He has removed our sins as far from us
….as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12 NLT
1 John 5:13-21 (<<click here to read the passage)
As the Apostle John is wrapping up his correspondence, he touches on the assurance of eternal life and the confidence we can have in coming to You in prayer, Lord. We are admonished to avoid sin and to hold firm to the indisputable fact of Your deity.
These things are all truly important, hence John’s reminder. But his final statement caught my attention.
“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” v21
…keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.
- keep away – avoid, don’t even get close
- anything – all-inclusive, no “what about this?” questions
- might – even if it hints at the possibilities, no matter how innocent
- God’s place – reserved for God and God alone, nothing else suffices, nothing can usurp His rightful place
Sin and the enemy of our souls can be both very sly and subtle. We must be wary. We must be alert. He will use and throw across our path whatever will trip us up.
Lord, help me to remain true to You. May I avoid those little things that I think don’t hurt anything. Enable me to keep my eyes and my heart focused on You. Amen.
(May 23rd, 2017, Tues, 6:40 am)
June 6th, 2023, Tues, 2:58 pm
