Looking For Intimacy with God? | Lesson 2 of Drawing Near | Study with John Bevere

So many Christians lose their spiritual fervor over time. You start off passionate in your pursuit of God, but over the years, the fire dwindles until only a small flame remains. What do you do when you find yourself in this place? In this short clip pulled from the Drawing Near course, I show you one of the major keys to reinvigorating your faith.
Want more content like this? Check out the full lesson from the Drawing Near course here: go.MessengerX.com/DrawingNear
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Chapters:
0:00 - Lesson Teaser
0:14 - Relationship is God’s Desire
1:48 - Why So Many Believers Have a Shallow Faith
4:23 - We Determine Our Level of Hunger for God
7:41 - The Seventh Church of Revelations
16:56 - Hunger Is Your Spiritual Thermometer
20:24 - Don't Take It to a Healthy Extreme
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[@yadianadorno3717]

After my time in prayer when I asked God “what happened to my hunger and passion I had for you? And how do I get it back?” He led me to this video… wow. Glory to God🙌🏼

[@wretchlikeme2506]

Because you don't know the Gospel but rely on your feelings and experiences or the next fix or new prophetic word

[@karenlewis7575]

Wow that's not nice.

[@wretchlikeme2506]

What's not nice. That this guy doesn't preach the word of God rightfully but jn sections to fit his narrative and lifestyle and to push you to do more and be more and give more and seek this and that. He causes distractions away from the Gospel. Instead he creates obstacles for you to accomplish before God can free you or help you. PAY ATTENTION PLEASE. he isn't about the Gospel but a better life now on earth. When Our salvation is heaven bound. And our hope is Christ after death.

[@AyanaInChrist]

Feel the same way. I believe God brought me here

[@weenieboy_]

@@wretchlikeme2506he is talking to someone that is already saved! This message would be meat for a born again Christian that is a ways in their walk with Jesus. Not milk for a baby Christian or a message for an unbeliever.

[@corinacardich4446]

You will hunger for what you feed on learn the right balance your hunger is your spiritual thermometer ❤❤ Amen!!

[@havilahunction386]

Saw this notification when I was just in need of it

[@latoyab4152]

Same here😩🙏🏾

[@ayomideadewunmi6586]

I watched this and had a greater understanding of what happened to me in the last 30 months, social media, the negative effects of noise pollution in the area where I live though it is supposedly an exclusive, high brow area brimming with elites, the negative effects of a spiritually polluted environment etc etc. "I will hunger for what I feed on" that imposes a personal responsibility on me to deliberately feed on that which is edifying, change my taste. I must change my attitude and what I spend my focus on. When I don't feed on the word, my spirit goes quiet. I must protect my appetite spiritually

[@janinekayser4837]

I found you! You were in a revival dream I had this morning, you were the preacher and the Fire of the Holy Spirit set that revival meeting ablaze. There was a huge, majestic gorgeous Lion in the meeting. It was just a glorious dream! And you were clear as day in the dream and since I did not know who you were, I asked Holy Spirit to bring you to me, AND HERE YOU ARE!

[@beckydunlap8784]

Wow, that's an amazing testimony!

[@AddisonBlacke]

I dont know if anyone prays for people in comment sections, but i really need prayers! To be growing closer to God❤

[@ourkidsoageng5153]

I am praying for you brethren

[@DocLVG]

Minute 19… reminds me of… “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart”…

[@oluwadamilolalloyd-kuyinu8120]

Very true. When we don’t feed our spirit, it gets quieter. I have been trying to get intimate with God again because I am losing my appetite for God and so I asked God last night, how do I return to you Lord? This morning, I got notified of a part of this series and decided to watch. Thank you John for this. This was timely. God is always there to help us. Thank you Lord.

