Message Library

Be Closer to the Lord

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“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:15-16

As we approach end-times, Satan is trying to fill our hearts with fear which can pull us away from our Lord.  Christ can empathize with our weaknesses and temptations as we feel powerless to overcome the increased evil in the world.  However, we can approach God’s throne and walk with confidence because He will walk with us in this time of need.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.  (Mark 12:30-31) We receive the Lord’s divine help as we get closer to him in a loving relationship and we are closer to him as his love fills our hearts. It’s love that connects us to God because God is love. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. (1 John 4:18) We overcome Satan’s attack of fear with a heart filled with the Lord’s perfect love.

No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. (1 John 4:12) The Lord’s love is made complete in us as we love one another.  As we minister to the world, we experience the life of Jesus which draws us closer to Christ with a dependent heart.  If we don’t depend on the Lord, our faith is not pleasing to the Lord and our love will not be complete. It’s important we love all mankind, including our enemies, and have the faith and courage to bring God’s love to the world.

If you love me, keep my commands. (John 14:15) We get closer to the Lord as we live as his servants guided by the Holy Spirit.  This is how we change our focus from self and place it on Christ and others. This is also how we have faith that pleases God because we see God as the Master and we are the servant.

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going. (John 14:1-4 ESV) Knowing Heaven is our home is a powerful motivation to overcome fear.  As we realize this world is not our home, our thoughts are more on the spirit than they are on the world and this draws us to the Lord and to our eternal life, freeing us from the world.

In the last days, it’s important we follow the Spirit, motivated by love, bringing God’s love to people, because souls are looking for answers.  Serving the Lord, filling our hearts with love is how we get closer to Christ.  Our minds are filled with his Word, our hearts are filled with his love, and our life is hidden in Christ. Being close to Christ is the answer to all our problems and fears!

Today, seek to be closer to the Lord through his Word, prayer, and by serving him. Always seek the Lord and whenever possible seek Christian fellowship. Listen to the Spirit for guidance to guide you through your day.

Prayer: Lord, guide me to seek you with all my heart, and to fully depend you today as I reflect Jesus to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen