Daily Christian devotionals: getting close to God

Memorise: “For every one that asketh receiveth: and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened” (Luke 11:10)

Read: John 13:21-26

 Pastor E. ADEBOYE

In receiving revelations from the Lord, intimacy is very crucial. You cannot be close to God and stay without mysteries and divine secrets. In the same way, you cannot be far from God and claim to be a custodian of privileged heavenly information. God has so much secrets: but He entrusts them to those He can trust. Can He trust you? If you remain in the dark concerning major events of your life, it shows you are far from the Master.

Although marital association should produce intimacy, there are homes where couples are miles apart in spirit and soul, while physically sleeping on the same bed, or in the same house. In such a case, secrets and intimate plans are never shared with each other. A man was planning a distant trip but never shared with his wife. Meanwhile he confided in another married woman that lived in their neighbourhood. He was already at the park when his wife got to know and went after him to stop him. So close yet so distant.

Some believers are like that to Christ. They are supposed to have Jesus in their heart and be led of His Spirit, yet they are miles apart. They run their lives themselves and hardly seek His guidance. So close but so far apart. Hence, if the Lord wants to share vital information capable of changing their lives, He cannot tell them directly. He will have to pass the message through someone close to Him.

 How often does the Lord communicate with you? It is very dangerous to keep a distance from the Lord. You may be denied the vital information you need. Or it may come at a wrong time. You could easily become a prey in the teeth of your enemies, or a casualty of enemies’ fire.

This year, the Lord wants you to take practical steps towards Him. Draw closer in prayer. Seek Him early before you leave for the day’s official engagements. Draw closer through regular study of the Word. Set apart some time to seek Him in prayer and fasting.

You can draw nearer by just worshipping before His presence. How long would you remain at the valley in relationship with Him, when He expects you on the mountain top? To be relevant in His plan for the year, you must be one He can entrust with His secrets. John the beloved earned his title through hard work. He worked so hard on knowing Him, and making Him happy that he became His closest disciple.

 Even Peter, one of the trio had to consult John to decode certain coded information from the Lord. If you care about your relationship with Jesus, you will work at it. Let your prayer be, Lord reveal yourself to me. I want to know you more. Like John, you too can become a consultant.

If it has been long since you last heard God speak to you, or share secrets with you, pray that God will help you bridge the gap. You are miles apart!