Verse of the Day - Hebrews 4:16

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it. ~ Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)

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Do we take for granted the fact that we're able to stand before the God of the universe? Do we remember Who and what makes that possible?

It's Jesus. Only Jesus.

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.
~ Hebrews 7:23-28 (NIV)

It is by Him that we are made presentable to stand before the throne of God. In our sinful rags, we're a mess and unworthy to ask anything of the King of Kings. But when we choose to follow Jesus and accept for ourselves the sacrifice He made on our behalf, we get new spiritual clothes -- Christ's righteousness. He is our ticket to God. He paved the way.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."
~ John 14:6 (NIV)

So, yes, we can come boldly to God in prayer. But humbly, too, as we remember Him who loved us so much, that He gave all He had to get us there. As you talk to God today, remember to thank Jesus for granting you access to the Father. Give Him the glory that is due Him!

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"
~ Revelation 5:9-12 (NIV)

Love,
Joelene