“Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other.” (James 4:8 The Voice)
REFLECTION
To date, I’ve had my share of struggles, but by the grace of God I’ve experienced faith, hope and love – albeit in varying degrees – in the thick of it all. And praise God that I am experiencing the ever-increasing freedom that only Truth can bring—and with Truth, every good (though not always easy) thing.
Here are some of the ways I intentionally pursue an ever-closer relationship with the one true God:
▫️Staying prayerful, asking and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide me into all truth (John 16:13). And being very honest in my prayers.
▫️Intentionally distancing myself from unhelpful distractions and instead prayerfully dealing with reality.
▫️Staying involved in Christian community, and “not giving up meeting together” (Hebrews 10:25, NIV).
▫️Staying committed to prayer ministry with a spiritual mentor / director I trust, who prayerfully helps me process issues, identify the root causes and uproot any weeds that are hindering my spiritual growth.
▫️Spending quality time praying and pondering God’s Word every day.
PRAYER POEM: The Perfect Holy One
Lord, I come to You as I am because of the sacrificial Lamb. I draw near in faith and reverential fear, and You – our Sovereign Saviour – revere.
May Your beauty blaze within me and amaze me, as I am readied to run and point precious people to You – The Perfect Holy One.
