May 7

God is not far away from us, unconcerned about us as he lounges around in some far-away heaven. He is as near to us as our our lips and heart.

"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" (Dt. 30:14).

The world likes to imagine a distant and unconcerned God, because then it does not have to pay attention to what he says and do what he tells them. But Scripture clearly dispels this false idea of God, for it tells us that His word is so near that we can easily discern it and that it is given so that we will obey it.

God's Word is not merely an ideal; we are to live it out in our lives. Our hearts are to be turned towards God, not away from him. We have a clear choice, a choice that is plainly visible to us.

"This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him" (Dt. 30:19, 20).

Scripture for today: Dt. 30:11, 12
Thought for today: I cannot make my way to heaven, but God brought heaven down to me in Jesus.
Prayer for today: Thank you, Jesus, for putting aside all your glory in heaven to come down to this dirty, sin-filled world so that I can ascend to heaven with you.

MAY 07