By: Dan Hazen, pastor of New Perth ARP Church in Troutman, NC
My question for you is a pretty straightforward, back-to-basics one: Are you growing closer to God? We are dealing with a lot of strange circumstances in our world right now, but you know, circumstances, in the end, shouldn’t matter too much for our relationship with God. Wherever you go there you are, right? And wherever you go, God is there, too! Whether you’re healthy or sick, young or old, rich or poor, working or retired (or on vacation!}, inside or outside, here or there – whatever circumstance you may find yourself in – the Greatest Commandment remains the same. ” Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength.”
Hebrews 10:19-25 says, ” Therefore, brothers, since we have the confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
So, are you growing closer to God? Are you growing more in love with him? Are you growing in your obedience to his word? Are you growing in the fruits of grace? Is the love of God spilling over into other parts of your life and leading you to love others?
If you have found your spiritual life becoming stagnant or diminishing, let me offer some simple direction to draw near:
- Gather with God’s people for worship on the Lord’s Day, and worship God with your families on other days. (Hebrews 10:25 above}
- Spend time in God’s word. Draw near to listen! (Ecclesiastes 5:1)
- Spend time in prayer seeking God’s grace and favor. (Hebrews 7:25)
- Have a ministry of prayer in which you intercede for others. (James 5:16)
- Try to live faithfully by God’s commandments. (Isaiah 58:2)
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you! (James 4:8)