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)
Davids Daily Dose 
Comments
42 responses to “The Holy North Face”
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLike
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Iron sharpens iron dear brother. Glad to be sharpened and to sharpen too. ABBA’s richest blessings to you always 🙏🏽
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 ♥️
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Tina. It’s a wonder God puts up with us, but I am delighted He does!
LikeLike
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. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Joseph. God Bless.
LikeLike
It’s ok. I saw your post. I hope things will be looking up for you soon!
LikeLike
Oof. I think I asked you that before lol. Sorry, things are hectic here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, this is good
LikeLiked by 2 people
I became a Christian at age nine.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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?
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 🙏
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
A friend sent it to me because he thought, as a teacher, I would think it was funny. I did.😀
Thanks, Matt!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love the way your brain works, circular or not!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Two factor authentication! Love it and no passwords required!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Correction: it’s Psalm 24 in the MSG translation where I found the term “holy north face.”
LikeLike
Thank you, Manu. I appreciate you sharing. God Bless.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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!
LikeLiked by 1 person
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
LikeLiked by 1 person
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. 🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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 🤗⚘
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love that idea of a solemn assembly — to let God speak. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Challenging and inspiring.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 1 person
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
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.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Great words and imagery! Well done.
LikeLiked by 1 person