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10-19-2008, 08:03 PM
Be Holy
“I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, even as I am holy.” Lev. 11:44
God is morally and spiritually perfect; a divine being; and thus He is holy. How is it even remotely possible for us to be holy? The grand scope and design of all the restrictions that God gave to the Israelites in the Old Testament was to set them apart that they might be his holy people. This is also God’s call for the Church today. His desire is that we would be holy, as He is holy. He wants us to resemble Him. For this reason, we must consecrate ourselves to following Jesus daily. No faith in a creed, no amount of religious devotion, no acts of charity or service, nothing can be a substitute for living a consecrated life. In order to be partakers of the Divine Nature, we must be saved from sin through Jesus Christ, and then be made holy within, resulting in righteousness without; or we will never see God. This is the very reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth; so that he might purify us through himself. It is through Jesus' blood that our sins have been blotted out, and it is through Him that we can be restored to the image of God. It is not a one-time deal but it is a continual process. Yes, we have been saved, but then we must go on to dedicate ourselves wholly to God. We must separate ourselves from the desires and goals of this world, for our home is in the heavenlies and we this world must not have any hold on us. Only by living this earthly life in such a way as we are continually seeking to bring God glory and honor can we be holy as He is holy. Let us resolve today to make that our goal. Let us live holy lives and, in doing so, reflect our heavenly Father.
Father, you are an awesome God and you are Holy. We can only dream of being holy like you are holy, but that is our desire, dear LORD. We long to be like you. Help us to set aside the cares of this world and place our hearts in yours. Help us to live each day so that we might be transformed into the image of your dear Son. Make us holy, as you are holy. We cannot do it by ourselves. We need your help. Help us to live in the heavenlies, even though our physical bodies are here on earth, and may we bring you glory and honor today and always! Amen Quiet Waters
-----
HE HAS MERCY
Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my shameful deeds �
they haunt me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.
For I was born a sinner � yes,
from the moment my mother conceived me.
But you desire honesty from the heart,
so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.
Psalm 51:1-6
Oh, how we need to recognize our need for mercy! Many of us, caught up in our busy lives, forget to be still and allow God to purge us of our weaknesses. Oh, yes, we call them weaknesses, but what they amount to is sin. We fall short constantly; therefore, we need a constant stream of mercy flowing from the mercy seat of God.
One of the older praise choruses used this verse in such a melodious way that there has never been a time that I heard it that I didn't just want to cry. It is because of His unfailing love and compassion that in order for me to have a relationship with Him He has to blot out my sins because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on my behalf.
For the past several weeks God has been showing me areas of my life that need to be regenerated. It is a painful period in my life. No, I'm not depressed. I simply recognize the depth of my sin and the depth of my need for God's grace and mercy.
How about you? Have you recognized a pattern in your life that is displeasing to God? As this week progresses, find some time to get alone with God. Let Him pour His anointing oil of love into those private parts that need to be healed. Allow yourself to be honest before Him and confess the need for Him in your secret place. When you do this, He will teach you wisdom in your inmost being. What a mighty God we serve!
Oh, Lord, I praise You and thank You for this season of revelation in my life. Thank You for showing me my weaknesses and my strong will. Thank You for breaking me and restoring me to a steady relationship with You. Help me this week to monitor my mindset and offer myself to You for purification. I rest in You. The Well
-----
Security
Psalm 125:1
Pastor Carl H Stevens
So many people reach out for security in anything they can find. But is it really possible for us to find true security? The dictionary defines the word "security" as "freedom from care, apprehension or doubt -- a well-founded confidence." In the midst of our struggling society and rising divorce rate (even among professing Christians), where do we turn for help?
The Bible says that true security is not found in something, but rather it is found in Someone -- the Lord Jesus Christ. "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever" (Psalm 125:1, NIV). God's desire is for everyone to come to know Him through having a personal relationship with Him and to experience His specific plan for their lives. He has made the way possible by sending Christ to die on a cross, making full payment for all of our sins. Christ offers true security for anyone who puts their trust in Him. What God does, He does forever! Although problems, trials and circumstances will inevitably face us, God's unconditional love, His perfect plan for our lives and His promise of heaven will never change. The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Ephesians, said he prayed that "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18).
