“As we enter another new year,” Stan commented during breakfast, “I find it useful to focus on the continuing aspect of one of my favorite verses, James 4:8.”
“Is that the one about drawing near to God?”
“It is,” Stan agreed. “As I draw near to God, He draws near to me. It seems to me that applies both eternally and during the time I remain on this side of eternity.”
“How so?”
“Well,” Stan replied, “as I chose to draw near to God for eternal purposes by accepting the finished work of Jesus’ cross, God certainly drew near to me, but that was only the beginning of the story.”
“Only the beginning?”
“Yeah,” Stan said. “Even though I have the assurance that I will spend eternity in God’s presence, it seems to me that I’m to continually draw near and nearer to God while He keeps me here so He can show me what He knows I need to be used for His kingdom purposes.”
“So,” I said, “a person is to draw near to God for eternal purposes and then draw near and nearer to Him for life with and for Him on this side. Is that it?”
“That’s it, my friend,” Stan said. “Draw near in the first place, and then nearer and nearer in an ever-deepening personal relationship based on seeing what the Father and the Son know I need in order to do that!”
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Bible verses to consider:
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. James 4:8.
He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25.
So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:12-13.
And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. John 17:3.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus as the way to life eternally with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. I confess that even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence because I accepted Jesus’ finished work on the cross, I confess that too often I don’t choose to draw nearer to you while you keep me on this side of eternity. Please forgive that foolish approach to living the new life you’ve given to me. Help me follow every step of your lead into the deepest possible personal relationship with you based on continually drawing nearer and nearer to you. Thank you that I can and do bring these prayers before you in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Think on this: Have you drawn near to God for eternal purposes? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from Him both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with drawing ever nearer to God while He keeps you on this side of eternity? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need in order to not only draw near to Him for eternal purposes, but to draw continually nearer to Him while you remain here? Spend time on this in prayer, reflection, and journaling to see what He knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to being part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?