January 12, 2025
Oh So Close
Scripture
James 4:8
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Thought for Today
How close do you want to be to God?
Our walk with God consists of a daily relationship that we establish with Him through a desire to know Him. He invites us to get to know Him through developing a close, personal, intimate relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Some Christians believe that once they have accepted Christ as Savior and have been baptized that they can place their relationship with God in “lack of care mode” expecting God to do all of the drawing while they continue to live as they want. However, a close relationship requires a daily, continual and active pursuit of God in our lives.
James gives clear insight (James 4:8) on the pursuit of a closer relationship with God by challenging believers to initiate the closeness and God will respond by becoming increasingly closer. This means we must spend more time in His presence in prayer, worship, and studying and meditating upon His Word. James further challenges us to “cleanse your hands and purify your hearts.” These are daily acts of confession and repentance; applying the blood of Jesus and asking Him to forgive us of our sins and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. The phrase from the song ring true:
Draw me nearer, near blessed Lord
To the cross where Thou hast died
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord
To Your precious bleeding side
To the cross where Thou hast died
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord
To Your precious bleeding side
It’s Time to Pray
Heavenly Father, I desire to draw closer to You and I am committed to showing You by spending time in your presence and cleansing my heart through confession and repentance. Please stay close and reveal your plan for me today and every day. I ask humbly in Jesus’ name, Amen.