A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
Psalm 125:1
-----
Don't be a chocoholic!
"YOU MUST NOT GIVE SIN A VOTE."
ROMANS 6:12 TM
Have you ever stuffed yourself on a Maccy D's 'til you're so full you're gonna explode? Or Christmas dinner; you couldn't eat another mouthful until someone opens a tin of Quality Street, and you just can't stop yourself. One won't hurt. You know you don't need it, but you have one anyway; then another... and another... and then you start on your selection box! Before you know it, you're feeling really ill. You know it's bad for you but you can't stop yourself; it's addictive. Sin is a bit like that, you know when something's wrong, when it's bad for you. But just like those chocolates, what might not seem too bad to start with is addictive, and once you start, it's hard to stop. The Bible says don't even go there! Your old way of life was nailed to the cross with Jesus; that means your sin too. When Jesus died, He took sin down with Him. Alive, He brings God to us. Do you get it? With God on your side, you can resist the temptation. So, throw yourself at doing things God's way. Remember, sin isn't inevitable for us anymore; Jesus has sent us His Spirit to help us every day, the same Spirit that raised from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). So come on; don't be a chocoholic. Turn your back on that stuff, you've got God on your side. Word4U2Day
-----
Don't be a chocoholic!
"YOU MUST NOT GIVE SIN A VOTE."
ROMANS 6:12 TM
Have you ever stuffed yourself on a Maccy D's 'til you're so full you're gonna explode? Or Christmas dinner; you couldn't eat another mouthful until someone opens a tin of Quality Street, and you just can't stop yourself. One won't hurt. You know you don't need it, but you have one anyway; then another... and another... and then you start on your selection box! Before you know it, you're feeling really ill. You know it's bad for you but you can't stop yourself; it's addictive. Sin is a bit like that, you know when something's wrong, when it's bad for you. But just like those chocolates, what might not seem too bad to start with is addictive, and once you start, it's hard to stop. The Bible says don't even go there! Your old way of life was nailed to the cross with Jesus; that means your sin too. When Jesus died, He took sin down with Him. Alive, He brings God to us. Do you get it? With God on your side, you can resist the temptation. So, throw yourself at doing things God's way. Remember, sin isn't inevitable for us anymore; Jesus has sent us His Spirit to help us every day, the same Spirit that raised from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). So come on; don't be a chocoholic. Turn your back on that stuff, you've got God on your side. Words For Courageous Living
-----
Be a blessing to those people around you
Decide this day to be a blessing to those people around you and not the cause of grief and pain.
Let mercy and kindness be the light that shines outward from yourself toward others and meekness your stay.
Truly learn to love little children, especially the orphans, for God has given to them the Power to restore love, joy and peace, the most valuable of all things to your life.
The world spends great fortunes to find even a little peace, yet the smile of a little child ( especially an orphan ) toward you in response to acts of kindness from you will fill your heart to overflowing with peace.
Brethren, the greatest of all treasures is love which only can be obtained by giving it away.
The more you give, the more you will receive.
©10/20/2001 Jim Welch
-----
Devotional For Dieters
October 20
1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Cliff felt content. He felt good about the diet. He knew it was time to do something, so it didn't feel like such a great struggle. He prayed for God's help, and he felt God's presence with him. Sure, there would be unpleasantness, as there was whenever a sacrifice was involved, but it would all be well worth it. The prospect of being healthy and trim was very appealing to him. Cliff had confidence that God would bless him with strength, courage, and peace. With that kind of assurance, how could he go wrong?
Today's thought: If God will give me everything I really need, how can I help but lose weight?
-----
HUMBLED
“But they had not learned enough of humility…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 73
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9
For what it's worth: Alcoholism humbled me to the extent that I was forced to admit my powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of my life. As difficult as that may have been for an arrogant drunk like me, it was not nearly enough. Much more is required to practice the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Then, even after the spiritual awakening that results from living these Steps in my daily life, I come to realize the darkness in everything I think I know and the imperfection in everything I think I finally have right.
God bless you!
Joe W.
