Faith Forum ~ By Invitation Only By Gloria Wessner

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” (Jesus speaking, Revelation 3:20 NLT)
If you've ever felt a 'tugging' or a directed interest in knowing God or about him – that is coming from something outside of yourself. That is an action from God himself (his invitation) to you, to have a chance to know him. What you do with it is crucial. You can, of course, ignore it and the tugging will go away. Or, you can begin a journey of response – a series of actions on your part where you begin to seek him and he will meet you. The only reason why we may respond to God in the first place is because He initiated the first move and then we choose to respond to that move. He never forces himself on a person, he always leaves the choice with a person if they choose to respond or not.
There are many things you can do to respond to God. One of the things you can do is to read God's own word, also known as the Bible. A good suggestion is to read it in a modern, readable translation that makes it easier to understand. Recommendations would include the New International Version, New Living Translation (this version is the one often used in this article forum) or something like The Message which is good for general reading, but is not considered a translation (a more accurate, well researched interpretation of the original languages of God's word) but a paraphrase and not recommended for serious study. The book of John is a good place to start.
Having visits with a friend that you know already has a personal relationship to God is another thing you can do. This can be a good way to ask questions and get some answers as you search for him.
Going to a Bible study group (especially with your friend) or attending a church service where you know God is the centre of their existence and the group does not appear to be 'cultish' in nature is another way to respond to God. It's important to find a group that is solid in its teaching and is not out to make a name for itself. Jesus himself was not flamboyant or trying to be popular or famous. His whole demeanour and manner of conduct was gentle but firm when he needed to be. A church or group should reflect the One they claim to know.
Reading a book that is soundly written on this topic can be a good idea as you journey towards God. One such good book is: Peace with God: The Secret Happiness by Billy Graham. For those people who tend toward an indepth search, a good read is: Godquest, Discover the God Your Heart is Searching For by Sean McDowell and Stan Jantz.
I would like to leave you with the following piece from God's word, where He again extends a very personal invitation just to you:
“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labour on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live…” (Isaiah 55:1-3a NLT)

If you have any questions, or would like to send feedback, please feel free to write me at
gloriawes@hotmail.com and I would be happy to get back to you.