God's Not Listening. 1 John 1:5-10

1 John 1 Fellowship with Him and One Another 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. I had never heard this taught until this past year in our new church and I've heard it taught several times now. You can't have that hidden sin, that sin you practice in the dark, unknown to others and have an intimate relationship with Jesus. You cannot have fellowship with Jesus and living a lie. God is so adamant about this He will not even hear the prayers of the practicingsinner. That's a scary thought. Maybe you're thinking "I don't believe that" but hold on a minute, let me explain. As a follower of Jesus, as someone who has surrendered your life to Him, as someone who believes His teachings and wants to walk in His way, the way of truth, you cannot do what you know is wrong and have an intimate relationship with Him. You cannot walk in the truth if you are hiding a lie. It erects a wall between you and God. Have you ever had a secret from a friend, your parents or your spouse? Something you did not want them to find out? Something you did whatever was necessary to hide? You didn't feel exactly close to them, open with them, intimate with them did you? It's the same principle except God already knows and He knows you are not being honest, not walking in the truth, being the fool because you try to fool others. So what do you do to get back in God's good graces? Repent. Repentance is a heart issue. You have to truly be ready for that change. You have to give up completely that hidden sin. You have to turn completely around, turn to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Ask Him for help, rely on His strength to walk away from that sin and humbly be willing to walk in truth. Whatever you're struggling with today, turn to Jesus. Ask for His strength and forgiveness. Humble your heart and repent. He is waiting for you with open arms. Blessings, Cecilia