TOPIC: LET US GET CLOSER TO JESUS
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous (1 John 2:1)
God despises sin. Don't you? I know I do. But isn't it strange how we keep falling into the same old traps? Here, John, who was a kind Shepherd, hits the nail right on the head. The goal is to not make a single mistake. But because John knows how hard it is to fight the flesh, he also gives hope to those of us who are trying to live good lives. He wants us to know that God's Son, who died as a sacrifice for our sins, is also our defense attorney who declares us innocent by his blood when we do sin. So let's get closer to Jesus. Let's start each day by letting him into our hearts. Let's believe that his power and grace will keep us going and get us through. When we do, he will!
Let's not forget that getting closer to Jesus requires effort on our part. It means reading his word, spending time in prayer and worship, and obeying his commands. We can't expect to grow in our relationship with him if we're not willing to put in the work. But the good news is that as we draw near to him, he draws near to us (James 4:8).
So let's make a conscious effort to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. Let's seek him first and trust that everything else will fall into place (Matthew 6:33).
And when we stumble along the way, let's remember that we have an advocate in Jesus who intercedes for us before the Father (Romans 8:34).
Let's press on towards the goal of knowing Christ more intimately and becoming more like him each day (Philippians 3:10-14).
Let's also remember that getting closer to Jesus is a journey, not a one-time event. It takes time and patience to develop a deep and meaningful relationship with him.
We must be willing to persevere through the ups and downs of life, trusting that he is always with us and guiding us along the way.
Let's also surround ourselves with other believers who can encourage us and hold us accountable in our walk with Christ (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Together, let's strive towards becoming more like Jesus each day, living out his love and grace in all that we do.
MY PRAYER TONIGHT
God, no one and nothing is like you. I did not have to provide the sacrifice for my sins. Even though my transgressions crushed your heart, you gave that sacrifice.
Please use me today as I strive to offer myself, my life, and my future back to you as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to you as I try to say thank you for your grace. In Jesus' name I pray.
CONCLUSION
Let us end tonight's prayer by making a commitment to get closer to Jesus every day:
Read His word
Spend time in prayer
Worship Him
Obey His commands
Seek Him first above all else
Trust in His power and grace
Persevere through ups and downs
Surround ourselves with other believers.
May we continue on this journey of becoming more like Him each day; living out His love and grace in all that we do.
Strive towards becoming more like Jesus each day
Prioritize our relationship with Him above all else
Trust in His guidance and provision
Persevere through the challenges of life
Surround ourselves with fellow believers for encouragement and accountability
Let us commit to these actions as we seek to draw closer to Jesus every day. May we continue on this journey of growing in intimacy with Him, living out His love and grace in all that we do.
Father, thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who intercedes for us before You when we fall short. Help us to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else and put in the effort required to grow closer to Him. Guide us as we read Your word, spend time in prayer and worship, and obey Your commands. Give us strength to persevere through the ups and downs of life and surround us with other believers who can encourage and hold us accountable. In Jesus' name, amen.
