How do we know, or get into that place where we can say with all honesty that we Love God with all our heart, soul, and might? James says, “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” (Jas 4:8) You cannot serve two masters. You cannot be IN the world and OF it at the same time. You cannot hold onto religion and follow JESUS. You can’t have it YOUR WAY and His way. So, how do we draw near to God and are certain that we are living a life that proves that we LOVE  and put him FIRST?
Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Mat 6:33). God is a spirit and can ONLY be sought in the spirit and in truth. HIS kingdom is a spiritual kingdom, and HIS righteousness is a spiritual righteousness. And all of the things he wants to add unto our lives start there- in the spirit. If you aren’t seeing it this way; if you are looking for the “things” of the world as signs, then these words of Jesus are for you too; “And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and saith, ‘Why doth this generation seek after a sign?’” (Mat 24:34a)- note that he sighed deeply “in his spirit.” They were looking for a “thing” in the world, and not the Christ, the gift in the spirit that was standing right in front of them.
It helps to take notice of the words of David, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psa 51:10)- This is one of the “things” I ask for this every morning- a fresh start. Many of my dreams with Jesus happen in a heart- like physically, like in a room; they are either tender and soft or hard and unmovable: all too often as I think and pray for others, they are hard. When these happen, I know there’s a message or something coming- first from the spirit, and then all things will be added. Let me encourage you to seek first the Kingdom of God in your spirit. Do this, and drawing near to God will be easier, and He will draw near to you.

i-CH