SERMON'S FROM THE HEART *Rev. Lily*
https://www.christianleadersinstitute.org
Today's Sermon : January 18th 2015
HOW DO WE GET CLOSER TO GOD?
Before we talk about this question and steps to daily personal devotion time, I'd like to read to you
a part taken from Colbert S. Cartwright's-
( A three year cycle of daily devotion) discussing Daily Worship..
He says: “ To grow as Christians we need a disciplined awareness of the loving God in daily living. God is always present with us, but becomes alive and real fro us only as we consciously attend to God's Spirit in our hearts and world.. Too often we center our lives upon God on Sunday but make little vital connection between that God and what we do in the thick of daily living.
Consciousness of the Divine can illumine our daily existence with the reality of God and a transforming awareness of self, neighbor, and world.. This is the life of Christian faith.”
When the spark of God's Spirit kindles and warms our hearts, our objective has been fulfilled. The object is not to follow a prescribed discipline or set order--- but to be- in touch- with God.
So how do we do that?
In the words of my favorite country music singer Reba McEntire-
You gotta have a little want to inside of you- it can go a long long way...
First we need to get real. Get on our knees and be right and honest and truthful before the Lord.
And as you have heard before: The truth shall set you free..
We get close to God by acts of faith and kindness..
In reading his word – his daily scriptures.. Find 10 minutes that belong only to God.. but make that time a priority.. If you plan your time with God on the busy hour of the day, the kids are coming from school, you are thinking of the bills, the repairs, the things you have to get done- then wait until your mind is settled at the end of the day.. Find that time of day that can really be shared with the Lord, and if you can- do it with your spouse or loved one.. God wont mind.
Tools- there are so many wonderful resources out there.. daily devotional study guides, religious magazines, attending seminars, bible studies, church school classes, emails that give you bible study daily- these are great ways to broaden our understanding, and keep us focused. But I suggest- take the time- open up the bible – find one that you understand well- there are so many great versions out there and when you have a bible that makes sense to you- it is so much easier to understand. Get into the word......
We get closer to God by being with his people.. By feeding the hungry, by helping the poor, by giving of ones self expecting nothing in return.. We get closer to God by asking him into our darkest parts and letting him take away the pain or sin or worry that cause us to be apart from him. He is always willing and waiting for us.. Like the story of the prodigal son- He is waiting to celebrate our coming home to him.. Right now- in this life... He loves us still. Praise God! Praise him in your waking moments- before your busy thoughts take over- tell him good morning first. I love morning prayer times because I am in a right place with God when I start my day and he helps me find ways to serve him, and changes the way I react to situations.. He is changing me every day.. And I am so thankful..
This brings us to prayer time: When you are going to study God's word- remember there is a helper. A Holy Spirit that is here to guide us , to counsel us, to enrich our time spent in the word with understanding.. Ask in Jesus name for the guidance of the holy spirit in your learning and understanding.. It makes so much difference.. But you will have to take the first step.. You see- God is willing and loving and generous.. and in our worship and praise and desire to know him and learn his word – we need to be earnestly seeking..
Ok so , now what,,, I'm reading, I'm praying, I'm focused and learning,, what's next?
Listening..............Oh.. Yes. Something I am learning every day..
There are many ways:
Listen and share in God's message and worship services through music.
This is one of my very favorite ways that I connect with God's Spirit and Love in my life.
Attending worship service and being part of a connected community of Christ's children is a way for you to learn from others in their walks and also an opportunity for you to share how God is also working in your life and your family ..Listen to the spirit.. Listen to others as they share with you..Listen without already thinking of the answers to say to people. Really hear the people in your life.. In this way- God can work more fully through you..
Again- Listening to worship messages...
If you are someone who is unable to attend these services- there are many churches now that record their message and can share with you.. Ask them..
Come here to this blog for his word if you would like.
Be so on fire for the love of God in your life that you earnestly seek him ..
Another way to really get a good grasp on the bible and its teachings- to get a closer relationship with God is to understand his word..
I personally have learned so much in my short time at Christian Leaders Institute.. CLI.
It is free learning... The basic bible course gives you as it says- the basics..
Puts it all into context so you know how to study the bible further. You can test your understanding by taking the course and reading the scriptures while guided by the class..
You can find them on the website: www.christianleadersinstitute.org
Read the Psalms
One of my personal favorites is Psalm 1
( The Way of the Righteous and the End of the Ungodly)
Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the LORD,
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not whither.
In all they do, they prosper.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Friends in Christ...Getting closer to God- is a daily effort.
When you stumble- tell God and try again.
He knows your heart and your mind better than you do.
And you will know in your very spirit that God is with you.
Because he gives us the spirit if truth and discernment- to teach us his ways.
It is my prayer for you today- that in your day to day journey -
that you will know the Lord as your personal savior and that the
Love and Joy in your heart would overflow abundantly to bless others
by God through you..
In His amazing Love and Justifying Grace.. Be blessed..
Rev. Lily Frazier