Intentional Steps to Draw Nearer to God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we are invited to embrace a deeper relationship with God, recognizing His constant presence and the transformative power of drawing nearer to Him. The essence of our journey is to be intentional about our relationship with God, making a conscious effort to prioritize Him in our daily lives. God is relational and desires a closer connection with us, just as He has given us relationships with others. We must not ignore His invitation but respond with a heart ready to worship and seek Him earnestly.
Our 21 days of prayer and fasting is a significant opportunity to focus on God, setting aside distractions and dedicating time to prayer and reflection. This period is not just about abstaining from certain foods or activities but about redirecting our focus towards God and deepening our spiritual walk. We are encouraged to pray continually, listen to God's voice, and follow His guidance.
Drawing nearer to God requires intentionality and vulnerability. It means letting go of our false sense of control and surrendering our plans and desires to Him. This closeness brings comfort, security, peace, and protection. Psalm 73:28 reminds us that being near God is beneficial for us, offering a shelter and a place of refuge.
However, there are hindrances to drawing near to God, such as sin and distractions. We must be aware of these and take steps to overcome them. James 4:8 calls us to purify our hearts and be fully devoted to God, not divided between the world and Him. We must choose whom we will serve and be intentional about our relationship with God.
The benefits of drawing nearer to God include true transformation, growth, and a deeper understanding of His love and grace. This relationship is not a one-time event but a continuous, daily walk with God. As we draw closer, we reflect His glory and are changed into His image, fulfilling our God-given purpose and bearing fruit in our lives.
Let us not miss this incredible opportunity to deepen our relationship with God. Participate in the 21 days of prayer and fasting, confess and repent of any sins, and be intentional about spending time with God. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you. Let us be transformed and experience the fullness of God's love and purpose for our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intentionality in Relationship with God: Drawing nearer to God requires a deliberate effort. It is not something that happens by accident. We must prioritize our relationship with Him, just as we do with our significant others and family. This intentionality brings us into His presence, offering comfort, security, and peace. [35:54]
2. Overcoming Hindrances: Sin and distractions can hinder our ability to draw near to God. We must be aware of these obstacles and take steps to overcome them. James 4:8 emphasizes the need to purify our hearts and be fully devoted to God, not divided between the world and Him. [39:17]
3. Transformation through Closeness: Drawing nearer to God leads to true transformation and growth. As we spend time in His presence, we reflect His glory and are changed into His image. This transformation is a continuous process that requires daily intentionality. [44:38]
4. Benefits of Nearness: Being near to God offers numerous benefits, including a deeper understanding of His love and grace, peace, and joy. It also enables us to fulfill our God-given purpose and bear fruit in our lives. Psalm 73:28 highlights the personal benefits of being close to God. [37:04]
5. Practical Steps to Draw Nearer: Participate in the 21 days of prayer and fasting, confess and repent of any sins, and be intentional about spending time with God. Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge you. These practical steps help deepen our relationship with God and transform our lives. [48:07]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[19:25] - Sweet Presence of the Holy Spirit
[21:01] - Worship and Declaration
[29:44] - 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting
[31:16] - Drawing Nearer to God
[32:52] - Responding to God's Invitation
[34:19] - Ignoring God's Invitation
[35:54] - Intentional Effort to Draw Near
[37:04] - Benefits of Being Near God
[39:17] - Hindrances to Drawing Near
[40:26] - Divided Loyalties
[42:36] - Surrendering Control
[44:38] - Transformation and Growth
[45:55] - Experiencing God's Love and Grace
[48:07] - Practical Applications
[50:58] - Community of Believers
[52:04] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 73:28 (NLT): "But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do."
