{"id":2190,"date":"2022-11-09T04:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-09T09:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/?p=2190"},"modified":"2022-11-09T04:30:00","modified_gmt":"2022-11-09T09:30:00","slug":"did-you-get-your-invitation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/11\/09\/did-you-get-your-invitation\/","title":{"rendered":"Did you get your invitation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts you double-minded.<\/strong><\/p>\nJames 4:8<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Growing up in the Baptist church and continuing into early adulthood in the Reformed Episcopal Church we would sing a hymn entitled \u201cDraw Me Nearer.\u201d (Click this link <\/a>to hear the Baptist hymnal sung<\/em>.) This song came to mind when the man of God spoke the past two Sundays about drawing near to God. For scripture reference, he referenced James 4:1-10. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In going over my notes from Sundays message, God placed it on my heart to share some of the man of God\u2019s thought with the children of God. And while I was studying James 4:1-10 and listened to the Baptist hymnal, God stirred up a memory of me sitting in church a few years after my fathers passing that I would like to reflect on this morning with you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this particular Sunday I got to church early (Pastor always encouraged us to be on time) and by the grace of God, I was. I was even able to get a seat closer to the front and it had to be a part of God\u2019s plan for me to sit in this very spot. Well the choir started singing Draw Me Nearer and as always those of us who sat in the congregation would stand and sing along. I\u2019ll never forget this note that Anissa hit that sent a shockwave through my body. It\u2019s like Anissa\u2019s voice had ignited something that had been buried with my daddy and I was so grief stricken I didn\u2019t realize the internal struggles I was dealing with, within myself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Every note, every word, every hymn song convicted my spirit. The words were so beautiful and as I write oh how I bless God for the tears and the beautiful memories of this particular day. I cried so much on that day and I Clare I felt the Holy Spirit take over my body as I dropped to my seat with uncontrollable tears. Let\u2019s just say I wasn\u2019t one to cry in church but I didn\u2019t care what people would say or how people would look at me; nothing mattered. It was so freeing! It was so peaceful! It was much needed! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rico tried his best to console me but I just couldn\u2019t shake it. It\u2019s not until studying the notes from Sundays message and thinking of that beautiful hymnal that is one of my favorite NST hymns that help to put things into proper perspective. Something in this song and in the powerful message spoken many years ago at NST on that Sunday that I was reminded of on this past Sunday, made me realize what I was missing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

All this time I was angry and torn up on the inside that my daddy was gone and I went through the motion for years, not knowing, God was still asking me to draw near to Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was a sinner, I was double-minded, I was lost, I was sad, I was torn, I was heartbroken. I mean y\u2019all don\u2019t know how bad it was. I remember the day of my dads home going as we stood beside the burial site\u2026all I kept thinking was is I wonder if they will bury me right here with daddy. I felt like my life was over and I felt like I didn\u2019t want to go on without daddy. Yes I had it bad y\u2019all. But by the grace of God I bounced back and it\u2019s songs like Draw Me Near, scripture like Jane 4:8, and sermons like Draw Near to God that we as God\u2019s children need to listen and take heed to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like the man of God said so eloquently, \u201cDoesn\u2019t the battle begin with us?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think about it and ask yourselves. Reflect on an internal conflict or struggle. Think about how it could cause one to drift from God. Reflect just a moment on a choice that you have been struggling with. Now read James 4:8 again. How might you draw nearer to God and make that conscious decision to give whatever it is to God.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bible tells us in Psalm 55:22 to cast our burdens on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never permit the righteous to be moved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

My brothers and sisters it\u2019s time for another self inventory. It\u2019s time for us to clean the toxins, the junk, remove the fifth, and whatever is standing in the way of accepting God\u2019s invitation to draw near to Him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the man of God said, \u201creceive what it is that God has for you. God is inviting you into a deeper relationship with Him. He wanted to bless you with contentment, internal peace, His grace, and so much more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSometimes we fail to forsake the sin in our own lives.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

With daylight savings time we have gained an hour. What will you do with the extra time God has given you? Will you use it wisely to spend time with God? Will you get more rest and be ready to start another day? Will you waste it aimlessly on social media, gossiping with your friends on the phone, or spending money on Amazon? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are closing up the chapter of life called 2022 and as a people we need to walk in 2023 united like never before, drawing closer to God. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

