I launched this series to explore what Scripture has to say about the holy life, a phrase I found in 2 Timothy 1:9a.
[God], who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
In His Word, God has A LOT to say about this life to which He calls His people! I hope you've seen that with me over the last 29 days. What is beautiful, however, is to remember what holiness means. Set apart. Those called by God are set apart to a new way of life. Who does the setting apart? God does. Who defines the new life? God does. Who is the one who acts with purpose and grace? God is!
Over this month, the wonder the Good News that God saves us through the blood of Jesus and fills us with the Spirit has stirred my heart to praise, because, boy, we do not deserve it! I have also been convicted of how lightly I receive His grace, demonstrated in the ways I am too easily satisfied with the world and dependent on myself.
God calls us to a set apart life that is more demanding than we could ever accomplish alone. True, but that perspective is all wrong. God has called us into relationship with Himself, not into merely checking off a holiness to-do list! It has been drawn out, by looking at various passages, that walking in His way is about relating to Him freely, joyfully, thankfully, and honestly.
We're not set apart to master holiness;
we're set apart to know and honor the Holy One.
Can you believe, Christian, that the God of all creation wants a relationship with you? He wants you to trust Him, to love Him, to know Him. Can you believe, Christian, that the God of creation has provided for you all you need for life and godliness? He wants to see you grow and flourish as His child and helps you to do so.
I pray that over the course of this month the Lord has turned your eyes upon His grace and filled you with a real sense of how great His love is for you. I also pray that looking at His Word has quickened in you a desire to get to know God better and to live as a set apart one who loves and serves a wonderful, holy God. Lately, I've been thinking words Paul wrote to Titus, which serve as a good wrap-up for this November.
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. Titus 3:3-8
Thanks for popping in for a read as you were able this month. God bless you!
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AND THE WINNER IS!
She totally called it yesterday on Facebook!
Congrats, friend.
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