Doug's Doorstep

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Staying Close to God

There are times that things may sound good, but the end result is a lost condition and nothing like we preferred. I’m sure some of you who are reading these words can understand what I am talking about. We have heard the expression, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” I’m not sure this is true in every case, but I believe most of the time, it is.

In Psalm 74:27 we read, “For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.” (NASB) In this Psalm, the Lord is comparing the righteous with the unrighteous. And He is telling us that those who are far from You (God) will perish. What an awful thought.

Today, I believe we have many people who are far from God. This would include those who take part in various sins that God prohibits. Some people do not take time to worship God with His people at church; they don’t praise Him in song; they don’t commune around His table, the Lord’s table; they do not take time to hear God’s word proclaimed; and they do not give to God who blesses them. They do not read the word of God, and they do not take time to pray to Him. Tell me, if a person refuses to do these things, would we not have to say they are far from God? For them, religion means nothing, and is not even needed. God is only thought of when there is sickness or trouble happening in their lives, so then they call on Him.

The Psalmist goes on to say, “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works.” (Psalm 73:28) Though there are those who totally forget God, the Psalmist has made God his refuge, his place of safety. Not just in times of trouble, but when things are going well for him also. Should we not do this as well? I know so!

Hear Jesus as He proclaims, “Why do you call Me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) It is important that we make God our refuge. We must stay close to Him in all that we do. He must have the first place in our lives. Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” What are you putting first in your lives? Is it the things that will bring you closer to God the Father or further apart? Think seriously as your eternal destiny may in the balance. It is your choice if you choose to serve Him or not.