May 5, 2026
CLOSENESS TO JESUS IS DEMANDED
KEY TEXT: James 4:8 KJV: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
REMOVE THE OLD SELF: When we draw close to Jesus, we leave off our old likeness and self behind and take up the likeness of Christ. The longer we dwell in His presence and in His Word, the more our character naturally begins to reflect Jesus. This process happens without force or effort; it must happen when time is spent with Him. Ephesians 4:22–24
A MARK FROM GOD: When we draw close to God, we cannot remain the same. Like Moses, who did not know his face was shining after speaking with God, transformation can occur without our awareness. A meeting with God, a conversation with Him, even a greeting with God leaves a mark on a man. Whether we know it or not, being with Christ changes us. Exodus 34:29
STRENGTH IN CLOSENESS: Distance weakens conviction, but closeness strengthens boldness. When Peter was close to Jesus, he was fearless and bold, even drawing a sword. But when he followed Jesus from afar, he denied Him. The further one moves from Christ, the easier it becomes to fall, but the closer we stay, the stronger we become. Without Christ we can do nothing, but with Him we are bold as a lion, emptied of self so that we may be filled with Him. Matthew 26:69–70
PRAYER:
O Lord, help me to come into close walk with you, so I can learn of you and have a change of heart that matches your kind of heart, in Jesus Christ's mighty name. Amen.
REFLECTION:
Romans 8:29 KJV: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, draw my heart closer to You; uproot every form of double-mindedness in me and purify my heart to love and pursue You wholeheartedly, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.
2. Lord, by Your grace, help me to put off the old man completely and be renewed daily in the spirit of my mind, until my life reflects the likeness and character of Christ, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.
3. O God, let every genuine encounter I have with You leave a divine mark upon my life; transform me inwardly and outwardly until Your glory is revealed through me, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.
4. Lord Jesus, keep me walking closely with You at all times; preserve me from spiritual distance, strengthen my conviction, and make me bold and steadfast in faith, in Jesus Christ’s mighty name. Amen.
FAITHFUL CONTINUITY IS REQUIRED (PART 4)
May 4, 2026