Seeking Him

. If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  John 14:15

What is hindering you from a close relationship with God?  Could it possibly be disobedience?  Each act of disobedience is a step away from God.  However, with each step of obedience to God is a step towards Him.  In Malachi 3:7, God says “Return to me and I will return to you, says the Lord of Hosts.”  Are we being honest with ourselves, others, and God about our obedience?  Have God asked something of you and you have yet to obey?  Are we at a place in our walk with God where we know God’s truth and now we just have to simply obey Him?

Take some time today and pray to God.  Ask Him to show you where you are not walking in complete obedience.  Ask God to bring you to a place of willingness and complete surrender to Him.  Here are some questions to ask God but remember for each question stop and listen for God’s response.

1.  Has God asked something of you that you have yet to do?
2. Do you need to forgive and reconcile with that person?
3. Do you need to encourage another believer?
4. Do you need to honor your parents?
5. Do you need to devote more time to your family?
6. Do you need to get out of debt?
7. Share Christ with a particular person?
8. Do you need to honor the Lord’s day?
9. Do you need to take care of your body, mind, etc?
10. Do you need to support your local church/missionary?
11. Are you doing something that God has asked you to stop?  Examples –
    1. A recreational activity or hobby that is consuming you
    2. overspending
    3. flirting
    4. gambling
    5. holding a grudge
    6. losing your temper
    7. addictions
    8. too much or the wrong kind of t.v., music, books, movies, etc.
12. Are you putting limits on what God is asking of you? Are you reluctant to:
    1. sacrifice your time in order to serve others
    2. give sacrificially of your possessions and resources to further God’s Kingdom
    3. Set aside time for God time
    4. break off friendships and relationships that draw me away from God
    5. stand alone for righteousness, even at the cost of being misunderstood or mocked

With boldness, begin to obey God in the little things and the big things in your life.  Jesus could return anytime, are you ready for that?  Being complete, wholeheartedly in obedience to God is a good foundation for your life.  Being obedient to God will prepare the way for God’s glory to be revealed in and through you.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for helping us to know where we come short of you.  I pray that we will have a willing heart to be obedient to you in all things.  I pray that as we are obedient to you that you will give us the knowledge and wisdom that we need.

In Jesus Name

Amen