“I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, even as I am holy.” Lev. 11:44
God is morally and spiritually perfect; a divine being; and thus He is holy. How is it even remotely possible for us to be holy? The grand scope and design of all the restrictions that God gave to the Israelites in the Old Testament was to set them apart that they might be his holy people. This is also God’s call for the Church today. His desire is that we would be holy, as He is holy. He wants us to resemble Him. For this reason, we must consecrate ourselves to following Jesus daily. No faith in a creed, no amount of religious devotion, no acts of charity or service, nothing can be a substitute for living a consecrated life. In order to be partakers of the Divine Nature, we must be saved from sin through Jesus Christ, and then be made holy within, resulting in righteousness without; or we will never see God. This is the very reason that Jesus Christ came to this earth; so that he might purify us through himself. It is through Jesus' blood that our sins have been blotted out, and it is through Him that we can be restored to the image of God. It is not a one-time deal but it is a continual process. Yes, we have been saved, but then we must go on to dedicate ourselves wholly to God. We must separate ourselves from the desires and goals of this world, for our home is in the heavenlies and we this world must not have any hold on us. Only by living this earthly life in such a way as we are continually seeking to bring God glory and honor can we be holy as He is holy. Let us resolve today to make that our goal. Let us live holy lives and, in doing so, reflect our heavenly Father.
Father, you are an awesome God and you are Holy. We can only dream of being holy like you are holy, but that is our desire, dear LORD. We long to be like you. Help us to set aside the cares of this world and place our hearts in yours. Help us to live each day so that we might be transformed into the image of your dear Son. Make us holy, as you are holy. We cannot do it by ourselves. We need your help. Help us to live in the heavenlies, even though our physical bodies are here on earth, and may we bring you glory and honor today and always! Amen Quiet Waters
-----
HE HAS MERCY
Have mercy on me, O God,
because of your unfailing love.
Because of your great compassion,
blot out the stain of my sins.
Wash me clean from my guilt.
Purify me from my sin.
For I recognize my shameful deeds �
they haunt me day and night.
Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your sight.
You will be proved right in what you say,
and your judgment against me is just.
For I was born a sinner � yes,
from the moment my mother conceived me.
But you desire honesty from the heart,
so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being.
Psalm 51:1-6
Oh, how we need to recognize our need for mercy! Many of us, caught up in our busy lives, forget to be still and allow God to purge us of our weaknesses. Oh, yes, we call them weaknesses, but what they amount to is sin. We fall short constantly; therefore, we need a constant stream of mercy flowing from the mercy seat of God.
One of the older praise choruses used this verse in such a melodious way that there has never been a time that I heard it that I didn't just want to cry. It is because of His unfailing love and compassion that in order for me to have a relationship with Him He has to blot out my sins because of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on my behalf.
For the past several weeks God has been showing me areas of my life that need to be regenerated. It is a painful period in my life. No, I'm not depressed. I simply recognize the depth of my sin and the depth of my need for God's grace and mercy.
How about you? Have you recognized a pattern in your life that is displeasing to God? As this week progresses, find some time to get alone with God. Let Him pour His anointing oil of love into those private parts that need to be healed. Allow yourself to be honest before Him and confess the need for Him in your secret place. When you do this, He will teach you wisdom in your inmost being. What a mighty God we serve!
Oh, Lord, I praise You and thank You for this season of revelation in my life. Thank You for showing me my weaknesses and my strong will. Thank You for breaking me and restoring me to a steady relationship with You. Help me this week to monitor my mindset and offer myself to You for purification. I rest in You. The Well
-----
Security
Psalm 125:1
Pastor Carl H Stevens
So many people reach out for security in anything they can find. But is it really possible for us to find true security? The dictionary defines the word "security" as "freedom from care, apprehension or doubt -- a well-founded confidence." In the midst of our struggling society and rising divorce rate (even among professing Christians), where do we turn for help?
The Bible says that true security is not found in something, but rather it is found in Someone -- the Lord Jesus Christ. "Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever" (Psalm 125:1, NIV). God's desire is for everyone to come to know Him through having a personal relationship with Him and to experience His specific plan for their lives. He has made the way possible by sending Christ to die on a cross, making full payment for all of our sins. Christ offers true security for anyone who puts their trust in Him. What God does, He does forever! Although problems, trials and circumstances will inevitably face us, God's unconditional love, His perfect plan for our lives and His promise of heaven will never change. The Apostle Paul, in writing to the Ephesians, said he prayed that "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1:18).
