Philip Dampier's Blog

Chapter 4, Verse 8 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.“

How near do you wish God to be to you? Here is God’s promise to come as near to you as you will come to Him. Couple to that the promise that He will never leave you. The only thing between you and God is you. God loves us and there is nothing we can do to change that. There is nothing the world or the devil can do to change that. There is nothing that another human being can do to change that.

Our hands and our hearts are our responsibility. God is willing that we repent but the choice is ours. Certainly I cannot take God’s role in my salvation but it doesn’t mean that I don’t have a role. God doesn’t believe for me and He doesn’t repent for me. Changing my will and my actions are my personal responsibility. God provides the Holy Spirit to encourage and assist me but He will not save me in spite of myself.

Task for Today: How far apart are you and God? Run a quick tape check. Would you like to be closer? Well, James says that it is your choice since God will get as close as you will allow. Cleanse your hands if you need to. Work on your heart if you need to. Move in God’s direction and be prepared to have God close.