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Hey Mike, I will answer your questions best I can from my own perspective and experience. 1. For me to truly know God is hard to explain so I will give the best example I can. My best friend is my dad, I know him very well, of course. But I never stop learning new things about him because he always has a story to tell me and something to teach me. I could write a book all about him and you or someone else could read it, but just because you know of him and about him does not mean you truly know him. I know his love, joy, sadness ect and I feel those feelings when he feels them. For me, truly having a relationship with Jesus is much the same. Because of the bible I know of him, but because of my relationship with him I truly know him. I know what makes him sad and that makes me sad, I know what gives him joy and that gives me joy when I see it... for example when someone becomes saved. 2. For me having a relationship with Jesus is a lot like what I wrote above. I want to know him, I am always thursting to know him more. I need him, I would not be able to handle this messed up world without him. I love him and I know I can and will always depend on him. To put it in simple terms I would be lost without him. I know what he wants from me because I read his word and I try my hardest to please him. Not because I don't want to go to hell (although of course I don't) but because I want to please him. Somewhat in the same way a young lad wants to please his dad and make him proud, its not because he wants a toy but because he loves his dad and wants to make him happy. That is a true relationship. 3. I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "experiencing God" but I can look back on my life and think of a lot of times my life was a disaster and Jesus has always made it work out. I can think of many times I felt hopeless and all I had to do was start reading his word and I became filled with peace. I have seen big tuff guys stand up and give their testimony and break down in tears of joy. If what your question means what I think it means, I experience God through his Holy Spirit. Hope this helps.

I stopped going for different reasons, I guess the biggest reason is my social anxiety. But I am going this Sunday and will be onword. I am loosing my car in the next couple weeks so I only have one church as an option that will be in walking distance. I have never been there but it looks like a nice little Baptist church.

I know your pain, I'm going through the same thing. I have had a lot of pain in my life but nothing even comes close as to knowing I am inlove with someone who is not inlove with me. But I know its not Gods fault. I didn't involve him in my marriage or my life in general, I prayed to him each night but I never handed him my life and asked him to do his will because he knows best, I never asked "if its your will Lord" when I prayed... I just prayed and did what I thought was best. Now that I am beyond rock bottom I am finally getting it. He knows whats best, I don't.

Thank you both for replying, very helpful. I have been there Randal, but not for a while and I did not recall where exactly it was so it was nice to see. God bless, Mike

I have been seeking different ways that I can strengthen myself as a Christian and fasting comes to mind. I know fasting should be kept between the person fasting and God but is there a particular scripture on why fasting is done? I am thinking it is to strengthen ourselves by humbling ourselves, but I'm really not sure.