[@jesusreyes8699]

If I didn’t watch this video, I would be praying my normal prayer “God draw me close to you” but now I know I have to pursue Him! Thank you John, and your team !! I pray you guys continue to do these videos, they are very important to my life and journey 😊

[@StudywithTimi]

John Bevere is an amazing teacher of the Word! I'm really blessed by this series. It's been such a blessing. Praying that God draws us close to Him, or gives us hunger for Him is not completely off base. The only thing is that in answering that prayer, He doesn't make us do anything against our will - which I believe would be John's point. You must make a decision for intimacy with God. But, in answer to a prayer of hunger for God, God can give you understanding as to why things of the world are death traps. The Bible says, Give me understanding and I will live. (Psa. 119:144). Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart. (Psa. 119:34) Ours is to make a decision with determination. He can give us desires or understanding consistent with our decision for Him. It is never by power or might, or even decision alone, to draw near to God. The resistance and opposition you would often feel when you settle down to pray or study the Word, or stay away from things that defile, is the proof that it is not by might alone, but by the Spirit. (Zech. 4:6) Apart from Him we can do nothing, that includes having desire or hunger for Him or drawing near to Him. (John 15:5) It is God that works in us TO WILL and TO DO according to His good pleasure. (Phil. 2:3)

[@theresareid7845]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@StudywithTimiGod bless you! Your reply helped me to fully understand what John Bevere was ultimately saying. As I was readying your comment, the Holy Spirit reminded me of a time where I was praying that God give me the desire to read my bible. This was a time where I was very inconsistent with God and not motivated in studying his word. One day, God actually gave me the desire to read the Bible because I prayed for that desire. It felt like a craving for his word all day. However, unfortunate for me (and this gon sound crazy), I never made the decision to actually sit down, open my bible, and study it at all that day even though I had the desire to. The next day the desire fizzled away not because of God but because my actions were not consistent with what I prayed for. I knew I had the desire to read my word but I just didn’t do it. This let me know that I ultimately had to make the decision to seek God and that it was my responsibility to draw near. James 4:8 says ’Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.’ Also, Romans 8 Paul is speaking and it talks about being led by the spirit and not by flesh.The flesh (in other translations it says the carnal mind) is always hostile towards God which is evident when I don’t feel like reading my bible or praying sometimes. Since then I knew I had to be led by the spirit and not my flesh. Although my flesh is my opposition it’s because of the spirit I’m able to be consistent with my communion with God which confirms Zech 4:6. I can’t take the credit. God gets all the glory because it’s not by my own might that I’m communing with God but by his spirit that empowers me to do so.

[@janetdoe8204]

We are the ones who determine our level of hunger for God, not God. This is so true. Thank God so much for this teaching. May God bless you and yours always.🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@DghterOfYhwh]

I pray for a fresh fire for God of God daily and I promise you I wake up on fire for God . Especially when I’m depressed of feeling condemned from sin .

[@helenholdsworth6407]

​@@rosswalker7914or perhaps there would be less sin...

[@doriaenamorado6797]

i LIKE TO WACHT PEOPLE SPENDING TIME WITH GOD AND IT REALLY MOTIVATE ME TO READ THE WORD AND TO SPEND TIME WITH GOD

[@sailabalabarik4909]

LORD bless us all Amen 🙏

[@AsekhoNkinqa]

I just prayed the "Lord increase my hunger" prayer yesterday😭🤣 oh I'm so grateful for this because God is correcting me🙌🏾 It''s so crazy yesterday I was even thinking about how reading the Bible is like going on a healthy diet, at first the salad or coffee without sugar tastes horrible but the more you choose to eat it, you get used to it, then you start to crave it. Same as reading the word, at first you might not understand anything but the more you show up to read and spend time with God, it changes you and you hear Him more and then you just want more of Him🙌🏾 thank you for this❤️

[@wendybonty7399]

Very well said!

[@piglo318]

Hello man of God. My spirit likes you. I like you. Thank you, your voice brings much attention in me to your words ❤ praise Yahuwah and Yahusha and thank you. May the holy spirit of Abba elohim send joy to your family everlasting. And to all who are watching this, the same message to you. May the good Lord strengthen you all with knowledge

[@allenzaruba852]

A STUNNINGLY vital teaching, which the Lord is showing me many things I've been seeking guidance for. SHARE THIS TO THE LUKEWARM.

[@user-hp4gl6ls3f]

in jesus name, i will hunger for what i feed on Amen

[@sailabalabarik4909]

Payen laguuu juharrr guruji identify kar diya in this difficult moment I known yourself in this moment of work preparing for us 💗 gurujiiii always welcome in this group

[@twizzy20girl]

A necessary word for me, and for every blood-bought believer. Thank you God for the message and the messenger!

