July 20, 2011 (2 Chronicles 29-31; James 4)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “…For the Lord your God is gracious and compassionate, and will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.” II Chronicles 30:9 NASB
Observation: How well do you know God? Do you know He is gracious and compassionate? I think most people see God in this respect, but do you know He is a God of wrath as well? When we turn to a life filled with sin, God is so hurt that He must turn His face from us. Not because He don’t love us, for His love is unconditional, but because it hurts Him to see us choose a path of pain and regret, rather than of peace and contentment.
Application: If we find ourselves steeped in sin and far away from God, returning to Him is our only option, less His face be turned away from us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NASB). Notice in the verse I just quoted and in 2 Chronicles 30:9 the key word of “if”. (If) we confess our sins, and also, (He) will not turn His face away from you (if) you return to Him. If we want God for us, we better be with Him!
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this wonderful day You have made! Your word has spoken and encouraged me already, thank you for that. Thank you for allowing me to come back to you and experience Your face shine upon me. You are indeed gracious and compassionate. Keep me close to Your side, prevent me from going astray, build a hedge of protection to keep me in, as well as keep the enemy out. In Jesus name, Amen.