7 Steps To Help You Draw Closer To God In 2009
God is pursuing you right now...will you pursue God in 2009?
I don’t know about you, but I’m glad 2008 is over. But, not entirely for the reasons you might imagine.
Sure, 2008 ended on a tough note with unemployment surging, a federal bail out of big business taking place and world peace remaining elusive. On the other hand, I reached several milestones during the past year including welcoming my 50th birthday in September, ten years of marriage to my sweet wife, and seeing my business pick up beginning in June.
I’m glad that 2008 is over for one big reason: 2009 is here and it is another year for me to serve the Lord!
Yes, we can worry about the economy, getting older, or a host of other issues but what it all boils down to is that we have the opportunity to pursue God again this year. None of us is guaranteed tomorrow, but it certainly is nice when the calendar flips over and we’re still around to serve Him.
But, what if you haven’t been following God? Is it too late for you? No, it certainly isn’t. In fact if you previously followed the Lord and have slipped away or if you desire to follow God for the first time now, 2009 can certainly be the year you give God first place in your life.
Make no mistake about it: I’m not here to convince anyone to follow God. The Holy Spirit is the One who convicts people of their sins and He is the One who draws people to the Lord. I’m not here to argue whether there is a God or not although the heavens declare His glory. Rather, I believe my role is to encourage those who are already on their Jesus Journey to stay on the path while welcoming those who are just starting out or are seeking answers.
To that end, I’ve come up with seven steps to help you draw closer to God in 2009. I’ve prayerfully considered the most important points and am relaying to you what I believe God has revealed to me:
Repent – If you’ve slipped away from the Lord or are seeking to be in right relationship with God in the first place, the step you need to take initially is to repent of your sins. We’ve all sinned and we all fall short (Romans 3:23), therefore we need to recognize our sins, repent of our waywardness and ask God to forgive us and give us the strength to serve Him.
Prayer – Consider prayer to be your personal conversations with God. Sure, it’ll be a one way conversation as far as hearing an audible voice but you’ll “hear” what He has to say to you when you read His word, the Bible, and through circumstances in your life. Get in the habit of talking to God early and often (1 Thessalonians 5:17)… take time throughout the day to share your praise, petitions, and prayers with Him. Get near to God and He’ll get near to you.
Fellowship – Oddly, there is a tendency for some to think that they don’t need a church (Hebrews 10:25). Or, they’ve been burned by a church in the past and vow never to have that happen to them again. I understand those feelings – I’ve been there, I’ve felt it. But, God has His people out there and we aren’t to forsake the gathering together of the saints. Find a place that teaches the entire counsel of God while building up believers. The church needs you as much as you need the church.
Bible – Find yourself a Bible, preferably one in common every day language you understand. No, I’m not going to recommend the King James Version (KJV) for the simple reason that the language of this version is no longer spoken (although it remains a beautiful, God inspired literary masterpiece). Instead, consider the New King James (NKJV), New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB) or some modern English translation if it makes it easier for you to understand. Ask other Christians what they read; consider purchasing a parallel Bible which lists several different versions side by side. The more that you acquaint yourself with God’s word, the better you’ll be acquainted with Him (see 2 Timothy 3:16).
Accountability – It is easy to get lost in a church these days, particularly in larger fellowships. That is one reason why I belong to a weekly men’s group and try to take in other activities where I am able to get to know people and they get to know me (see Matthew 16:27). Followers of Jesus Christ are collectively known as the Body of Christ – the finger needs the toe as does the nose the chin, the elbow, etc. Don’t worry about being imperfect – everyone else who attends church is just as imperfect as you including the pastor! Avoid any church that is legalistic and flee those fellowships where your thoughts and feelings are dismissed.
Worship – In Psalm 22:3 we’re told that, “God inhabits the praises of His people.” This means that He is present in Spirit as we praise Him. There is something about worship that helps us focus our eyes on what is important in this life. When we worship God for who He is, the cares and troubles of this life are seen through a godly perspective. You can’t sing? Don’t worry: Psalm 100 instructs us to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Even off-pitch Christians should praise God!
Give – There isn’t anything you can do to earn what God has done for you – embrace grace and you’ll understand. However, God will lead you to give something of yourself either through money, your time, or some other work and often in many different ways. These things cannot save you or change your position with God (He loves you just the same), but they are acts of worship which please Him and can make a difference in the lives of others. Always give willingly because that is the only gift worth giving (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Certainly, there are other points to consider besides these seven, but I wanted to keep this as simple as possible. Don’t let 2009 end without you making a commitment to God, a life changing transition that will also change your eternal destination!
Popularity: 75% [?]
Ftaherlyours | January 6th, 2009 at 7:54 am #
Thank you .Nicely written post.
Karen, author of "My Funny Dad, Harry" | January 6th, 2009 at 10:52 am #
I am always happy when I find other Christians when visiting blogs. This post certainly is well done! I agree 100% with everything listed. You have covered this very wide topic very well.
I have noticed in my own walk with Jesus that I learn more and stay in closer fellowship with Him if I’m involved in a Bible Study with others to keep me accountable. I look forward to starting “The Excellent Wife” by Martha Peace this week on Wednesday nights at my church.
Mary | January 6th, 2009 at 4:31 pm #
Thank you for sharing.
Matt | January 6th, 2009 at 4:40 pm #
Thank you everyone for your comments. Yes, Karen, it is always fun to find other believers who are blogging and share their love for the Lord.
