Bible Discussion Thread

how can i develop the consciousness of the presence of the Holy Spirit and how do i cultivate intense fellowship with Him

Joseph, if I could add to those excellent advice given by Hogan, on spending time with the Lord in prayer & in His Word.

As we walk out into a new day armed with the Word & the richness of a prayer time with your Father, we must seek out opportunities that will allow the Spirit of God to move amongst others. We know that the Holy Spirit moves over many hearts to "reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgement" ( Jn 16:8), but He mostly works through us who have experienced forgiveness of sins & have a new hope & new life.

So whether you're at work, doing some shopping, meeting someone on the street, or even offering help to an elderly/infirm/needy person, ask the Spirit of God to use you to show forth the Love & Grace of God & to share the Word of God that you've been studying, to others. As you serve Him, even in a small way, you will know in your heart, by the witness of the Spirit, that the ministry you've just done was only because of Him being in you & working through you, for GOD'S GLORY only. Now, if that isn't a great confirmation of the indwelling Holy Spirit - and you will increase in your faith & can expect greater things from God.

Spending time in the Word of God is spending time with Christ. He is the Word (see John 1:1). For me, I experience his presence which leads to prayer. I gather scriptures that I desire to pray to him about because I know he honors his Word and I know that I'm praying his will. I recommend reading the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Afterwards Read Acts chapter 1 and 2. Do this every day, devote quite time with him, listen for him. In this reading you will come to know about Jesus Christ, his passion, his heart, and feel his love. Get ready to enjoy reading the Word of God, enjoying his presence and experiencing intimacy with him. You're on the right path of desiring an intense relationship with him for the Word promises if you seek him, you will find him! God bless you and I'm so happy for you. His Love is wonderful, Christ is wonderful and his presence and spirit is amazing! He is the best thing that has ever happened to me. He gives me confidence, love, peace, strength, joy, comfort, hope and security. He has changed my life and has changed me. I will never be the same and don't want to be. If I can share a song with you it would be this: He's sweet I know, oh He's sweet I know. Storm clouds may rise, strong winds may blow. I'll tell the world, wherever I go. That I've found a savior and he's sweet I know.

In my early walk with the Holy Spirit I found Him to be faithful. It was when I stop reading my Bible and stop spending time with Him. This is what I found out, it was me. I stopped calling on Jesus and seeking His presence. James 5"Draw nigh to me an I will draw near to you."nkjv Jeremiah also speaks on this chpt. 29:12-4. When I did the presence of God became so wonderful again.