Key scripture – “Therefore He [Jesus] is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Did you know that God intends for you to get close to Him?

Look at how the writer of the book of Hebrews describes those who are saved. He calls them “those who draw near to God through Him [Christ]”. This is the miracle of life in Christ!

Before Jesus became a part of our lives we were far away from God, even if we were religious, and even if we were good. We can’t draw near to God by or through anything that we do, no matter how good and nice we are, instead we have to draw near to God through what His Son has done for us. Jesus’ death on the cross was like a bridge that enabled us to come close to God, to be acceptable to Him. That is why we can “draw near to the throne of Grace with confidence.” (Hebrews 4:16).

The awesome potential of a close relationship with God is yours. Jesus died for you to bring you close to God. God wants you to “draw near to Him”, to make Him your deepest desire. “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).

So what are you doing with this opportunity? Are you putting God first in your life? Are you drawing near to God?

If there is even a glimmer of desire in your heart to pursue God, you must fan that spark that is in you until it grows into a flame. You can do that by seeking Him, which involves spending time alone with God in prayer and in His Word, and as you do that you will draw near to Him. There is nothing sadder than a heart that is ignoring God, and there is nothing more joyful than a heart that has God at its center!

What kind of heart do you have? Are you a person after God’s own heart? I challenge you to do this: For the next seven days spend at least three hours alone with God. You can read His Word, sing to Him, talk to Him about what is going on in your life, and pray. You can do it in fifteen minute, thirty minute or one hour time periods, but stop making excuses and just do it, and it will change your life forever.

“For the eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth so that He may support those whose heart is completely His” (2 Chronicles 16:9a).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, I seek you with all my heart. My heart belongs to You. You are the Lord God Almighty, The Maker of Heaven and Earth. How foolish I have been to think that I could do this on my own. Show me anywhere in my life where I do not have You first. I want to follow what Jesus told us, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33). I want to seek first Your Kingdom and Righteousness, and I know that everything else, which is second in my life, will be taken care of by You. Father, like Jesus instructed us to do, I want to love You with all my heart, soul, and mind, give me the wisdom and strength to do that. (Matthew 22:37-38). I know that You look down from heaven on the children of man, to see if there are any who understand, any who seek after God, and when You do look down, I want You to see me always seeking after You. (Psalm 14:2). In the Name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.