What steps can we take to prevent spiritual "distance" from God today? Key Passage: 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.” Recognizing Why Distance Develops • Sin that goes unconfessed (Isaiah 59:2) • Neglect of Scripture and prayer (Jeremiah 2:32) • Crowded schedules that squeeze out worship (Luke 10:40-42) • Affection for the world’s values (1 John 2:15-16) • Coolness of first-love devotion (Revelation 2:4) Step 1 – Choose to Move Toward Him • Nearness is not automatic; it begins with an act of the will. • Psalm 73:28: “But as for me, it is good to draw near to God.” • Set a time and place each day to meet with Him. Step 2 – Cleanse Your Hands: Honest Confession • Bring sins into the light—no rationalizing, no blaming. • 1 John 1:9: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” • Specific confession restores fellowship and removes the barrier. Step 3 – Purify Your Hearts: Single-Minded Devotion • Ask God to expose double motives. • Psalm 86:11: “Unite my heart to fear Your Name.” • Colossians 3:1-2 urges setting minds “on things above,” replacing divided loyalties. Step 4 – Immerse Yourself in His Word Practical ideas: • Read through a Gospel slowly, noting what Christ loves and hates. • Memorize key verses (Psalm 119:9-11). • Journal insights and thank-yous as you go. The Word cleanses (Ephesians 5:26) and fuels love for God. Step 5 – Cultivate Ongoing Conversation (Prayer) • Begin with gratitude, move to surrender, then bring petitions (Philippians 4:6-7). • Pray Scripture back to Him—turn Psalm 23 or Romans 8 into personal praise. • Maintain short, frequent check-ins during the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Step 6 – Engage Corporate Worship and Fellowship • Hebrews 10:24-25 highlights the importance of gathering. • Singing truth with others warms affections; mutual encouragement keeps hearts tender. • Serve in a ministry team—shared mission breeds closeness to God and His people. Step 7 – Obey Promptly and Completely • John 15:10: “If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love.” • Small, immediate acts of obedience—apology made, generosity shown, temptation fled—strengthen intimacy. Step 8 – Guard Your Heart Daily • Proverbs 4:23: “Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow springs of life.” • Monitor inputs: media, conversations, environments. • Replace corrosive influences with what is true, honorable, and pure (Philippians 4:8). Step 9 – Remember the Promise • Hebrews 10:22 invites us to “draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith.” • God’s nearness is guaranteed by His character, not our feelings. • When we take these steps, He faithfully fulfills James 4:8—closing every gap with His steadfast presence. |
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