A Closer Walk

1 Thessalonians 2:12

 ^“We exhorted each one of you and encouraged you 

and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who  called you into his own kingdom 

and glory.”

In order to walk worthy of the Lord Jesus we must walk with Him, receiving His grace every day.  After we are born into the family of God through Christ, we must pursue a deeper relationship with Him. All relationships grow through spending time together. It is no different with God. What a privilege, thrill and responsibility to grow in a relationship with the Lord of all!

So how do I grow in the Lord since it is only God who gives growth (1 Corinthians 3:7)? James 4:8 says,

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you."

While I am in Christ and Christ is in me, I must still seek Him with my whole heart. As in a marriage, though the two have become one, both partners need to cultivate deeper intimacy daily. 

Scripture also shows us that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). Whole hearted praise and worship draw us into a deeper experience of His wonderful presence. 

Prayer and conversations with God keep us in the awesome flow of fellowship with the Most High. Through grace given to us in Jesus we always have an audience with the King!

Fellowship with other believers is essential in our relationship with the Lord. He is revealed and known through family relationships too. Jesus is the head and we are His body. We are part of each other and need other Christians to grow and know King Jesus and Father God. Although attending a good church is important, we also need a small group setting where we can get to know others, pray and study the Word. Gathering for a meal and conversation is key for a cell group to flourish.

A good small group is a blessing, great fun and cultivates intimacy with others and the Lord.