Purify Our Hearts and Draw Near to God

James 4:8 “Dear near to God and He will draw near to you.  Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded.”

            My sweet Lord, because of all that You are, why would we not draw near to You?  I feel it is because we, Your children, don’t really know You. 

Maybe we have a tarnished idea of who You are because we base our belief on our own human attributes, not Yours.  Maybe it is because to get to know You, or anyone else for that matter, takes selfless time and in our selfishness don’t want to give it.  Maybe it is because we are afraid that You will see us as we really are and will not forgive.  In that case, since James is writing this to believers, they have a total misunderstanding of Your grace and mercy…the exact reason You came to give Your life for ours on that cruel cross!

James says to wash our hands as sinners.  Lord, You are not talking about literal hand washing are You?  Aren’t You telling us to clean ourselves from the filth of our sin through confession?  This seems also symbolic of repenting of our sinful deeds done in the flesh.  Purifying a double minded heart takes both of these things, separating ourselves from the world, purging our selfishness and arrogant pride, and totally trusting You.

Lord, You know that I saw the Living Cross at Hyland Heights Baptist Church last night.  Lord, to see Your story played out was absolutely…(I am having trouble finding the words)… encouraging, heart wrenching, magnificent, touching, and convicting all together. The young man who portrayed You was so engaging, approachable, loving, and kind that just his smile brought children to him.  He has obviously come to KNOW You, for this is not just an act for him.  But as good as he was, Lord, he could not hold a candle to You.  Lord, please bless that man and his family and protect them as they will be under serious attack from the evil one.  Bring many to Yourself, and back to Yourself, through this ministry, please.