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Hindrances on the Pathway to God's Presence (Part 1)

This devotional came from A.W. Tozer's, "Experiencing the Presence of God" which is a book of his that really digs into Hebrews.  This one is based on Hebrews 2:1-4, very powerful verses.

As human beings, we have an innate desire within us to come into the presence of something, or someone, bigger than us.  You can trace this back for years through all generations, ethnicities, and nationalities.  People have always found something or someone to worship, sometimes even themselves.  As Christians, we should be constantly seeking the presence of our savior, the Savior, God.  But often times that seems difficult so let's look at some things that get in our way.

Manmade Error - All religions lead to God
Some men believe that all religions are good to varying degrees.  People have their reasons for believing what they believe, but we also are sometimes too willing to believe that others are at least partially right.  This can lead people to ponder that if other religions are good, why should I put so much work into the pursuit of Christianity?  Deuteronomy 18:15 reads, "The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me (Moses) from among you, from your brothers - it is to him you shall listen."  Moses said it then, and it still just as true today; what Jesus says and teaches is the final authority on the Word of God.  He ends all other discussions or ponderings on matters.  Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me" in John 14:6.

Manmade Error - Man has no spiritual responsibility
Some people believe that since Christ died for our sins that we are covered with God.  The message of the free gift of salvation may have been preached too good to some people and they come to the belief that God has already paid their sin debt through Jesus so they no longer have any responsibility.  Through the death of his son, God gave us an avenue to be saved, not an automatic safety switch.  For a practical analogy, my boss gave me a job but if I don't come to work each day I'm not going to be receive a paycheck very long.  (Thankfully God gives out of grace not based on merit.) 

God took the initiative in saving us by sending Jesus to earth and by giving us the Holy Spirit.  But we must accept him as savior, we must allow the Holy Spirit to work in us to sanctify us.  Once you're saved, you no longer go on living life the way that YOU want to, your life has to be turned over to God.  A.W. Tozer writes, "If God cannot disturb us, He cannot move us.  If He cannot move us, He cannot save us.  If He cannot get us concerned about the things of God, He cannot do anything at all for us."  What concerns do you have?  What are you focused on in life; things of God, or things of this world?

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