God is not a distant, impersonal entity who stepped back from his creation to watch. God is waiting for and wanting us to step closer to Him. During the month of July, we will talk about how this relationship with God works and how we can interact with our maker.
Psalm 73:28 (ESV)
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”
Isaiah 55:6-7 (MSG)
“Seek God while he’s here to be found, pray to him while he’s close at hand. Let the wicked abandon their way of life and the evil their way of thinking. Let them come back to God, who is merciful, come back to our God, who is lavish with forgiveness.”
James 4:8 (AMP)
“Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].”
Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
John 14:6 (NIV)
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Galatians 5:25 (ESV)
“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”
Romans 8:5-6 (GNT)
“Those who live as their human nature tells them to, have their minds controlled by what human nature wants. Those who live as the Spirit tells them to, have their minds controlled by what the Spirit wants. To be controlled by human nature results in death; to be controlled by the Spirit results in life and peace.”
Galatians 5:22 (GNT)
“But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control.”
Micah 6:8 (ESV)
“The Lord has told us what is good. What he requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship with our God.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”