2. James 4:8 (NLT): "Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT): "So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 73:28, what are the benefits of being near to God? How does the psalmist describe his relationship with God? [37:04]
2. What does James 4:8 instruct believers to do in order to draw near to God? What are the conditions mentioned in this verse? [39:17]
3. In 2 Corinthians 3:18, what transformation occurs when believers draw near to God? How does this verse describe the process of becoming more like Him? [44:38]
4. What are some practical steps mentioned in the sermon for drawing nearer to God? [48:07]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the psalmist's declaration in Psalm 73:28 reflect the personal benefits of being close to God? Why is it important to recognize these benefits? [37:04]
2. James 4:8 speaks about purifying our hearts and not being divided between God and the world. What does it mean to have divided loyalties, and how can this affect our relationship with God? [39:17]
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 mentions that believers are changed into God's glorious image. What does this transformation look like in a believer's daily life? How does this process of change happen? [44:38]
4. The sermon emphasizes the importance of intentionality in our relationship with God. Why is being intentional crucial for spiritual growth and transformation? [35:54]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Psalm 73:28, how can you make the Sovereign Lord your shelter in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to tell others about the wonderful things God has done for you? [37:04]
2. James 4:8 calls for purifying our hearts and being fully devoted to God. Are there areas in your life where your loyalty is divided between God and the world? How can you address these areas to draw closer to God? [39:17]
3. Considering 2 Corinthians 3:18, in what ways do you see yourself being transformed into God's image? What practical actions can you take to continue this transformation process? [44:38]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of participating in the 21 days of prayer and fasting. How can you incorporate this practice into your life, and what specific distractions can you set aside to focus more on God? [48:07]
5. The sermon highlighted the need for a community of believers to encourage and challenge us. How can you actively seek out or contribute to such a community? What steps can you take to form or join a small group? [50:58]
6. Reflect on the concept of surrendering control to God. Are there specific areas in your life where you struggle to let go of control? How can you practice surrendering these areas to God this week? [42:36]
7. The sermon emphasized the continuous, daily walk with God. What daily habits or routines can you establish to ensure you are intentionally drawing nearer to God? How can you maintain these habits consistently? [45:19]
Devotional
### Day 1: Intentional Effort to Draw Near
Description: Drawing nearer to God requires a deliberate and conscious effort. It is not something that happens by accident or without intention. Just as we prioritize relationships with our significant others and family, we must also prioritize our relationship with God. This intentionality brings us into His presence, offering comfort, security, and peace. By setting aside time each day to focus on God, we can cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. This involves making daily choices that reflect our commitment to seeking Him and being open to His guidance. [35:54]
Bible Passage: "But from there you will seek the Lord your God and you will find him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul." (Deuteronomy 4:29, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to intentionally draw nearer to God? Consider setting aside a dedicated time for prayer and reflection, free from distractions.
### Day 2: Overcoming Hindrances
Description: Sin and distractions can significantly hinder our ability to draw near to God. These obstacles can create a barrier between us and God, making it difficult to experience His presence fully. James 4:8 emphasizes the need to purify our hearts and be fully devoted to God, not divided between the world and Him. To overcome these hindrances, we must be aware of them and take proactive steps to address them. This may involve confessing and repenting of our sins, removing distractions from our lives, and making a conscious effort to focus on God. By doing so, we can create a clear path to a closer relationship with Him. [39:17]
Bible Passage: "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one sin or distraction in your life that is hindering your relationship with God. What steps can you take today to overcome this obstacle and draw nearer to Him?
### Day 3: Transformation through Closeness
Description: Drawing nearer to God leads to true transformation and growth. As we spend time in His presence, we reflect His glory and are changed into His image. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process that requires daily intentionality. By seeking God and allowing His presence to work in our lives, we can experience a profound change that aligns us more closely with His will and purpose. This transformation involves a deepening of our understanding of God's love and grace, as well as a greater ability to live out our faith in practical ways. [44:38]
Bible Passage: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: How have you experienced transformation in your life as a result of drawing nearer to God? What areas of your life still need to be transformed by His presence?
### Day 4: Benefits of Nearness
Description: Being near to God offers numerous benefits, including a deeper understanding of His love and grace, peace, and joy. It also enables us to fulfill our God-given purpose and bear fruit in our lives. Psalm 73:28 highlights the personal benefits of being close to God, describing it as a place of refuge and shelter. By drawing nearer to God, we can experience the fullness of His love and the security that comes from being in His presence. This nearness provides us with the strength and guidance we need to navigate the challenges of life and to live out our faith in meaningful ways. [37:04]
Bible Passage: "But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works." (Psalm 73:28, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt particularly close to God. What benefits did you experience during that time, and how can you seek to maintain that closeness in your daily life?
