Moving up the mountain of God

A look at holiness.

Why?

If I expect to move God, I need to practice holiness. 

I often wonder why it seems that all my efforts to communicate with God go nowhere. I have heard people say, "My prayers don't go any farther than the ceiling of the room."

Why is that?

I think Psalm 24 has the answer:

The earth is the Lord's and everything in it. The world and all the people belong to him. For He laid the earth's foundation... and built it... Who may climb the ountain of the Lord?

              Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
                                 who don't worship idols 
                                  and never tell lies

Now I know why my prayers sometimes feel fruitless-
                               My hands are dirty!
                               My heart is wicked!
                               My idols are many!
                               I lie to myself and others!

How can I expect God to hear my prayers when I am not willing to obey Him or honor Him? That seems one way ish.

Before I approach God, I think I need to deal with that which would separate me from Him.  How do I do that?

I don't.

He does!

"If I confes my sin to Jesus He is faithful and just to forgive me and my sins and to cleanse me from all wickedness." 1 John 1:9

The theme of Leviticus is found in the 19th chapter - the first verse:

"You must be holy because I the Lord am holy."

The book of Leviticus - Levi being the name of the priestly tribe- was written for the priests to explain to them how to worship almighty God. If we want to approach God, we must be holy. Leviticus describes the steps toward holiness - it is a climb up to the mountain of God. Moses made that ascent and returned with the instructions for His people- How can I approach a holy God when I am a mere creature?

Holiness is mentioned 152 times in Leviticus, more than in any other book of the Bible. I long to be near God. I need to be near Him. I cannot survive without Him.

The first step toward holiness is confession. I've made a list of my sins. I am asking God to help me deal with each one. I challenge you to do the same.

Right here I have a question and would like to know from you readers~ Does your church encourage or allow for a time of confession during Sunday morning worship?

"Be holy for I the lord am holy."

I want to be holy so I can

Shine!