SOAP 07/18/2011; James 2:10

Today's reading: Isaiah 32, 33, 34, 35; James 2

S) "¹⁰ For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all." James 2:10 (NASB)

O) This verse is very straight-forward and I can't imagine being able to take it out of context. This is a very sobering truth. This is a reminder that, no matter how good I ever try to be, outside of God's mercy, through Jesus Christ, we are all guilty and unworthy of heaven. God is completely holy and pure; we cannot abide in His presence if we are guilty, even in the least. Maybe you've never assaulted some one, did drugs, stole anything. Maybe you waited until marriage to have sex, waited till you were legally allowed to drink beer. But, have you ever lied? About anything? Even a single lie, just once, is enough to lose our relationship with God. It's not because God is a stickler. It's not because He's vindictive and looking for some excuse to prosecute us. It's quite the opposite, really. It's because God's nature is holy. It's simply not possible for us to be in His presence while guilty. But God wanted relationship with us. He wanted a way to allow us into His presence. There were really only 2 ways to do it. He could either change His nature and become an unjust God, or He could arrange for some one else to bear our guilt. All we have to do is submit ourselves to Jesus, and allow the Christ to be in charge of us. Thank God.

A) This Scripture is still true, even after giving my life over to God. A single, unforgiven sin can disturb my spirit within me, and begin to separate me from God. I'll start to feel distant from Him, kind of dry and depressed in my spirit. Acts 3:19 says, "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord;" And so, I need to diligently repent, walking out that faith and humility before God, not just day by day or hour by hour, but moment by moment.

P) Father, forgive me. Strengthen me to continually turn away from sin. Holy Spirit, surround me with your presence that I walk in a time of refreshing. I thank you, God, that you provided a way for me to become justified, despite my myriad sins. Let me praise You forever, because of your grace and mercy to me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.