SCRIPTURES:
And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
DEVOTIONAL:
This passage is both confrontational and hopeful. God opposes the proud - because pride keeps you sick. But He gives grace to the humble - because humility tells the truth.
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” That’s not poetic - it’s promise. But notice the pathway: cleanse hands, purify hearts, mourn over sin. Not because God is dramatic, but because sin is deadly. Brokenness isn’t self-hatred. It’s clarity. It’s agreeing with God so healing can begin.
QUESTIONS:
1. Where do I need to stop being double-minded?
2. What does humility look like in my relationships today?
3. What step of “drawing near” will I take - prayer, confession, obedience?
PRAYER:
God, I draw near. I humble myself. Cleanse me and restore me. Let grace win in me. Amen.
FASTING FOCUS:
God, I draw near. I humble myself. Cleanse me and restore me. Let grace win in me. Amen.