AboutElder Greg Madden Expertise I am a born again, Holy Ghost filled minister of the
Gospel of Jesus Christ. I am avalible to answer questions
conserning most all Biblical doctrines, the gifts and fruit of the Spirit, "Pentecostal/Apostolic" issues, and issues that we as christians face in an secular world.
Experience I gave my heart to the Lord a few months after being married during a revival meeting. A few weeks later I received the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and I have not been the same since!
In those twenty five years we have only attended one church (Harvest Church), and there I have served there as an Elder for fourteen years. We minister in song with the choir and worship team. I am also the new member’s class coordinator, men's ministry director, and the Harvest Riders motorcycle ministry president.
In 1993 the Lord called me to "...preach the Gospel where ever I open the door..." I have had the privilege of ministering God's Word to churches in Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. In those meetings we have seen the Lord save, heal, deliver, and fill people will His Spirit.
Organizations I am ordained through Harvest Church, and with the World Harvest Ministerial Fellowship. I also am a licensed minister with the State of Oklahoma.
Education/Credentials I am currantly enrolled with the Ames Bible College.
This is not really a question...I just wanted to get someone else's perspective. I'm sorry if this question sounds "weird" or "stupid." It is sincere!
Lately, I've been feeling the presence of God. It's wonderful to bask in the peace of His loving presence. However, I'm beginning to think that maybe it was better when I was less aware of Him because then I wouldn't have to obey Him and answer to Him. But I suppose this is just the "cross we have to bear" in a close relationship with God - you have to "take the bad with the good."
Sometimes I think I might be crazy. Can you offer me some feedback on this issue?
Thank you for your assistance.
Answer Emily,
First, you do not sound weird, crazy, or stupid at all. What you describe is (or at least should be) the ultimate goal of all born-again Believers. I would in no way even consider it a burden at all, but a blessing to be received.
In my own personal walk with Christ these past 26years I have experienced times of a closer walk with Him, than at other times. By this I do not mean that I turned my back on Him, or that He on me. However, I believe that in every Christians walk with Christ that are time of a heightened awareness of God's presence, while at other times it "seems" that God presence is not sensed as much. This does not mean that God somehow leaves us. But that God's presence is manifested and reveled in a greater way at certain times and places greater than at other times and places. God is omnipresent. He is everywhere at the same time, and He is everywhere at every time (past, present, and future). But His presence is revealed to people differently and in deferent ways.
My suggestion for you is to continue to follow the Lord, and to be led by His Spirit. Continue to seek His face and to please Him. Believe me, though you may be experiencing a heightened awareness of God right now, there are even higher heights and deeper depths in Christ for all of us!
Emily, please let me know if this helps or if you have any further questions.
