Devotional Time with God

It’s a new year. It sure doesn’t feel like a new year. It’s helpful to look back and learn from my mistakes, but it is more important for me to look forward. When I set my sights on eternity, the new years and birthdays are just not as scary anymore. The bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

My old self is gone indeed! I have to look forward to what I can accomplish, what I can learn, and what I can do for others. From last Sunday, we learned to do these to look forward to the new year:

1. Let go of my worries.
   I look forward to get rid of my logical self who always try to get in the way of God’s will. I must pray about everything, I tell God what I need, and I must thank Him at all times. (See Philippians 4:6-7) I must let go of my past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future.
2. Adjust my expectations.
   I must expect the best. I must realize God works even in the worse situations. I must focus on the greatest things that God has given me, such as His goodness, His faithfulness, and His son, Jesus Christ.
3. Take a step of faith.
   James 2:17 says,

   In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

   I must go through all of the doors. If God wanted me to go through it, He will open it for me. If it is God’s will, then nothing will be impossible for me.

4. Hold on to God’s love.
   I must not let work, busy-ness, world issues, or people’s opinions stop me from holding on to God’s promises and love. He’s always there for me and will always be. Paul said in Romans 8:38-39,

   For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What practical choices will I make today in order to grow closer to God?

The Purpose Driven Life, p. 99

I used to commute 3 hours from San Diego from/to Irvine. I had my car’s mp3 player playing all of my favourite Christian songs, such as Hillsong, Lakewood Church Live, and WOW series. When I sung those songs, I felt closer to God. I felt I knew what God had to say to me. Many times I really looked forward to driving that long distance just to get connected with God in my mobile sanctuary.

God wants me to know Him more. I need to be in total connection with Him. I need to talk to Him more. Pastor Rick suggested (in the book) to speak short sentences that glorifies God, such as “Thank you, Lord”, “I want to know you”, “Help me trust you”. They are breath prayers. I’ve used this a lot after taking a deep breath. They clear my mind of any worries and doubts. They are the most practical thing I can do to be closer to God.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.

James 4:8a (NAS)