Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship cont.

Continuing my study of "Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship" 

The past few days I've been reading Genesis 3 concerning the Fall of Man. 

It's amazing that a Holy God continued to want to walk and have a relationship with His creation... even after knowing that they sinned. God is holy, and God's love is also, great. 

There were consequences for Adam and Eve's sin.... long lasting consequences. But although a HOLY God—He still loves. 

That doesn't mean that I can sin and expect God to just "overlook" my sin. No, God is still a HOLY God. 

I'm just thankful that He is also a God of love, who has created a way for me to have a relationship with Him.... all because of His loving sacrifice of His Son. 

God is Holy. Sin has consequences. Thankful that I can have a relationship with God Almighty, not because of my own righteousness—rather because of His great love and righteousness. 

"For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in and through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]." 2 Corinthians 5:21 (AMP)

Deep Sense of Reverence for God: Holiness: Relationship

This year for my "new year's resolution", I gave a "gift to God". I chose to work on being "permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God" (Acts 9:31, MSG). 

I thought a good place to begin was "getting to know God". I've been studying His Holiness. I'm looking at three things, Relationship, Communication, and Destination. 

First, I've been studying my relationship with God as it relates to His Holiness. Because God is holy, the ONLY way for be to enter into His presence is through the forgiveness of my sin. My relationship with God is hindered by sin and the remedy for that is due ONLY because God is holy. He alone could provide a holy, perfect sacrifice, His Son, Jesus Christ, to pay for my sin.

And although my sin has been forgiven, as Paul says, "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?" Romans 6:1. NO! If I want to develop a deeper relationship with God, then I have to examine my life through the filter of HIS HOLINESS. God says, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 5:16).

If I want to be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God, I must truly learn and understand God's Holiness and how it impacts my relationship with Him.

L.E.A.D. Jan 2015

January 1- 9, 2015 was Law Enforcement Appreciation Week. 

I had to opportunity to attend a rally to show support and appreciation for our Police Officers. I'm thankful for the Heroes who place their lives on the line each and every day to protect us. 

To all the First Responder and Military Heroes,

"THANK YOU!" 

Reverence for God; Psalm 139:1

Permeated with a Deep Sense of Reverence for God

Things calmed down after that and the church had smooth sailing for a while. All over the country—Judea, Samaria, Galilee—the church grew. They were permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God. The Holy Spirit was with them, strengthening them. They prospered wonderfully. (Acts 9:31 MSG)

Psalm 139:1 

Lord, you have examined [investigated; searched] me and know all about me. Psalm 139:1 (EXB)

God, the Creator of all, has searched me… examined thoroughly… and knows… is fully and acutely aware of me and all that concerns me.  This is where a deep sense of reverence for God begins. For I must realize that God Almighty has intimate knowledge of all things…. that includes my heart and soul.

That knowledge is both frightening and comforting. Frighten, because God Almighty searched me and knows all that concerns me… and I am a sinner. 

Comforting, because of God’s mercy and grace, my sins are forgiven and He sees me clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. (Isaiah 61:10). 

If I want to have a deep sense of reverence for God, first my relationship with God must be “In good standing”. I must confess my sin before God. 

I must then follow God’s example, and search and know God Almighty. A deep sense of reverence for God, must start with Who God is. As I learn about Who God is, a deep sense of reverence should overwhelm my heart and soul. 

Happy New Year!