### Day 5: Practical Steps to Draw Nearer
Description: To deepen our relationship with God, we must take practical steps such as participating in periods of prayer and fasting, confessing and repenting of any sins, and being intentional about spending time with God. Surrounding ourselves with a community of believers who can encourage and challenge us is also essential. These practical steps help us to focus on God and to cultivate a deeper and more meaningful relationship with Him. By setting aside distractions and dedicating time to prayer and reflection, we can experience the transformative power of God's presence in our lives. [48:07]
Bible Passage: "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to draw nearer to God? Consider joining a prayer group, setting aside time for personal reflection, or seeking accountability from a trusted friend or mentor.
Quotes
1. "God is inviting us to draw closer and closer to him, how many know God didn't leave nor forsake us, so let's go before God, Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask you to download through me, God, the message that you would have to your people today, bless us, God, so that we may have ears to hear you, and we may have ears to hear you, and we may have ears to hear God, and to proceed to understand what it is that you're saying, that it may fall on good ground and bear much fruit in our lives, let us be changed today and forevermore as a result of your word, we thank you for the anointing which destroys the yokes in our lives, and we say yes, God, to everything that you're saying to us today, in Jesus' name, amen, always." [31:16] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Drawing near requires an intentional effort. We've got to be intentional about drawing near to God. And it's a desire to be in God's presence. Anybody just want to feel the presence of God? Amen. And you don't have to wait until Sunday morning to do it. You can worship God in your home. You can set up your own little room in your closet. Some of us who are prayer warriors in your closet and have your little throw pillows down there and worship God just between you and God. So you have to be intentional about your relationship with God. It cannot be something that's passive or by accident." [35:54] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We can't love God and not love people. We can't love God and put money, career, other things before him. We've got to be intentional about our relationship. Choose whom you will serve. The decision is yours. Oh yeah, we can present you with the gospel of Jesus Christ, as we should. We can share the love of Jesus Christ, as we should. But the choice is yours. You've got to decide, are you going to go right or are you going to go left? Are you going to worship things and man and money and your flesh and everything else? Or are you going to worship the true and the living God?" [41:36] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We have to surrender ourselves to God. That means surrendering our calendar, our plan, our thoughts, our desires for His. We've got to be willing to say, you know what God, I'm going to lay aside what I want from this situation. And I'm going to ask you, God, show me what you want for me in this case, in this matter. There are benefits of drawing near to God. Drawing nearer to God leads to true transformation and growth. Now this is for those who want to grow up in our faith and really want to walk this walk and live this Christian life victoriously." [42:36] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have to be intentional about your relationship with God. 2 Corinthians 3, verse 18. 2 Corinthians 3, verse 18. It says, So all of us who have had that veil removed, can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord, who is the Spirit, makes us more and more like Him. It also says, So all of us who have had that veil removed, can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord, who is the Spirit, makes us more and more like Him. As we are changed into His glory. Into His glorious image. That is why we draw closer and nearer to God. Because ultimately we want to be changed." [44:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Drawing nearer also allows us to experience a deeper understanding of God's love and His grace. And ultimately brings peace and joy. Amen? Through drawing nearer, we're able to fulfill God-given purpose. And guess what? We can bear fruit in our lives. See, the Word is a seed. And when it's planted in you, it should bear fruit. Amen? Lives should be changed. So the invitation to draw nearer to God is always open. 24-7. Amen? It's not a weekend thing. Let us not miss out on this incredible opportunity to deepen our relationship with God." [45:55] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Invite God's presence and His guidance into your activities. You really want to get closer to God. Ask God what He feels about what you're doing. The decisions you make. Should I go to the store today? Should I not? There are people that have gone to the store and never made it home. Should I take this new job or should I not? It could be the best thing for you or it could be the worst thing for you. Should I go out on this blind date? It could be the spouse that God has for you or it could be a trick from the enemy to distract you. Should I move across the country to Texas or New York or wherever? Should I come from wherever to South Carolina? It could be a trick. It could be divine appointment. Invite God in. Not after the fact. Before the fact." [50:19] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Deliverance comes when you begin to see the truth of God's word. You can pray about anything. Let God in that closet. him into all those secret places. Amen. Let's be intentional about our relationship with God. Let's go back before God. God, we thank you for your word. It has gone forth. We ask you, Lord God, to do what you desire to do in each and every one of us. Dear God, we thank you for the message that you've spoken to us today. We know, God, that you have a plan and a purpose for each and every one of us. And we ask, Lord God, that you would show forth your plan and your purpose and that it would be revealed unto us so that we can walk therein. And we do give you praise, glory, and honor. In Jesus' name." [52:04] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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