Absorbing God Word
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:7-8
Applying God’s Word
True knowledge of God and His plan for me demands true knowledge of myself. Last week the “Challenge” was about opening the door of our hearts to have a relationship with God. The key to doing that is a willingness to know the truth about ourselves, admit our shortcomings and ask God to forgive us.
My sins are what keep me separated from God. Some days it’s laziness, or doubt. Other times it may be anger, jealousy or fear. When I review my failings at the end of each day, pride and selfishness are usually at the top of the list.
Prior to encountering Jesus, my life was a lie. I didn’t like the person looking back at me in the mirror. On the outside, everything looked great, but the inside was a mess. I sacrificed time with loved-ones for worldly success and popularity. I drank too much and tried to find happiness in the things of this world. My life was a living hell; the consequence of my sin.
Inviting God to have an intimate friendship with us is one thing, but being honest with Him about our shortcomings is yet another. I remember the day I put all my sins before God and asked Him to forgive me. I was in tears and made aware of my greatest sin; not doing it sooner.