God... can be received only through appreciation and conscious appropriation. He comes only through doors that are "purposely" opened for him. A person may live as near to God as the bubble is to the ocean and yet not find him. He may be "closer than breathing, nearer than hands or feet," and still be missed.
—Rufus M. Jones in The Double Search. Christianity Today, Vol. 32, no. 6.
Elesha Hodge, comp., Today's Best Illustrations – Volumes 1-4, (Carol Stream, IL: Christianity Today, 1997), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "PROGRESS".
James 4:8-10 (TEV) Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! 9 Be sorrowful, cry, and weep; change your laughter into crying, your joy into gloom! 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Deuteronomy 6:5 (TEV) Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.
Psalm 31:23-24 (TEV) Love the LORD, all his faithful people. The LORD protects the faithful, but punishes the proud as they deserve. 24 Be strong, be courageous, all you that hope in the LORD.
