The Case for Closeness

Recap take aways:

There is a graced rhythm to relationship with God; to stay close is to learn that rhythm!

Being with Jesus will make you more like Jesus!

Until who He is transforms who you are, you’ve missed on the impact of His presence.

When what happens isn’t what you hoped, you learn a lot about the condition of your heart.

You’ll be disillusioned by God’s sovereign decisions if you proudly predetermine that you know best.

Set aside God time is priceless, but everyday life together with God is the goal.

Everyday closeness is not only possible, it's God’s plan!

Todays message:

“Now listen! Today I am giving you a choice between life and death, between prosperity and disaster. For I command you this day to love the LORD your God and to keep his commands, decrees, and regulations by walking in his ways. If you do this, you will live and multiply, and the LORD your God will bless you and the land you are about to enter and occupy. “But if your heart turns away and you refuse to listen, and if you are drawn away to serve and worship other gods, then I warn you now that you will certainly be destroyed. You will not live a long, good life in the land you are crossing the Jordan to occupy. 30:15-18 NLT

You can’t live an adulterous relationship with the world and expect to have a healthy relationship with Jesus.

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the LORD your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life. And if you love and obey the LORD, you will live long in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Deuteronomy 30:19-20 NLT

We frequently find ourselves having to choose between a friendship with our feelings and a friendship with our future?

If you want close healthy human relationships, closeness with Jesus is the key.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:18 NLT

This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you, and it is not beyond your reach. It is not kept in heaven, so distant that you must ask, ‘Who will go up to heaven and bring it down so we can hear it and obey?’ It is not kept beyond the sea, so far away that you must ask, ‘Who will cross the sea to bring it to us so we can hear it and obey?’ No, the message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart so that you can obey it. Deuteronomy 30:11-14 NLT

The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made. Psalm 145:8-9 ESV