Drop One Hundred Twenty-six

John 4:23-24

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (ESV).

Happy New Year! Have you any resolutions? Planning to read the Bible in a year? Even as I typed that, I realized a very important word is missing. While growing up, nearly every Bible stated “Holy Bible” on the cover. Now, each of the newer versions tout their translation, but the word “Holy” is missing. While reading Paul David Tripp’s book “Do You Believe?” the desire to look a bit deeper is growing. I recognize how flawed I am, and how gracious and loving God is. God is “Holy, Holy, Holy”. Regardless of what I have done, or left undone, I am humbled to realize that God loves me anyway. And this love is possible because God made it so. There is nothing I did to earn it. There is nothing I can do to lose it. And knowing God is the author and finisher of our faith, I trust that He can do whatever needs to be done to make good on His promises. No, His delay is not to cause pain. It is Him exercising patience so all may believe and come to repentance. Delay turning to and trusting in Him no longer.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for loving us. Thank You for sending Jesus, Your only Son, our Lord. He lived a perfect life and is the only sacrifice acceptable to redeem us. We have been so lost in our trespasses and sins that we have accepted mediocracy as normal and the goal. You call us to confess, repent, seek forgiveness, and remember all that you have done and have promised to do through praise. Help us to see You for who You are, and may we humble ourselves before Your holiness. You call us to be holy for You are holy. Help us to walk in Your ways. May our thirst and hunger to become holy be satisfied as we daily recommit ourselves to You.

In the Name of Jesus we pray,

AMEN