[@SantaCruz-tr8qy]

Ever wondered why God created you? What was His purpose for giving you a body and placing you on this planet? He does nothing without purpose and intent. 1 Corinthians 3:16-20 You have been given a body to house the Spirit of the living God on this earth. We are not the owners of this body only the managers and stewards and the body is a vehicle given to us to fulfill His plan, will and purpose of God while on earth. The eternal purpose of God in Jesus Christ is to give us this new relationship with God (John 3:16; 6:37, 39; 2 Corinthians 5:14-21). 1 John 4:13 And God has given us his Spirit as proof that we live in Him and He in us. So than, Who to Believe GOD or Your Preacher? God Speaks Though Your Conscience Acts 17:27 and Jeremiah 23:23 The problem with God is not that He's so far away that we can't see Him. Rather, He is so close that we overlook Him.That means, if you can not find God within your self, you will not find God in any Church, building, Tabernacle,Temple or place of worship. Including Yours

[@anthonydamato0803]

This video is going to change my life. Both my spiritual intimacy with my god, and my diet 🤣

[@corneliarubin8047]

Dear John, I am a German lady. I can‘t thank you enough for your so much important messages!!! 😊😊😊😊

[@marshallgiles6255]

Please read these scriptures. Mark 16:16 Acts 2 38. God Bless Y'all.

[@AndrewGordon-hx2br]

I love that God likes playing Hide and Seek. He whispers to us with the Spirit, and not His (the Fathers) voice, to draw us closer and closer to Him. But we have to pursue God, because this is a relationship, a partnership. God is good! I agree.

[@erenmeii]

"you've given your appetite to what doesn't satisfy" You will hunger what you feed on.

[@prabhatkumarmali5070]

Pray for 1000 warming clothes as sweaters and blankets for the poor needy widows and old aged people in this winter season.have mercy

[@space2079]

Jesus is the LORD!

[@Sarahlee52106]

This teaching was rich. Thank you

[@stushShulamite]

I do ask God to increase my hunger for Him, *PHILIPPIANS 2:13* *For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.* but I also cultivate hunger by pursuing Him. 🇨🇦

[@grandmasbrown3804]

Oh how I was singing this song with passion Draw me draw me LORD and I will come running to you. He told me, HE said "daughter if You just draw nigh, draw nigh to me and I will draw nigh to you.

[@doriaenamorado6797]

You can spend time with God the way the best work for you you don't have to copy other people, you can go outside and meditate on God's creation and then read your bible, be creative❤

[@jesus_reigns]

Bruv i did not realize how engaging in media so much is not only replacing time I could've spent with God but also removing hunger for him 😢

[@flowergirl52]

This is excellent. A few days ago, I felt led to stop watching mindless youtube videos, at the same time I saw a video of a young lady with a passion for reading her bible which made me want to have the same passion. I decided to stop watching mindless youtube videos and only watch uplifting sermons, I'm making a prayer journal and spending the day putting that together along with reading the scriptures. You are right, your hunger is determined by what you feed it!! Your video came along to reinforce what I am doing and help me stay on course. I would have never thought for a second that I was "addicted" to mindless KZbin videos but I was and am trying to bring balance into my life and a closer walk with God. Thank you so much for this timely message, I needed it and it was so perfect for me right now!!

[@Jaxmusicgal23]

Amazingly. With him talking about hunger. I have had God ask me to fast for a week, not food, just liquids like electrolyte water. The first couple of days your body screams at you when meal times come. After day 4,5,6,7… your body stops and your desire for food wanes and adjusts. I wasnt even tempted by food even when others were eating. And the more often I fasted, the less time to that.!! I could watch our church eat a huge meal or cake and such…. Didnt even phase me or throw my flesh off. Cuz it was used to being in submission and refusing temptation. This stuff is true because the Holy Spirit within us and our flesh our linked. When we continue to push the flesh down and tell it to submit food wise….the mind follows quickly and learns to adjust and submit as well. I have seen also with employing intermittent daily fasting in my diet so I am not constantly eating, at first my body would get hungry at lunch time. Now, after a couple of years of this…. Really after a few months but even now… I dont crave lunch. I have breakfast when I am finally hungry and eat dinner. I dont crave food during the day. If we want to succeed with our flesh, sometimes it starts with our diet and our minds together.

