Last week we looked at James 4:7-8. James tells us that we are able to draw near to God and God will draw near to us. The result is Satan or the Devil will leave us. In all probability James was thinking of Jesus’ temptation with the Devil in the wilderness. Jesus resisted the Devil by relying on the words of His Father. In so doing He was drawing near to Him. In the end the Devil was a miserable failure and he left.
So, when harassed by the Devil, the great deceiver, how do we draw near to God? the beginning point is to be sure you know Him as your savior and Lord from sin and death and not just know about Him. Christianity is a relationship with Jesus before it is a religion; a form of worship.
Pray. This is our life line of communication with the God of all creation. We have been given the privilege of talking and listening directly to God. He waits for us and answers in many ways. Psalm 145:18-19 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him he hears their cry and saves them.
Study the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. This is God’s love letter to mankind and we should read it over and over again as you would a letter from your sweetheart. As we read, we must also study what it teaches. (Talk a Walk 2/24/21 pilotknob.org. publications, communique).
Worship. An important component of drawing near. Worship is how we live each day honoring God by how we live. Worship also involves praise and music, as music is a powerful medium to be influenced by God. Psalm 8:2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger.
Obey. We can read, study, memorize, sing all we want, but if we don’t put it into action it is useless to us and others.
Drawing near to God takes effort and discipline but the benefits are well worth it. It may mean setting aside not-so-important activities to make time for God.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today 2:30 Confirmation
Sunday 14, 9:00 Morning Lenten worship. Sermon: Return from Denial
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