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! Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
With the thoughts of Billy Graham, his life and ministry and his heart for God and his desire to share the gospel, the message of the cross; my mind has been on this today's verse for most of the week.
You have probably heard someone say "I'll do whatever it takes" to accomplish some goal in life, whether it be a corporate position, win a championship in sports or to win someone's heart. It was the attitude of James, Paul, David in the Old Testament and Billy Graham in modern times - with a slight, but very important twist. Their goal was to have God do whatever it took in their lives to accomplish His purposes through them for His honor and glory. It meant surrender of their own wills for His.
These thoughts led me to a couple of hymns. First of all "Draw Me Nearer", then later in the week to perhaps a more obscure hymn, "Nearer My God to Thee". The "Lord, do whatever it takes" attitude is clearly seen in the hymn.
Nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee! E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to thee; nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!
Through the ups and downs, the peaks and valleys of this life, may that be our hope and our prayer, to draw nearer to Him or perhaps realize that He is doing the drawing.
In Christ,
Mike
Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace NIV
Eph 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 4:7-9
Amplified Bible (AMP)
7 So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.
8 Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].
9 [As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins].
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