[@doriaenamorado6797]

Begging God for his voice, praising him, and worship, i think it brings his attention and for me it grows my desire for him

[@Kingdom-purpose]

Hallelujah

[@Mchristine120]

Amen 🙏🏻 such a great teaching! Thank you! I agreed completely 🙏🏻🔥🙌🇨🇭

[@sailabalabarik4909]

I think it's SS card is very good results for us yeahhhh gurujiiii always welcome in this group ,praise the Lord God Jesus 🙏😁 chini besi bhala heba ihade 5 6 years old boy is in this moment of my dearest friend 💕 yeah thanks English language Master degree holder now's your life

[@reneeorsak1144]

Wooow. I needed this! Thank you Lord, praise God for you John!!!

[@julesybethmedlini]

Side note! A funny thing will happen when you try to read! The distractions will come- even if you have determined- no to everything- that phone will ring! People will bombard! You may have to pull a me- and airplane mode and do not disturb! You can even get addicted to watch religious content! Also like me! But! There is still hope- just as he says- the more you read, the more you hunger for reading! I almost cannot wait to get back to it right this very moment - cheers and shalom!

[@user-ev9tt6sw1c]

That's so true...

[@jdvandeventer]

Pastor John you are speaking to my heart... you gave me a wake up call.

[@genevievereinemendouga8229]

❤ ooh lord help me restore and protect my hunger

[@jessicarezende5614]

WOW you said everything Bessel of God

[@user-ec6ee9yn1z]

Thanks ! God bless You !

[@freedominyeshua4262]

I bless you with His Peace, Joy, Rest and to overcome all your anxiety bro.

[@scottsponaas]

John just keeps putting out this 🔥 content.

[@doriaenamorado6797]

I desire God more when I tell myself who God is and little of what he has done for me. For example, God loves you so much that he wants to spend time with you and it's like I'm falling more in love with God.

[@Bev0007]

Thank you for clearing this up.

[@ireneshali3530]

HALLELUHYA

[@hottoddie3850]

Friends! The idea that we are in control of our hunger for God is incomplete and potentially very dangerous! If you want to have a hunger for God, don’t you already have a hunger for God? Yes, we have the choice every day to focus on (worship) what we want and to do what we want. We can choose to trust and obey God and we can choose not to. We can choose to follow the desires of the flesh and live worldly, sinful lives, or we can choose to resist temptation and follow God’s way. Yes, we have choice. But who can boast? If you are living a godly life but your neighbor is living a worldly life, was it because you did something right and they did something wrong? Humble yourself and go read Romans 9. It is by the grace (undeserved blessing) of God that you even have the heart to pursue Him. He chose you, called you, gave you the faith to choose Him, and works within you now. Oh I could go on. GOD GETS ALL THE GLORY. Why do you want intimacy with God while others don’t? What led you to all the great things you’re doing to know God more? Who teaches you and empowers you? How did you end up close to God? It was God!! Because of the work Jesus did, not you, you are saved. Likewise, because of the work God has done through Jesus, you are near to Him already. Do you want to be intimate with God? You can be right now. All you need to do is recognize that you ARE CLOSE TO GOD. Jesus paid a big price so that you could have a perfect relationship with God. If you are feeling like you’re not close to God (or intimate with God), it’s because you need to BELIEVE. Believe that you should have been on the cross. Believe that Jesus undeservingly died in your place. Believe that through faith in Christ, we undeservingly receive righteousness. Believe that at the point of receiving Christ, your old life was crucified with Christ. Believe that you are a new creation, alive with Christ. Believe that God loves you. Believe that God will protect you. Believe that God will send His Son again. Believe that God has done it all for you. Live in that. You are a new creation. It doesn’t suit you to sin. That’s why you wrestle with your flesh. Intimacy with God suits us. It’s who we are. You don’t have to do a thing other than be who you were meant to be. All that being said, yes, you have a role to play. You must believe. And true belief is seen by works. But no, your hunger for God comes from God. It is the Holy Spirit within you that hungers for God. Stop taking credit. You are a wretch without God.

[@sthandiwemnguni6449]

Thank you so much John for this. I have been struggling with my eating habits and I needed to hear this. Thank you thank you so much for the message. When you said your appetite changed, it gives me hope that mine will change too. Watching all the way from South Africa.

