Message from Scripture: 2/8/2021

Today our message from Scripture comes from Heb. 4:16; “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

You may have heard the story of the husband and wife, riding along in their car, when bench seats were commonplace, instead of bucket seats. As they were driving along, the wife remarked to her husband, "You know, we used to sit close together in the car when we were dating.  Now, you're over there and I'm over here." The husband responded, "Who moved?"

Sometimes, our relationship with God feels the same way.  “My spiritual life is dry.”  “I feel like I'm just going through the motions.”  “I don't have the joy of salvation in my life like I used to.” These, and other phrases, reveal something has changed spiritually.

There are probably many reasons why this can happen, but none of them have to do with God.  If God seems far away, we have moved, not Him.  Remember the words of Heb. 13:5; “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”  Whether the problem is sinful conduct, distractions, temptations, trials, or whatever, spiritual staleness comes from us, not God.

What is the solution?  The words of 2 Chron. 15:15 give us a clue. “And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with all their soul; and He was found by them, and the LORD gave them rest all around.” When we put away the idols of our lives, and seek God with all our hearts, we will find Him. We will never genuinely know Him on half a heart's devotion, or less. Christianity is not a come and go  party, but a way of life. Let’s put away whatever comes between us and God, so that, through the blood of Christ, and the renewal He brings, we can be close to Him again. God bless.

Robert