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CLOSER TO GOD
A little while ago, a lovely woman of God wrote these words to me: "can you teach me to be closer to God? I love Him so much." My heart rejoiced and tears came to my eyes because I knew that God's heart was rejoicing. God was blessed that one of His precious children wanted---not money, not position, not fame---but just to be close to Him.
We should desire that more than anything this world has to offer. When we are close to God, everything we could possibly need is within our reach.
I found the following words on another website: "A recent Gallup Poll indicated that 83 percent of Americans would like to feel close to God, but only 7 percent said they feel that close connection on a regular basis. One of the primary reasons people attend a church is to feel close to God. It seems that on one level or another almost all of us share this common pursuit."
Yes, all around us are people who want to feel close to God. Many go to church just to be close to Him.
Attending a Fellowship of Believers is important, but I know that most of you who are reading this cannot physically get to the church building. However, you can still be "in church" and attached to a body of Believers, under the headship of a Pastor who is accountable to God for your soul.
But, even if you can get to church, church alone will not bring you into close communion with God. We spend only a few hours a week in church; we spend most of our life at home or at work. What we hear in church (whether in person or online) should inspire and equip us to live our lives in a way that pleases God. It is up to our spiritual leaders to teach us and preach to us, but they can't walk it out for us; WE HAVE TO DO THAT!
Right now, you may be saying: "walk it out? I can't even stand on my feet--I'm here in my bed (or chair) and I can't really walk anywhere." Yes you can! Walking it out is an attitude of the heart while we live our lives by His Word and stay close to Him.
And the best way to stay close to God is to start our day with Him. Psalm 63:1 says "early will I seek You". Put God first.
You may be someone who wakes up a bit "foggy" in the morning, but that doesn't matter. You can start seeking Him before you even get out of bed (if you can't get out of bed just do this when you first wake up) . Just say "Good morning, Lord." Then read from His Word---even if it's briefly. Then pray and worship Him, even if it is for a minute. Every one of us can do that. Already your day got much better. Those of you who are able to, read more of God's Word, but if you don't have time to, don't condemn yourself. SELF-CONDEMNATION IS NOT THE SAME AS REPENTANCE AND IT WILL NEVER BRING YOU CLOSER TO GOD. Rejoice that you started your day seeking Him.
After that, do what God puts in your heart to do. Even if you are confined to your bed, there is so much you can do. You can pray and intercede. You can worship God. You can write. You can make calls and encourage other people. You can get a laptop and there are so many things you can do on a computer.
And, when you go about your day, make sure that you remember that GOD IS RIGHT THERE WITH YOU. Awareness of His Presence brings assurance and calm. Living in His Presence brings JOY.
Here is a simple 'to do list' to help you live each day close to God.
AND SPEND TIME IN THE HOUSE OF GOD! If you can't physically get to a place where believers gather, then make sure that your house and your heart are always open to God and HE WILL MAKE YOUR HOUSE HIS HOUSE!
Psalm 27:4One thing have I desired of the Lord
that will I seek after
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GOD HAS GOOD PLANS FOR YOUR FUTURE
know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out-- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
"When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen.
Jeremiah 29:11 (Message Bible) |
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