[@julesybethmedlini]

You will hunger for what you feed on!

[@user-ww5yp2dv9l]

I think God likes when we tell him God i want to be close to you because we are showing how much we want him (when we do it honestly)

[@user-ye2ci6sj7h]

Glory

[@Sarahlee52106]

That Proverbs 27:7 explanation was great. Same example he gave on his "Drawing Near To God" CD series years ago.

[@doriaenamorado6797]

Look up how to spend time with God creatively, and you can spend more time with God throughout the day, reading christian books, worshiping him while cooking or more, Christian community, sermons

[@mundabiyves-josephkola2527]

Thank you for posting this. GOD bless you, sir !

[@chester14rw]

You did a great job with this message. Well done!

[@lovingkingjesus4822]

When one gets tired and angry with this world, they will chase after God!

[@kimmymichele12]

I saw this just at the right time i needed it. Thank you JESUS!!! What you attend to you will desire!!!

[@helenbostock2350]

Great news

[@kiproniahsinei4383]

Thank you for this playlist. God has spoken to my heart through it.

[@anamariap1522]

God blessed you for sharing these revelation with us and praised be The Lord for revealing them to you and to us, He loves us so much, His patience and compassion are endless!

[@veronicadegefu]

I don't think you will know what this message meant to me. It was such a revelation- an understanding of how I could not get my appetite back. Thank you!

[@thomasgieslor7779]

Amen 🙏🏻

[@pamcobbbaker]

Great Word! Thank you!!

[@doriaenamorado6797]

We have to see God as a privilage and that we are in a true adventure

[@JenniferBWilliams]

I enjoy your teaching John, but remember it’s Revelation no s ❤

[@ruth9247]

Good teaching

[@paulasierra5186]

Wow this really really blessed me. Thank you!

[@carolkayondo5035]

Timely. Thanks for this

[@deonscheepers3008]

Amen

[@carolynlewis3953]

Your hunger is your spiritual thermometer. Protect your appetite…brilliant

[@user-ye2ci6sj7h]

Loving your teachings

[@pictures1978]

I appreciate your teachings.

[@denicealdenr.santos673]

Amen.

[@francisgaspar2804]

Thank you Pastor John..God bless you, your family and ministry.

[@jorty.]

Thank you for these wise words. Very helpful!

[@kawesipastorholland]

I do believe that you can ask God to increase your desire or hunger for him, and he will. philippians 2:13. when we are weak, the Holy Spirit helps us. if we pray and ask for help in any area of your life he will help. SORRY JOHN I DISAGREE WITH YOU ON THAT ON. NEVERTHELESS I LOVE THE TEACHING.

[@janeenchambers3297]

This is good!

[@olgadontsova8286]

Such a good word!

[@thandri_swaramu]

I could thank you enough for this Pas. John. I want all of this on my mind and heart!❤❤❤

[@judyugwoeri2973]

🎉Amen 🙏🏽👌💒

[@jacobchacko565]

Divine insights

[@RaphOrChuks]

Great video! Thanks for sharing

[@fionahobbs8818]

What an insightful and helpful message.

[@living4thekingdom170]

What a powerful message, thank you🙏

[@aishamustafa]

So good

[@doriaenamorado6797]

As you spend time with God everyday i guess the more you will like it❤

[@samuel.pitanapi]

AMEN, I'M REALLY BLESSED WITH THIS BLESSING TEACHING..

[@ambassadorforchrist9016]

please pray for my job and finances. I need God's blessings in my life.

[@kevinshelly211]

Oh wow, what a wake-up call. Amen!

[@KarolinaJ94]

God bless you!

[@Anna.S.1]

Wow ❤️ so good, thank you 🙏🏻✝️

[@samuelkambur442]

Thanks so much John, love the teachings !!

[@StephenHolmstock]

We are using Messenger X in Alaska! Thank you!

[@NomrotamarakMark]

Okay thanks ❤

[@HauwaBalaHalilu]

Wow beautiful teaching ❤

[@ianaivanova]

🎯🔥

[@sion7492]

God bless you

[@marydavenport5154]

This is Blessing me...

[@anahitgituni9315]

❤🙏🙏🙏 thank you.