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From Blah to Brilliant (Part Two): The Closer I Get to You. "Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you…" James 4:8 by: Anthony B. Campbell That’s it!!! It’s simple. It makes sense. If I sincerely strive to get closer to God then I WILL get closer to Him. Sounds simple right? Well, it is but it really depends on you, child of God. Now that you have made up your mind to truly serve the Lord, God says "OK, let’s do it! Let me take you from blah to brilliant." However, there are some things that you must remember in order to keep moving forward towards spiritual maturity. "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." 1) DON’T LOOK BACK – Many Christians become stagnant spiritually because they are not focused on the right thing – Jesus. Is your mind still focused on the way things used to be? Is your mind cluttered with worldly thoughts, attitudes and concerns? Has someone or something caused you to take your eyes off of the one who died for you? It’s difficult to move forward when you are looking back. Even Jesus realized this when he said that "No man having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom." Right now, child of God, ask your heavenly Father to forgive you for those times when you allowed other things to come between you and your commitment to Him. He has told us that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us. Once He forgives you, do not let the enemy draw your attention back on the thoughts, attitudes and the mistakes of your past. That is behind you now. 2) FOCUS – If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things of the earth. As the Lord takes you from blah to brilliant, there are many distractions but you must maintain your focus. If you want to grow, you must focus on those things that will help you to grow: the Word, prayer, worship, praise and service. These spiritual necessities will only serve to help you keep your eyes on the Lord. 3) DON’T GIVE UP – You will encounter obstacles. You will make some mistakes. Nevertheless, do not give up. Remember, God is not going to give up on you. Don’t forget that, as a child of God, you have the Holy Spirit within you helping you become that person that God wants you to be. Stick with God, and you will begin to experience the evidence of God’s presence in your life according to John 15:5. TO BE CONTINUED…
PS. Can you find the scriptures referred to in today’s article?
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