I was very blessed with a verse last Sunday James 4:8a. Come near to God and he will come near to you. It is so different to 1 John 4: 19- we love because he first loved us. The start of all is the initiating steps of God. He calls, draws us; initiates the relationship. That relationship having commenced, now we must continue on our effort, our choice. We fall, we sin. We feel bad, unclean. Yet it is in that very state, God reminds us, if not encourages us, with a promise. In our state of sin, we must make the first step, to reach out to God, and his eternal promise is, he will draw near to us. We see from totally helpless spiritually, at the start of our walk with God, we must develop into strength by now, we, ourselves, making that first step towards God. And never be rejected. Repenting, by Going first to God, and he always accepts us. Oh what a heavenly father. Is 59: 2-3 tell us why we need to draw near to God. Ps 145: 18 draw near to God in truth. Truth of your life and who you are. No falseness about God. God looks for truth Jer 5:3; truth in repentance. Isaiah 65: 16 God of truth is here twice mentioned. God does not want us to be hypocrites either in our walk in the world or our walk with Christ. But a truthfulness about ourselves, where we are who we are, and not try to be something or someone we are not. many times I say what I think, rightly or wrongly, but in either way, there is no manner of deception. I never pretend to be holier than thou. I am who I am. As such we should also be very frank with the LORD. Not try to pretend we are someone we are not. He knows us inside out. Sometimes, yes, we may need a few rough spots ironed out, but at the core of our relationship with God, must be pure honesty. We have a God who loves us, cares for us, wants to see us grow and mature. God wants to be able to use you, for his glory and his kingdom. But what is required is great honesty, within yourself. Always take the first step, back to God. He is waiting for you. Then he will show you his great love and power. Hos 6: 1 let us return to the LORD, he has hurt and healed. It is God's way. Zech 1: 3 return to me and I will return to you. We all have different season in life. Seasons of good times and seasons of difficult times. When things are difficult and you made some wrong choices, words, actions, decisions, its all about returning back to the LORD. don't stay dry, out in the desert; come in to the oasis of Christ. He will refresh, accept you, spur you on. By all means its a long race- but don't make the hard times drag out more than they have to, due to stubbornness.
MCC Admin
2 Elul 5782