A Song of degrees. They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
Psalm 125:1
-----
Don't be a chocoholic!
"YOU MUST NOT GIVE SIN A VOTE."
ROMANS 6:12 TM
Have you ever stuffed yourself on a Maccy D's 'til you're so full you're gonna explode? Or Christmas dinner; you couldn't eat another mouthful until someone opens a tin of Quality Street, and you just can't stop yourself. One won't hurt. You know you don't need it, but you have one anyway; then another... and another... and then you start on your selection box! Before you know it, you're feeling really ill. You know it's bad for you but you can't stop yourself; it's addictive. Sin is a bit like that, you know when something's wrong, when it's bad for you. But just like those chocolates, what might not seem too bad to start with is addictive, and once you start, it's hard to stop. The Bible says don't even go there! Your old way of life was nailed to the cross with Jesus; that means your sin too. When Jesus died, He took sin down with Him. Alive, He brings God to us. Do you get it? With God on your side, you can resist the temptation. So, throw yourself at doing things God's way. Remember, sin isn't inevitable for us anymore; Jesus has sent us His Spirit to help us every day, the same Spirit that raised from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). So come on; don't be a chocoholic. Turn your back on that stuff, you've got God on your side. Word4U2Day
-----
Don't be a chocoholic!
"YOU MUST NOT GIVE SIN A VOTE."
ROMANS 6:12 TM
Have you ever stuffed yourself on a Maccy D's 'til you're so full you're gonna explode? Or Christmas dinner; you couldn't eat another mouthful until someone opens a tin of Quality Street, and you just can't stop yourself. One won't hurt. You know you don't need it, but you have one anyway; then another... and another... and then you start on your selection box! Before you know it, you're feeling really ill. You know it's bad for you but you can't stop yourself; it's addictive. Sin is a bit like that, you know when something's wrong, when it's bad for you. But just like those chocolates, what might not seem too bad to start with is addictive, and once you start, it's hard to stop. The Bible says don't even go there! Your old way of life was nailed to the cross with Jesus; that means your sin too. When Jesus died, He took sin down with Him. Alive, He brings God to us. Do you get it? With God on your side, you can resist the temptation. So, throw yourself at doing things God's way. Remember, sin isn't inevitable for us anymore; Jesus has sent us His Spirit to help us every day, the same Spirit that raised from the dead (Ephesians 1:19-20). So come on; don't be a chocoholic. Turn your back on that stuff, you've got God on your side. Words For Courageous Living
-----
Be a blessing to those people around you
Decide this day to be a blessing to those people around you and not the cause of grief and pain.
Let mercy and kindness be the light that shines outward from yourself toward others and meekness your stay.
Truly learn to love little children, especially the orphans, for God has given to them the Power to restore love, joy and peace, the most valuable of all things to your life.
The world spends great fortunes to find even a little peace, yet the smile of a little child ( especially an orphan ) toward you in response to acts of kindness from you will fill your heart to overflowing with peace.
Brethren, the greatest of all treasures is love which only can be obtained by giving it away.
The more you give, the more you will receive.
©10/20/2001 Jim Welch
-----
Devotional For Dieters
October 20
1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Cliff felt content. He felt good about the diet. He knew it was time to do something, so it didn't feel like such a great struggle. He prayed for God's help, and he felt God's presence with him. Sure, there would be unpleasantness, as there was whenever a sacrifice was involved, but it would all be well worth it. The prospect of being healthy and trim was very appealing to him. Cliff had confidence that God would bless him with strength, courage, and peace. With that kind of assurance, how could he go wrong?
Today's thought: If God will give me everything I really need, how can I help but lose weight?
-----
HUMBLED
“But they had not learned enough of humility…” Alcoholics Anonymous, page 73
“He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way.” Psalm 25:9
For what it's worth: Alcoholism humbled me to the extent that I was forced to admit my powerlessness over alcohol and the unmanageability of my life. As difficult as that may have been for an arrogant drunk like me, it was not nearly enough. Much more is required to practice the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. Then, even after the spiritual awakening that results from living these Steps in my daily life, I come to realize the darkness in everything I think I know and the imperfection in everything I think I finally have right.
God bless you!
Joe W.