God is speaking and He is extending His invitation to us daily. Did you get your invitation? <\/strong>Will you accept God\u2019s invitation, accept His son as your personal savior, spend more time in His word, make the time to meditate and have communion with God, take the time to rest in Him? It\u2019s not a question to answer here and now, it\u2019s the decision that is yours to make in your timing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I pray todays message resonates with those reading and it is my prayer we don\u2019t miss the mark. God is calling, will you answer? God wants to spend more time with you, will you make time for Him? God is knocking, will you open the door? The invitation is yours, will you draw near to Him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts you double-minded. James 4:8 Growing up in the Baptist church and continuing into early adulthood in the Reformed Episcopal Church… Read moreDid you get your invitation?<\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2189,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[13],"tags":[191,192],"class_list":["post-2190","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-grace-mercy","tag-drawneartochrist","tag-godsinvitation","content-layout-excerpt-thumb"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/2665353a-8de9-4142-9429-f55147274f9d.png?fit=1650%2C1275&ssl=1","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":2562,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2025\/04\/18\/using-your-home-field-advantage\/","url_meta":{"origin":2190,"position":0},"title":"Using your Home Field Advantage.","author":"Whitnee","date":"April 18, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Joy"","block_context":{"text":"Joy","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/joy\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/img.youtube.com\/vi\/\/0.jpg?resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2073,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/08\/30\/the-determination-of-a-young-man-with-2-wheels\/","url_meta":{"origin":2190,"position":1},"title":"The determination of a young man with 2 wheels.","author":"Whitnee","date":"August 30, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"It was nearing the time for us to all sit in our seats and get ready for worship service when Nygel walked in. I looked at the door patiently waiting for Nylema to come in and then Ms. Samuel. A few minutes had passed and I realized that maybe he\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Stepping up in the world"","block_context":{"text":"Stepping up in the world","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/parenting\/stepping-up-in-the-world\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/2bb8c165-5dfa-4178-a59d-c524b1c93838.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/2bb8c165-5dfa-4178-a59d-c524b1c93838.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/2bb8c165-5dfa-4178-a59d-c524b1c93838.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/2bb8c165-5dfa-4178-a59d-c524b1c93838.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/2bb8c165-5dfa-4178-a59d-c524b1c93838.png?fit=1080%2C1080&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2404,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2023\/10\/29\/its-her-story-to-tell-but-it-was-the-ride-home-for-me-that-was-confirmation\/","url_meta":{"origin":2190,"position":2},"title":"It\u2019s her story to tell but it was the ride home for me that was confirmation!","author":"Whitnee","date":"October 29, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"For several weeks now we met in preparation for Youth Sunday. It seemed like initially we worked together and at times she may have felt it was a solo project and she was all alone. Little did she know, she was never alone! Feelings of being overwhelmed, frustrated, pressed and\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Strength"","block_context":{"text":"Strength","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/strength\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/img_6014-1.jpg?fit=519%2C498&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]},{"id":2745,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2026\/02\/09\/she-brought-new-flavor-to-our-ears\/","url_meta":{"origin":2190,"position":3},"title":"She brought new flavor to our ears.","author":"Whitnee","date":"February 9, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up. Always pray for all God\u2019s people. Ephesians 6:18 ICB Over the last few weeks we have been learning about the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Strength"","block_context":{"text":"Strength","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/strength\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]},{"id":2152,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2022\/10\/11\/an-example-of-serving-god\/","url_meta":{"origin":2190,"position":4},"title":"An example of serving God.","author":"Whitnee","date":"October 11, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"It\u2019s such a beautiful thing when we give of ourselves to help others. Over this past weekend I was blessed by the Lord above to have the health and strength to walk in the Eau Claire community and place door hangers on the doors of many families. The task at\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Wisdom"","block_context":{"text":"Wisdom","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/wisdom\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/41a32d81-5f91-428f-9dc6-909f3f3b6b30-1.png?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/41a32d81-5f91-428f-9dc6-909f3f3b6b30-1.png?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/41a32d81-5f91-428f-9dc6-909f3f3b6b30-1.png?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/41a32d81-5f91-428f-9dc6-909f3f3b6b30-1.png?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/41a32d81-5f91-428f-9dc6-909f3f3b6b30-1.png?fit=1200%2C960&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2596,"url":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/2025\/10\/19\/proclaim-the-message-spreading-the-good-news\/","url_meta":{"origin":2190,"position":5},"title":"Proclaim the message: Spreading the Good News","author":"Whitnee","date":"October 19, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Title came from Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Nance-Coker, message inspired from Preached Word on October 19, 2025 at Eau Claire Baptist Church. In church today the Beautiful Woman of God gave us a challenge! For y\u2019all who know me, you know I love a good challenge! The challenge is to read\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Listening to God"","block_context":{"text":"Listening to God","link":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/category\/listening-to-god\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"","width":0,"height":0},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbfCFX-zk","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2190","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2190"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2190\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2190"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2190"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inspirationallaroundme.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2190"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}