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Girlfriends in God - Jan. 30, 2007

 

January 30, 2007

Through The Veil

Gwen Smith

 

Today's Truth

Hebrews 10:19-22a NIV “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…”

 

Friend to Friend

Four years ago this week, my father received the gift of life as a transplant recipient.  Tragically, in order for my dad to live, another soul had to die.  The only information we have, is that he received a donated organ from a person who died in a car crash.  While our family rejoiced at this priceless provision, another family mourned the passing of one they loved.  It was a bittersweet exchange…wonderful and horrible at the very same time.

 

At the very moment of Christ’s death, across the city of Jerusalem – in the temple – the veil that separated the Holy of Holies from the Most Holy Place was torn from top to bottom…from God to man.  The barriers to God’s mercy no longer existed. 

 

2000 years ago, when Jesus surrendered His perfect life to death – once for all – a new and living way was created for us to be reconciled to the holy heart of God.  It was the Great Exchange.  Through the curtain, which is the body of Christ, we have access to the Most Holy Place…the presence of God.  In the Old Testament, the high priests entered the Holy of Holies with great trepidation.  Because of Christ, we can cross the threshold of mercy with confidence.

 

While studying this very topic a few years ago, I was inspired to write this worship song:

 

Through The Veil

By Gwen Smith

 

Through the veil, there’s a new and living way

Through the curtain, welcome to the Holy Place

Though we once were separated

We are now invited in

Through the veil, through the blood, come to Him

Through the veil, through the blood, enter in

 

The Holy Place is open, come and worship

The Lamb for Sinner’s slain is King of all

We praise and glorify the Lord before His mighty throne

Through the veil, through the blood, come to Him

Through the veil, through the blood, enter in

 

©2005 Audio 31 Music / Sunday Best Music / ASCAP

 

 

I’ve heard it said that “We are far more sinful than we can possibly imagine and far more loved than we can possibly accept.”

 

So, how does this affect you and me?  How does this pivotal moment in history, this veil renting influence the way we live?  Well, I guess that’s up to each one of us.  Hebrews 4:16 says “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”  

 

Have you accepted this great exchange in your own heart?  Have you prayed to receive this mercy and forgiveness that is offered freely to all who ask?  If not, would you like to now?  God is waiting with open arms.  Roman’s 10:9 tells us “That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Nothing you have ever done lands outside the scope of God’s forgiveness.

 

  If you would like to pray, it’s as simple as this:  “Dear Lord, I confess that I have done many things wrong – the Bible calls it sin and I’m guilty.  Would you please forgive me?  I do believe that Jesus is Lord.  I believe that He lived, died and rose again.  Would you be my Lord?  Would you teach me what it means to follow you?  Thank you Father.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

 

If you prayed that prayer and meant it sincerely, would you please email us and let us know.  We would love to follow up with you.

 

Once we are covered in grace; prayer, praise and worship is our natural approach to God.  We must come with both reverence and boldness…with quiet awe and joyful singing…because He is both a radiant, holy God and a trustworthy, faithful friend.  Enter in today

 

Let's Pray

Holy Father, You are amazing!  Thank you for offering forgiveness and mercy through the great exchange of Jesus.   I am blessed beyond measure to be able to come into Your presence with a heart that is pure.   Your love truly is extravagant.  In Jesus’ name, amen

 

Now it's Your Turn

Is there an area of your life that needs ‘transplanted?’

Do you know that God can forgive anything you have done?

Write a response to God - thank Him for his love and mercy, then read it to Him!

 

Gwen’s song “Through The Veil” is found on her Let It Rain CD.  If you would like a FREE chart of this worship song for your worship pastor or congregation, please e-mail us with your request.


G.I.G.

Girlfriends in God, Inc.

P.O. Box 725

Matthews, North Carolina 28106

 

Web site: www.girlfriendsingod.com
Email: info@girlfriendsingod.com