Intimate communication with
God is hindered by our sins (1 John 1:6; Habakkuk 1:13). It breaks our fellowship with God, which is only
restored through repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
Our relationship to one another can also obstruct our fellowship with God. If
we forgive one another, then God can forgive us; however, if we refuse to
forgive, our Father cannot forgive us either (Matthew 6:14-15, 18:35). This definitely hinders our companionship with the
Trinity.
God’s mercy is no excuse for
deliberate sin (1 John 3:9). Our
lawless behavior breaks His heart (Genesis 6:5-6; James 4:17). Even so, He faithfully forgives our transgressions
throughout our lifetime (1John 1:9).
Even the mundane parts of our life, such as what we eat or drink, affect our
relationship with God. Everything we do and say as self-proclaimed Christians
is a reflection on God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). That limits our choices quit a bit, but still gives us plenty of wholesome
options to enjoy. Biblical Truth slowly replaces our former belief systems and
we act accordingly.
God is just, but He is also
merciful. The universe and each inhabitant of it continue to survive due to the
endless grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10). There will come a terrible day of His wrath, however, and the wise will
pay attention and repent (Revelation 14:10). As we study God’s Word and spend time with Him in intimate communion,
our understanding of spiritual concepts grows (James 4:8; Proverbs 2:3-5).
We are less encumbered by negative
attitudes and emotions, and the peace and joy of the Spirit fill our soul to
overflowing.
As we learn to reverence the
Lord, He gives us His wisdom and knowledge on which to base our decisions (Proverbs
1:7). Since the Holy Spirit conforms us
into the image of Christ, our sin nature diminishes more each day (Galatians
5:16, 25). We are a new creation (2
Corinthians 5:17). Our old carnal,
sinful, hell-bent character is slowly replaced by the dependence and trust of a
child of God (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God knows each of us so intimately that He numbers the hairs on each individual
head (Matthew 10:30). Our intimacy
with God is a privilege to enjoy and cherish.
Apart from God we are
basically useless (John 15:5). However,
if we walk in the light of His truth, as He is in the light, we have fellowship
with God and with one another, because the blood of Jesus purifies us from all
of our sins (1 John 1:7). God
seals us with His mark of ownership (2 Corinthians 1:21-22). We are not our own, because Jesus bought us with the
price of His crucifixion (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Our union with Him is unconditional and guaranteed (Ephesians
1:13-14: Romans 8:38-39).
Prayer:
Father God, confessing our
sin is similar to apologizing to those friends and family members whom we
offend. Yet, for human beings, this is one of the hardest choices to make.
Apologizing takes great humility. Our pride stands in our way and limits our
obedience to Your directives. Help us to humble our self under Your mighty hand
(1
Peter 5:6). As far as it depends on us,
help us to live in peace with everyone (Romans 12:18). Keep us as the apple of Your eye and draw us ever
closer to Your heart (Psalm 17:8, 34:18).
Thought for the Day:
God’s unfailing love is a
priceless treasure. - Psalm 36:7