Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (James 4:8)
Expanded Passage: James 4:8-10
“Make sure I am up at 3!” My brother had written a note and left it on the kitchen table. Being a high school junior, he had a tight schedule with school, football, work, and date nights. As the time approached, I knocked on his bedroom door and yelled his name. I only heard his grunt. Like other times, I soaked a washcloth with freezing water, opened his door and threw it in his face and then raced to the back of the house to hide. Right away, I heard his steps as he sped to find who had disturbed his sleep. Finally, I heard the stomping, followed by the running water for the shower, and knew I had accomplished my task.
Are we asleep or preoccupied with our busyness so that we leave God out of our day? We have ball games, dance recitals, shopping trips, and numerous other things occupying our time. In order not to miss these activities, we set alarms or write notes.
Suppose God left us a note reading, “Make sure you take time with me today!” Would we read the words? Would we feel God disturbs our plans? Do we need icy water thrown in our face to get our attention? To keep us from leaving God out of our day, we should repent and print his name permanently as a priority each day.
Inscribe in your heart that you are God’s child.
Denise Moore Greene was raised in The Wesleyan Church and resides in North Carolina. She enjoys time with her children and five grandchildren.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
