James 4:8 Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people! Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
I had another verse in mind for this morning, but as often happens when I hear or read three or more things in a short span of time on a subject from sermons, devotionals or in this case even a movie, I feel moved to change course.Yesterday our family went to see the movie "War Room", dealing with spiritual battles from the "prayer closet". This morning Pastor Bob spoke of "the chair", it is where he meets with God, a daily scheduled appointment of spending time with him in His Word, devotionals and in prayer. John Pipers devotional was based on "drawing near to God" and the impact it can have on our lives.
As Christians we acknowledge that Christ dwells in the heavenly places, where His throne is and where He is seated at the right hand of God. But He is not confined, not limited to being there. My devotional reading in the Max Lucado study Bible this morning was in Hebrews 4, where we read in verse 12 that the "Word of God is living and active". Lucado noted that "Christ meets you outside the throne room, takes you by the hand and walks you into the presence of God. Upon entrance we find grace, not condemnation, mercy not punishment. We would we ever be granted an audience with the King, we are now welcomed into His presence."
Do you need more of His power in your life? You'll find it in the prayer closet, or the chair, or a place that He leads you to, but the important part is that it will be the place "where He takes you by the hand and walks you into the presence of God."
John Piper writes, "I fear that the unguarded reassurances today that God's love is unconditional may stop people from doing the very things the Bible says they need to do in order to have the peace that they so desperately crave. In trying to give peace through "unconditionality" we may be cutting people off from the very remedy the Bible prescribes.
But let us also declare the biblical truth that the enjoyment of that justification in its effect on our joy and confidence and power to grow in likeness to Jesus is conditioned on our actively forsaking sins and forsaking bad habits and mortifying lusts and pursuing intimacy with Christ, and not grieving the Spirit."
Let that time in the prayer closet or chair, transform you. You may come to Him unconditionally, but He won't leave you where you are. He'll take you to where you and who you are meant to be, with the opportunity to "make Jesus famous".
I'd recommend that if you have the opportunity, go see "War Room", in it you will see a good example of what it looks like to "yell at the Devil and make him scamper". (The Message).
-- In Christ, Mike Folllow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace. NIV
James 4:8-10The Message (MSG)
7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.
No comments:
Post a Comment