Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe for our God is a consuming fire.

Hebrews 12:28-29

God is holy, pure, and righteous. Our imperfections, flaws, failures, and sins stand out glaringly compared to his perfection. Yet rather than destroying us with his holy fire, God longs to make us new, clean, and so much more than we once were through the cleansing and empowering presence of his sacred fire, the Holy Spirit, within us (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Not only can we draw near to him because of Jesus, but we also can stay near him as we live Jesus’ life in our world as our daily worship (Hebrews 13:1-16; Romans 12:1-2). That, dear friend, is reverential worship at its finest!

Righteous and holy God, please forgive me for my sin, lack of boldness, and unexercised faith. Thank you for not compromising your holiness but sacrificing your Son to perfect and purify me by your grace so I can come before you. As I live this week, may your holiness be exalted by my conduct and reflected in my character. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.