Monday, February 1

Begin your time with God today by reading Psalm 42:1-2:
As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you O God.
My soul thirsts for the God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?

Take a few moments in prayer to both quiet your mind and thank the God of the universe for the privilege of meeting with him personally today!

Hebrews 10:19-22
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…”

Has there ever been a time in your life when you felt either unwelcome or unwanted by God?
Have you ever felt that the mistakes or sins of your past have “disqualified” you from God’s presence?

Paul here is referring to the fact that in the ancient Tabernacle (and later Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem) the “Most Holy Place” was an inner room where the presence of God dwelled. This room was separated from the rest of the Tabernacle by a heavy curtain. The only person allowed to enter was the High Priest – and he entered only once a year to offer a sacrifice for the sins of the people. But when Jesus died on the cross, scripture says that this veil was torn from top to bottom – indicating that now all who put their faith in Jesus have access to God himself. Paul is teaching us that through Christ we can approach God with confidence and assurance.

Take a few moments to reflect on the amazing truth that you have been given “confident access” to the very presence of God through prayer. Because Jesus has opened the way to God through his sacrifice on the cross – our sins no longer separate us from Him.
Because God welcomes us into his presence, we can tell him anything and ask him anything. What do you need to share with Him today? What would you like to ask Him today?

Brian Coffey