In the matter of drawing nigh to God or seeking a relationship with God. It seems that some would say they have a relationship with God because the made a decision once or they asked Him for Salvation. But lets ask ourselves; does receiving something mean you mean you value that friendship. Or if you decide to be someone's friend does that mean you now have a meaningful relationship? I think everyone would agree a relationship on any level takes work. Time and effort are required to get to know another person. And just like it takes effort to get to know someone it takes effort to know God. ~Knowing God~ God gave the children of Israel a promise and I believe we can claim it too. Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. God does want us to seek Him the Bible says, but that is the sort of thing that is not just going to happen on its own, notice it says "when ye shall search for me with all your heart." Prov 18:17- I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me. David knew this that is why he said in Psalms 42:1-2 As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? -Do we thirst after God? Psalms 63:8 My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me. ~Seek Him and you will meet Him~ 1Chron 16:11 Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually Are you a Christian because you want Heaven or because you want God? -Thats like saying I married my wife because she makes good apple pie, how do you think that would go over? Not so good. But if i say "dear I married you just so I could be in your presence, and to know you more." Any relationship should not be about what you can get but what you can give. John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. Isaiah 55:6-7- Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: ~ That I would know Him~ To have found God and still to pursue Him is the soul's paradox of love...A.W.Tozer Phil 3:7-10 Paul left all behind just so that he could know God and the power of his resurrection. Forget it all nothing will satisfy the heart but the God who made it. Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. What is our relationship with God worth to us? Is it worth enough to give up temporal glee for eternal gain? Luke 5:11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Forget the busyness, the programs, the events and get alone with God. Psalms 40:6 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love thy salvation say continually, The LORD be magnified. I wonder what joys await those who will choose to follow hard after HIM?
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Darren Dinsmore
Here are some messages, topics, and discussions from sermons I have preached. Archives
January 2016
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