to see Him in His beauty and glory and to think about Him and about life from the perspective of His presence."

Drawing closer to God and being in the spirit is a profound journey that requires intentionality, faith, and consistent effort. It's about cultivating an intimate relationship with the Divine, much like nurturing a deep friendship. Here are key ways to embark on and deepen this spiritual path:

1. Diligently Seek Him Through Time and Effort

Just as you would get to know a person better by spending more time with them, the same applies to God. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). This diligent seeking involves dedicating time and effort to developing your relationship with Him.

• Consistent Prayer and Praise: Spend time in prayer and praise, simply being in His presence. Treat Him as though He is always with you, as He says He is.
• Come with Expectancy: Approach God expecting Him to be a rewarder. Believe that He is for you and that He accepts you just as you are (Romans 8:31-32, Hebrews 4:16).
• Focus on Him, Not Yourself: Don't concentrate on your faith or lack thereof, or your shortcomings. Instead, focus on His love, mercy, provision, and promises.
• Expect Answers: Actually expect God to answer your prayers and act towards you as you see Jesus act in the New Testament (Matthew 6:6-8, Hebrews 4:14-16, John 6:37, 1 Peter 3:12, Romans 10:12).

2. Be Freshly Cleansed and Consecrated

To draw near to God, we must prepare our hearts. This involves a process of cleansing and consecration, as illustrated in Ruth 3:3.

• Cleansed by the Word and Blood of Jesus: The Word of God reveals our defilement, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us when we confess our sins (1 John 1:9).
• Fragrant Consecration: Our anointing is the Holy Spirit, who makes our lives like incense to God. Surrender to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to work in you.
• Fitly Clothed: Put on the garments of salvation received through Christ, living in the righteousness He provides.

3. Engage Your Mind and Body in Worship

Your entire being can participate in drawing closer to God.

• Use Your Mind and Imagination: Visualize Him as He says He is, fulfilling His promises. See Him answering your prayers when you pray (Mark 11:24, 1 John 5:14-15).
• Present Your Body: Find a comfortable position that allows you to concentrate. The Bible speaks of various postures (standing, kneeling, dancing, raising hands), emphasizing that the heart and mind are most important (Romans 12:1).
• Speak from Your Heart: Talk to God as a friend, sharing what's on your mind, your gratitude, fears, hopes, and dreams. Speaking in tongues can also be a powerful way to pray God's perfect will (1 Corinthians 14:17, Romans 8:26-27).
• Listen to Worship Music: Engage with anointed, scriptural worship music, singing and reflecting on the words.
• Journaling and Writing: Writing can improve prayers, refresh memory of scripture, aid meditation, renew the mind, and soothe the soul (Psalm 119:11, Romans 12:2). It can be an act of worship and a way to deepen study.

4. Turn Away from Sin and the World

As you grow closer to God, you'll recognize areas in your life that don't align with His will. This conviction is a loving guidance from the Holy Spirit.

• Confess and Let Go: Confess sins quickly and let them go. God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us (1 John 1:9).
• Yield to the Holy Spirit: He empowers us to let go of old ways and become new creations, changing our desires to align with His (Galatians 5:19-21).

5. Engage in Community and Trust Him Fully

Your spiritual journey is not meant to be walked alone, and trust is foundational.

• Be Around People Who Love God: Being part of a church body provides fellowship, encouragement, and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25, Ephesians 4:16).
• Trust with All Your Heart: Trusting God is a lifelong practice. Without faith, it's impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Bring every care, concern, and thought to Him, knowing He cares and will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Remember, you cannot draw near to God without Jesus, who said, "'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'" (John 14:6). Through His sacrifice, we can draw near with confidence and full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:19-22).