“To hear a heartbeat you have to move in close, listen carefully and avoid all distractions.”
– rm

The topic of drawing closer to God and living in a place of intimacy with Him is certainly not a “hot topic” in the church of today. Sadly many of us are so busy seeking His hand (what he can DO for us) that we have forgotten how to seek His face (to know His identity). This series redirects our attention to knowing Him in a more passionate and intimate manner.

Four things we see in James 4 about how we can draw closer to God.

1. Spend time focusing on Him – which requires leaving the distractions of the world behind.  (vs. 4,5)
2. Be honest, genuine, real, humble – no false religious facades when talking with Him. (v. 6)
3. Resist the lies Satan will tell you: “You are too far gone.  God won’t forgive you – again.” (v. 7)
4. Be prepared to get cleaned up in actions (hands) and attitude (heart) but this happens as you come near to God.  Notice, it says come near and then the washing and purifying are to be done.  (v.8)

If you wait until you have your life all cleaned up before you approach God, you will never “come near” to Him.  In fact, if you could clean up your own life, you wouldn’t need Him at all.  Here is how that purification takes place: