The Holy North Face

Have you heard the one about the guy who washed his hands too much during the pandemic?

Repentance is like that. Cleansing of sin reveals answers from God

A church where I once served held a unique series of revival meetings. Our pastor called it a “solemn assembly.” One like good king Jehosophat proclaimed for Judah in 2 Chronicles 20:1-34.

The congregation met each evening for worship and prayer, but with no preaching. This went on for a week. As we sought God, confessing our corporate shortcomings, divine answers appeared.

It was a type of two-factor authentication–to use the cyber security lingo.

“Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol.” Psalm 24 :3-4 (NIV)

Clean hands and a pure heart: the two things needed to climb the holy north face. It’s thought-provoking here that hand washing comes BEFORE heart cleansing. That’s because the purest form of worship is repentance. I experienced this personally during those revival meetings. As my view of God became clearer, my walk with Him grew closer.

Seeking God in earnest reveals the true nature of one’s heart. In my case, there was too much of me. Recognition and a change of heart’s direction cleared the road back to the Father. But this practice hasn’t been a “one and done” event. The narrow path to heaven is susceptible to drifted snow.

Need answers? Invite yourself to a Solemn Assembly–just you and God. It will be a purifying experience. I know this because it was for me.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 (NIV)


Posted

in

,

by

Comments

42 responses to “The Holy North Face”

  1. Island Traveler Avatar

    Thanks David. It is our favorite place when there seems to be no safer place to go and enjoy nature here in California. On a lucky day when there’s nobody around my family and I can enjoy the beach without mask and worries. It’s nice and refreshing. Perhaps soon, every place will be safe , and travel and restrictions will be a past & everyone starts being kinder to one another again.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. pastorpete51 Avatar

    Hmmm that’s food for thought. I am not an expert, in a scholarly way but our 16 years in the Brazilian church has left an eternal impact. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Liked by 1 person

  3. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Pastor Pete. I’d like to know more about the Brazilian version of a solemn assembly. Maybe you could write a post about the experience? God Bless. I hope you enjoy your Sunday as well.

    Like

  4. pastorpete51 Avatar

    Just us and God is a starting point but a solemn assembly or vigíia like we used to have that in the Brazilian church is just as important in its own right. I miss those times. Have a blessed Sunday Dave.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Dee Avatar

    Iron sharpens iron dear brother. Glad to be sharpened and to sharpen too. ABBA’s richest blessings to you always 🙏🏽

    Liked by 1 person

  6. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Yes! I’d forgotten that it’s right there in the beatitudes, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Thank you for pointing this out, Dee! God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Dee Avatar

    David, this is such a needed reminder for us all today. As I read this I’m reminded of the verse in Matthew where Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure, for they shall see God.” It is only when our hearts (and hands) are pure we get to see God. Like Isaiah, we have to get His live coal to purge us so we can move closer ♥️

    Liked by 1 person

  8. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Tina. It’s a wonder God puts up with us, but I am delighted He does!

    Like

  9. Tina Avatar

    Wonderful post David. Great joke! 😊 There’s usually too much of us in all of us. More of you Lord and less of me can be a challenge. Glad the Lord’s good at wrestling and tug-o-wars. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Dawn Avatar

    You’re welcome!

    Liked by 1 person

  11. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thanks, Joseph. God Bless.

    Like

  12. davidsdailydose Avatar

    It’s ok. I saw your post. I hope things will be looking up for you soon!

    Like

  13. Matcha Avatar

    Oof. I think I asked you that before lol. Sorry, things are hectic here.

    Liked by 1 person

  14. ropheka Avatar

    Wow, this is good

    Liked by 2 people

  15. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I became a Christian at age nine.

    Liked by 1 person

  16. Matcha Avatar

    It’s true. Before we approach the throne, we must repent for our wrong doings.
    I don’t know for sure if you said it before, but when did you become a Christian?

    Liked by 1 person

  17. Ladysag77 Avatar

    Timing is never a worry for me my friend. So happy thoughts served you 😊 It needs to be said how often we can stand in our own way complicating what God has made do simple, love ❤ Enjoy the rest of your weekend, blessings to you and yours 🙏

    Liked by 1 person

  18. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I love, LOVE ❤️ your thought, Maria: “Stepping out of our own way.” Letting God’s love flow is the goal. Like my middle school basketball coach used to say, “David, don’t block your own shot.”

    Sorry, I meant to reply to this sooner😌. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

  19. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I’m glad my post helped you today. I often ask God to use my ramblings to help and encourage someone in need.

    I saw your post. Big Sur looks as beautiful as ever! I saw on the news that some roads by the ocean were washed out there. I thought of you and your family—knowing that’s one of your go to places.

    Thanks for stopping by. I greatly appreciate your reading and comments!

    Blessings

    Liked by 1 person

  20. Island Traveler Avatar

    I needed to read this today. So many distractions, so many worries that it is hard to see and feel God’s presence sometimes. It’s easy to lose focus and foresight. Thank you. God gave me & my family a chance to enjoy our time together this week as I took time to be off work for my son’s Winter break. His love and generosity is visible in every joy and blessing. So too in adversity as he is our great Redeemer & Protector. God bless.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. davidsdailydose Avatar

    A friend sent it to me because he thought, as a teacher, I would think it was funny. I did.😀

    Thanks, Matt!

    Liked by 1 person

  22. jesusluvsall Avatar

    As a teacher I got a kick out of the man washing his hands so much he found the answers to his 8th grade test

    Liked by 1 person

  23. Ladysag77 Avatar

    Yes, the progress is in the practice and the daily surrender. Stepping out of our own way to allow God’s love to pour in and through, out and throughout ourselves and others. I really enjoyed this humorous story and imagery David. Well done!

    Liked by 2 people

  24. God Still Speaks Avatar

    I love the way your brain works, circular or not!

    Liked by 1 person

  25. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Right! God knows who we are anyway. He just wants to know we are serious. Of course, He already knows if we are. Uh oh, I’ve backed myself into a circular argument. 🙃

    I always look forward to your input. Thank you and God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  26. God Still Speaks Avatar

    Two factor authentication! Love it and no passwords required!

    Liked by 2 people

  27. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Correction: it’s Psalm 24 in the MSG translation where I found the term “holy north face.”

    Like

  28. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you, Manu. I appreciate you sharing. God Bless.

    Liked by 1 person

  29. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You bet, Dawn! Matt from Jesusluvsall gave you a shout out. I’m always on the hunt for good Christian bloggers . Thanks for stopping by!

    Liked by 1 person

  30. Perth Girl Avatar

    Seeking God in earnest reveals the true nature of one’s heart and the hand washing has to come first – really like what you mention here.
    Good word David.
    Blessings

    Liked by 1 person

  31. Dawn Avatar

    Funny joke! Repentance does indeed draw us closer to God’s heart. We should be quick to repent so our fellowship with Him is not broken. Thanks for following my blog. 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

  32. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I’m glad you enjoyed the post, Sally. Thank you for sharing the results of your research. I borrowed the term “holy north face” from Eugene Peterson’s translation of Psalm 15 in “The Message.”

    I appreciate your kind and helpful contributions! Blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

  33. Sally Avatar

    Great post, David.
    It inspired me to do further research.
    My husband has some jackets with the logo ‘THE NORTH FACE’.
    The north face of a mountain is considered the most challenging to climb.

    I often visualize the spiritual life as a journey up a mountain. It is steep, and, as you say, sometimes there are ‘snowdrifts’.

    I agree with you that repentance increases our humility, which strengthens our relationship with God, through Jesus. Thanks 🤗⚘

    Liked by 1 person

  34. davidsdailydose Avatar

    You’re welcome, CG. The idea was new to me when my pastor suggested it. Our solemn assembly turned out to be one of the most powerful and productive revival times we experienced as a church. The corporate confession and waiting before God led to transformation on a personal level.

    Liked by 1 person

  35. CG Thelen Avatar

    Love that idea of a solemn assembly — to let God speak. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

  36. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you! I appreciate the interaction and the prayer for this ministry.

    I see you on here from time to time, but haven’t checked out your blog. I will do so today! Blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

  37. chaddamitz Avatar

    Great message David. I really enjoyed how you connected the man with frequent hand washing to how repentance reveals answers. May the Lord continue blessing your ministry. Amen.

    Liked by 2 people

  38. Don't Lose Hope Avatar

    Challenging and inspiring.

    Liked by 1 person

  39. davidsdailydose Avatar

    Thank you for adding your two cents, Jeff. It’s always a good two cents!

    The solemn assembly type meetings did serve the purpose you describe. One should not approach God haphazardly it ill prepared. Again, I appreciate your input.

    Blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

  40. Jeffrey H. King Avatar

    I like this. It’s like taking off your dirty shoes when visiting someone or getting dressed up for church. Show the physical respect that shows – and even leads – where your heart is.

    Liked by 2 people

  41. davidsdailydose Avatar

    I appreciate your frequent input, Barb. I never know how my thoughts will be received. Like you, I simply try to say what God lays on my heart. Thank you, and God Bless.

    Liked by 2 people

  42. My Life in Our Father's World Avatar

    Great words and imagery! Well done.

    Liked by 1 person

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.