A small Bible study or home fellowship group are excellent ways to stay plugged in and accountable. I hope that you enjoy the book; it sounds like a nice read.
Rita | January 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm #
GREAT post!
Imad-ud-din Saqib | January 8th, 2009 at 9:35 am #
To find out more about Islam or to find out how it is the best religion, visit my blog at http://www.islamicb.blogspot.com . If you still dont understand please say so on http://islamicb.blogspot.com/2008/12/discussion-forum.html
Scott McQueen | January 8th, 2009 at 2:25 pm #
Excellent advice for starting the New Year and a closer walk with God. God Bless and keep sharing!
Matt | January 8th, 2009 at 3:40 pm #
Thank you everyone for the kind words and your comments!
Mr. Saqib, just to show you some Christian kindness, I’ve kept your comment and links in place, although I don’t agree with Islam.
Jesus is the living God, the first born, the Alpha and the Omega and the bread of life. I’m not interested in religion, but I can assure you that Jesus came to bring life and that more abundantly.
TMinut | January 9th, 2009 at 12:01 am #
This is beautiful! I am wondering though if I’m the only one in the world who has found the Almighty One a bit overwhelming?! No, a LOT overwhelming?
By the way, what are all those weird comments like the one by reddit dot com and keegan matt? Is that spam? Side issue but I just don’t know what it is.
Matt | January 9th, 2009 at 12:35 pm #
Thanks for stopping by, TMinut. God can seem beyond our reach, especially if we over analyze or contemplate Him with preconceived notions.
The gospel message is an easy one to understand as even a child can grasp it. Anyone who truly wants to know God can do so, but that does require a child like faith.
As far as Reddit comments go, that is par for the course. I like to add a little salt to the site as mostly everything I read on it is pretty depressing.
PurpleGreenPops.com | January 9th, 2009 at 6:05 pm #
Years ago, I drew closer to God when He unraveled the binds of religion and drew me closer to Him.
God draws man unto Him, not vice versa.
jewell | January 10th, 2009 at 3:06 pm #
Today is my first day seeing and reading your blog, how wonderful it is to read the writings of someone so grounded in God’s word. I love what you said about being glad that 2008 is over because it is another year to serve the Lord – Wow! – how awesome and profound. I like your steps as well. Thanks for this body or work.
Matt | January 12th, 2009 at 5:35 pm #
Purple, you are correct. We can’t even seek God without Him seeking us first. I believe that the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is one of the simplest ways for understanding this — we want our inheritance, we squander it, but God receives us back.
Jewell, you are welcome! My desire is to encourage followers of Jesus Christ as they walk in His ways as well as to encourage those who are far from Him to return and find forgiveness.
EVAnian | January 21st, 2009 at 2:25 am #
thank u so much to u dear author. u gave me an idea on what i will speak on Midweek’s. thank u so much. n i just want 2 ask if what religious group do u belong.
Matt | January 21st, 2009 at 5:38 am #
Hi EVAnian! My family attends Calvary Chapel, an association of nondenominational churches. We value reading through the Bible to understand God’s will for our lives.
"Phineas" | February 14th, 2009 at 11:32 am #
“Be Not Deceived!” Billy Graham has gone from preaching the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST to becoming a Master COMPROMISER!!! He is working with the Synagogue of Satan to bring about the One World ‘Church.’
Remember, I Cor. 10:20 says, “The Gentiles Sacrifice To Demons, and NOT to GOD…” so ANY so-called ‘church’ that offers ‘True Sacrifice’, and tries to keep JESUS hanging on the cross, “Crucifying again the LORD JESUS, and putting HIM to an open SHAME.”, is in actuality a tool of SATAN.
A young ROMAN catholic priest ADMITTED to me that “When the Ancient ROMAN Empire conquered the surrounding PAGAN nations, since THEY were all illiterate, WE couldn’t very well give them BIBLEs to read. SO WE gave all their PAGAN IDOLs and TRADITIONs ‘Christian’ names.
Then he paused uncomfortably, before saying, “Thereby WE made Whole Nations ‘CHRISTIAN’ over night!?”
And when I asked him about the INQUISITION, he very apologetically said, “That was a Black Mark on our Church’s history! What they did to those 8 to 10 people!”
So when I immediately countered that I had read of figures as high as ‘Over 100 MILLION Tortured And Killed!’, he Blusteringly and Emphatically said to me, “OH, I’m SURE it was Closer to MY Figure!”
So when I asked him HOW he could say “8 to 10″, when upon contradictory Evidence he was willing to ADMIT to “Something Under 50 MILLION.”, he mumbled something under his breath, which he repeated twice before I heard him whisper, “I was using a ‘Mental Reservation.’ which he hesitantly told me meant, “Concealing the Truth from Someone who has No Right To Know.”
Matt | February 16th, 2009 at 9:31 am #
Phineas, I’m not sure what your comments have to do with this post, but I’ll leave it in. You probably know that some people won’t agree with your point of view and I’m sure you’ll get others who will argue that you’re off base.
Are you seeking the Lord? If so, please point people to the truth, in love, and without concentrating on the faults of others.
I’m not here to defend anyone, rather to uphold the truth as found in the Bible.
Courtney | November 5th, 2009 at 12:23 am #
Thank you so much for your post. You have no idea how it has helped me tonight when i needed it. Matthew 6:34
Matt | November 5th, 2009 at 8:19 am #
Courtney, I am glad to have been God’s instrument to minister to you during your time of need. The Matthew verse is helpful especially with all that is going on in the world.