GETTING CLOSER WITH GOD

More of God means less of You, this is the challenge. To get closer to God we have to go His way. For example, we dont get saved our way we get saved His way by the cross. We don't pray our way, we pray His way; In the Name of Jesus. We don't get in His presence our way, He told us How to get into His presence through praising, clapping hands, making a joyous noise, and thanksgiving. Some say "Im just going to approach God my way", That won't work!

Consider the Leviticus Priesthood and how strict God was in their approach in every little detail. The Ark of the Covenant where Uzzah didn't want the ark to stumble, and Uzzah was smitten. Simon the sorcerer who tried to buy Gods power and was rebuked -- are we buying Gods favor with our tithes? Annanais and Saphirra who lied to the Holy Spirit and they were smitten. Saul who was rejected as King because of his heart -- Clearly we can't do things as men see right! You should also ask yourself, I've made Jesus Savior of my life, but is He the Lord of it too? Do I allow Him to be the King of Kings over my circumstances, decisions and attitudes?

What if some of your dilemmas are gateways to glory but you keep going around the mountain? The Bible says in Proverbs 16:3, Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. But it also says that God weighs the motives of the heart, and if we pray for anything we will have it according to His will. God doesn't give all of us huge ministries because the majority of us would get greedy for fame or money and forget God. If your motive is to further glorify God then it is a good motive -- washing feet is of the same value as tithing a Thousand dollars if they are both done in cheerfull humility. Things get difficult when God wants us to let go of attitudes and things we cling on to, but we must be continually pruned to move glory to glory and bear more fruit.

Mark 12:43-44 says, [..] "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." What a contrast! So many others gave a fraction out of their wealth and this woman gave the next to nothing she had and God said she contributed more than all of them, God does not see things as man does!

You should be hearing something in your heart from God often and go through seasons of breaking every so often. So examine yourself and ask: Why don't I feel the rivers of living water flowing in my life? Do you still talk to God all day? Do you have hidden sin? Is there something you refuse to give up you know is wrong? Do you just play the role of a Christian but your hearts not in it? Is their unforgiveness or bitterness somewhere? They are tough questions to examine in yourself and I don't like examining my heart and finding rotten apples. But it's better to let God prune the branch than allow a rotten apple to stink up the orchard.