March 28, 2025

DEEPER WALK WITH GOD (PART 2)

Apst. Emmanuel Osezele

KEY TEXT: Philippians 3:10a KJV: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection."

When apostle Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he had been a Christian for many years. God had used him to perform many mighty miracles. He had several encounters with the risen Lord, including being caught up into the third heaven. But he didn’t rest in those experiences. He said that he wanted to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. Then he added, "Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead" (Philippians 3:12-14). He goes on to say that we all should have that same attitude. We all need to fight against spiritual complacency. No matter the level of your spirituality, you should desire to go deeper with God. Since God is infinite, we can always know Him more deeply. So press on.

SEEK HIM ABOVE ALL ELSE: Seek first, in order to find. Strive after, means to look for and go after. Desire to know God more than anything else in life, and seek Him with all your heart. (Matthew 6:33, Psalm 119:2). The Almighty calls us to seek first the kingdom of God instead of worrying about what we’ll eat, how we’ll dress and other temporal or superficial concerns. Our Father, who is love and far more trustworthy than man, encourages us through Matthew 6:33 to keep an eternal perspective even as we cross each day of our calendars. You and I are called to refuse worry and anxiety and instead seek first the kingdom of God.

SPEND TIME IN HIS PRESENCE: Regularly spend time in God's presence, worshiping Him, praying to Him, and listening to His voice (Psalm 100:4, Revelation 4:8). Study God's character, nature, and attributes, that you may know Him more intimately (Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 103:8). Obey God's commands and principles, demonstrating your love and commitment to Him (John 14:15, 1 John 2:3).

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, please help me to deepen my walk with You. Give me a desire to surrender my life to You, to prioritize my time with You, and to obey Your commands. In Jesus Christ's mighty name. Amen

REFLECTION:

What is my current relationship with God like? Am I close to Him, or distant? Matthew 26:58: "But Peter followed him afar off unto the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants, to see the end."