GET CLOSER TO JESUS
By Lars Hyldgård
Staying close to Jesus is vital to our spiritual life and will matter in eternity. (Look, for instance, at John 15:1-8, 2. Cor. 11:2-3, 1. Cor. 1:9).
The true Christian faith is not a religion like all other religions. It’s a relationship with The One who loves us and has freed us from our sins.
Here are seven sure pointers on how to get closer to Jesus:
1) Focus on Jesus. There’s a spiritual battle being fought for your attention – so prioritize your time. Spend time worshipping and earnestly praying to Him. Ask Him to speak to you through the Bible. But above all, seek Him as the Person He is. “One thing is needed!” (Fellowship with Jesus, Luke 10:42). “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
2) Have eternity as your perspective. It is very shortsighted to only consider success and recognition from people in this short lifespan. Seek the recognition of God and invest in things that will bring eternal returns.
3) You can’t go wrong with humility. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1. Peter 5:5). Don’t do anything where you try to be above others, and grow in your understanding of your deep dependency on Jesus. Ask Jesus to shape and form you.
4) Pray that God’s will may happen in all things. Mention all the relationships in your life that you can bring to Him. Trust that God’s will by far is the best thing for you and those around you.
5) Ask Jesus to renew your love for those that you have a difficult time loving. Ask that you may see them as He sees them. Then God can begin to use you in their lives.
6) Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit – also in situations where you are challenged in testifying about Jesus! All obedience to the Holy Spirit will bear fruit in the kingdom of God. Pray for the boldness to be obedient.
7) Receive the freedom that Jesus has won for you on the cross. The freedom in being God’s child, and in Jesus having overcome all oppression. “Do not worry!” (Matt. 6:25). “Do not be affraid!” (Mark 5:36). “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
Staying close to Jesus is vital to our spiritual life and will matter in eternity. (Look, for instance, at John 15:1-8, 2. Cor. 11:2-3, 1. Cor. 1:9).
The true Christian faith is not a religion like all other religions. It’s a relationship with The One who loves us and has freed us from our sins.
Here are seven sure pointers on how to get closer to Jesus:
1) Focus on Jesus. There’s a spiritual battle being fought for your attention – so prioritize your time. Spend time worshipping and earnestly praying to Him. Ask Him to speak to you through the Bible. But above all, seek Him as the Person He is. “One thing is needed!” (Fellowship with Jesus, Luke 10:42). “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
2) Have eternity as your perspective. It is very shortsighted to only consider success and recognition from people in this short lifespan. Seek the recognition of God and invest in things that will bring eternal returns.
3) You can’t go wrong with humility. “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble” (1. Peter 5:5). Don’t do anything where you try to be above others, and grow in your understanding of your deep dependency on Jesus. Ask Jesus to shape and form you.
4) Pray that God’s will may happen in all things. Mention all the relationships in your life that you can bring to Him. Trust that God’s will by far is the best thing for you and those around you.
5) Ask Jesus to renew your love for those that you have a difficult time loving. Ask that you may see them as He sees them. Then God can begin to use you in their lives.
6) Follow the promptings of the Holy Spirit – also in situations where you are challenged in testifying about Jesus! All obedience to the Holy Spirit will bear fruit in the kingdom of God. Pray for the boldness to be obedient.
7) Receive the freedom that Jesus has won for you on the cross. The freedom in being God’s child, and in Jesus having overcome all oppression. “Do not worry!” (Matt. 6:25). “Do not be affraid!” (Mark 5:36). “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed” (John 8:36).
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