Are You Near To God?

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8

As I was thinking about Mao Sensei’s call to become an ordained minister in the EPC, I was reminded of the story of the call of Moses from a shepherd in Midian to lead the children of Israel out of Slavery. One day as Moses was going about the same ordinary routine that he had done for the previous 40 years, he saw a bush that was on fire. Moses looked and looked and after a period of time he said, the bush is on fire and it does not go out. Exodus 3:3 tells us, “So Moses thought, I will go over and see this strange sight- why the bush does not burn up.”

It was after Moses had gone over to look that he heard God call his name from the bush. The story of the burning bush shows us that God revealed himself to Moses after he had taken the initiative to go look. Moses took the initiative. In the same way, the initiative to draw near to God is upon us. James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Psalm 145:18 says, “The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, To all who call upon Him in truth” Jeremiah 29:12-14 says, 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord. God does not force a relationship upon us, rather he gives us the freedom to choose how close we desire to be with him.

Thought For Today: Someone once said, “If you don’t feel close to God guess who moved.” God is as close and near to you as you desire him to be. How close will you allow God to get to you today?

Today’s Prayer Focus: Thank God that he is as close and near to you as you choose to be. Pray for a closer walk with Jesus today. Deo Volente.