Growing Closer to Jesus

Preacher:
Date: October 21, 2024

For years, my husband, Harold, has produced a short radio program called Guidelines, a Five-Minute Commentary. One of the best jobs at the Guidelines office is getting to read the responses that come from our listeners. We especially treasure one we received from one of our elderly listeners who wrote:

Dear Harold,

I listen to your program every morning and I love to read your literature. I hope you can read this. My problem [is] my eyes are bad. I wish I could write more, but I am thrilled with life. There are many things I wish to do yet. With your prayers I think it is possible.

— Mattie

Mattie was more than 80 years old when she wrote that, but she was still thrilled with life. And she still had a to do list of goals yet to be accomplished. In addition, she had the faith to believe that she could finish them. What a great attitude!

Whatever you do, don’t climb in your casket until you’re dead! As long as you have life, you have a purpose. The secret is to keep growing. Remember, you won’t grow useless if you keep growing! The apostle Peter told us to, “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). That’s the most important kind of growing we can do—growing closer and closer to Jesus. You do that when you spend time with Him. When you read His word, the Bible, and talk to Him in prayer, and then just sit awhile in His presence and give Him a chance to talk to you too. He’ll do that, you know—if you’ll just give Him a chance.

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