Sep 11 2024

Today's Bible Verse

In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

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In this verse in Ephesians, Paul writes that we can have boldness and confidence when we approach the Lord. We are assured that His love means He will receive us with gladness and He will speak to us kindly. Our Lord is not distant or unkind, but instead a gracious and loving father.

Do you remember the many rituals outlined in Leviticus that the Israelites would have to do before approaching the Lord? Only the high priest could enter into the Holy of Holies, where God's presence appeared once a year after multiple sacrifices. If anyone else entered at the wrong time, even accidentally, the person would immediately die.

When Jesus died, the curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was torn from the top down. The rituals and laws that allowed humans to go into God's presence were no longer needed. Jesus' innocent death covered our sins once and for all.

Because of Jesus, we can go before the Lord and lay our hearts out to Him. We can expose the most tender parts of ourselves without fear that we will be ridiculed or hurt. We can trust that His ways are perfect and that He will comfort us and direct us exactly as we need. We can go to Him with confidence in expectation of His grace and kindness.

As we do this over and over again, we'll begin to form a relationship with the Lord that is sweeter than any we have ever known. We will understand that the Lord is holier than we might ever realize, but His holiness is matched with His love and grace that make a relationship with Him possible through Jesus.

Today's Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank you so much for the ability to come to you and know that you will receive me. Help me to remain tender to your spirit, pouring myself out in front of you that I might be rebuilt by your love. Thank you for Jesus, who made everything possible. In Jesus' name, amen.

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Sep 10 2024

Yesterday's Bible Verse

Can two walk together, except they be agreed?

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Yesterday's Bible study

In this verse from Amos, the prophet is warning Israel about the coming judgment if they do not repent of their sins. Verse three illustrates the main problem: Israel and the Lord are not together in their hearts or minds, and as a result, the Lord's favor is leaving Israel.

We cannot have communion with the Lord if we do not agree with Him. Agreed means that we are reconciled to Him, our sins fully repented of. Israel had broken their covenant with the Lord, and, as a result, God withdrew His fellowship from them. The Lord will not inevitably remain with us if we continue to reject Him over a period of time. His fellowship comes at a price—repentance of sin and turning to Him for salvation.

Agreeing with God also entails trying to know Him more and more each day. In our lives this involves studying the Bible, praying, and looking for ways to minister and bless other people. As we do these things, the Lord's presence will be with us. He will walk with us and help us when we call to Him.

It is important for us to remember that the Lord shows us grace readily and knows that we live in a fallen world. But He is also a just God, and He does not accept us with unrepentance in our hearts. As we turn to Him, He will reveal places in our lives where He is calling us to greater intimacy and alignment with His Word. He will help us to agree with Him so that we can continue to have fellowship with Him that transforms us.

Thus, while this verse in Amos is a sober warning to remain holy, we know God is love and that He will not try to trap us in wrongdoing. Instead, we can ask Him which places of our lives we need to open up to Him so that He can make changes. As we respond to Him, we will become more like Him and walk in even deeper fellowship.

Yesterday's Prayer

Dear Lord, you are so good to me. I cherish fellowship with you. There is nothing like you and I want to honor you with all of my days. Reveal to me where my heart is divided and help me to repent and change. I love you, Jesus. In your name, amen.


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