Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 9-21-21

James 4:8-10 (VOICE)

This morning, my heart is excited and longing to enjoy the presence of Papa God…so, I put on humility knowing I need the mercy, grace, and love of the One who has been pursing me from the beginning. My soul longs for him, so I come to the Word hungry and willing to learn. Papa has been pursuing you, too. He is calling to you, “Come closer today, child, so I can love you more.”

James 4:8 Come close to the one true God, and He will draw close to you. Wash your hands; you have dirtied them in sin. Cleanse your heart, because your mind is split down the middle, your love for God on one side and selfish pursuits on the other.

9 Now is the time to lament, to grieve, and to cry. Dissolve your laughter into sobbing, and exchange your joy for depression. 10 Lay yourself bare, facedown to the ground, in humility before the Lord; and He will lift your head so you can stand tall.

For the past year and a half, we have been persistently told by the CDC we must diligently wash our hands in order to rid them of germs and viruses that have the ability to make us sick unto death. The CDC proclaims the mission of “saving lives and protecting people.” This government agency has been put into place to defend America from physical health threats. There is physical truth in the work of this Center and I am grateful for their “critical science.” Therefore, I diligently wash my physical hands. However, according to the Word of God—Absolute Truth in every area of life—sin makes human beings a whole lot sicker than COVID or any other health threat. In fact, sin brings certain and eternal death and it doesn’t matter how many times and for how long you and I wash our physical hands with antibacterial or disinfecting soap. Sin is the biggest global threat for death to humanity, because it separates us from the loving salvation and care of Creator God.

Did you know God tells us to wash our hands, too? However, we are to wash our hands, because we have dirtied them with the deadly sin of the world. Our hands are actually physical, emotional, and spiritual implements. Hands have much more than germs on them; we have soiled them by selfish pursuits, disrespectful attitudes leading to wrong behaviors, and spiritual acts of rebellion against our Father and his commands. Yet, look at what it takes to really enjoy the presence of Papa; we need to wash our hands [open our spiritual minds/hearts for transformation], humble our minds/hearts [turn away from sin] by facing the ground from which Almighty God [by his authority] formed us, and weep for how we have treated the righteous presence [heart] and will of our Creator. If we will humble ourselves, the Lord will heal us, cleanse us from unrighteousness, and draw us ever closer to his heart. When we are not germ-laden and diseased by the sin of this world, we can stand tall and strong as children of the Day because God tabernacles (dwells) with us. Honor what God commands so you can shine for God my friends! The world is in desperate need for your radiant example of the Kingdom’s CDC. You are called to live as Christ’s Devoted Children who love God’s Word, because it brings eternal life. “The sting of death is sin…but God gave us victory by our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Cor. 15:56).

Prayer: Father, I wash my hands from sin this morning by being real with you about every struggle within me against your Word and authority. I long to live in a way that pleases you; however, I know every day I need your help to do so. Starting with this fresh new day, I turn to ask you to lift my head and make me stand tall in the Light of Truth you alone have the authority to outline. Make me shine for you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.