March Week 1 Day 3: Choose a time of renewal

"Draw near to God and He will draw near to you." James 4:8 (NASB)

Read that verse again. It does not say might or maybe but will. I am covered in chills just at the thought of God drawing near to me. How wonderful it is to be near to God!!

As we choose to renew our relationship with God, I hope you desire to draw near to God, to be in His presence, to rest in the shadow of His wings.

Why I would love just to focus on verse 8, we have to look at the surrounding verses to know how to draw near to God. If we want to live like a new creation and renew our relationship with Christ, there are a few messy things to clean up first.

Read James 4:1-12

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james%204&version=NIV

What are some things we need to choose to lose or clean up?

1. Desires of pleasure
2. Wanting what others have
3. Selfish motives
4. Friendship with the world
5. Pride
6. Slander and judgement

What do we get if we choose God?

1. Devil will flee when we resist him
2. God comes near to us
3. As we humble our self, He lifts us up
4. Gives grace to the humble

We can draw near to a world of stuff and immediate pleasure or we can draw near to a God full of grace and promises. So let's shed our worldly winter coats that have left us cold and choose to renew ourselves as we draw near to God and soak up the warmth of His love.

March Action Plan
To refresh our soul and mind and Spring Clean Our Homes

March Week 1 Action Plan
Spring Clean Kitchen: Clean out cabinets, fridge and pantry. Wipe baseboards, blinds and cabinets doors. Break it down through the week if it makes it easier.

Memorize Psalm 103:1-5
"1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits-
3 who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
5 who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's."


March Week 1 Day 3
Choose to stop and draw near to God.
Choose to read James 4:1-12.
Choose to start your workout routine.
Choose to work on Kitchen and wipe down bathrooms.
Choose to get a good night's sleep.