Tag: Holiness

November 9, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Guarding the Heart Against Immorality

Opening Verse

“Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.”
– 1 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV)

Introduction

Sexual immorality is a temptation that lurks in many forms, seeking to distract us from a pure relationship with God. The Bible warns us repeatedly to guard our hearts and bodies, viewing them as temples of the Holy Spirit.

Devotional Story

A young man named Paul faced temptations daily at his job, where conversations often strayed to unholy topics. One day, he found himself drawn into a conversation that made him uncomfortable but curious. That evening, Paul felt a weight in his spirit. He opened his Bible to the book of Proverbs and read,

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23, KJV).

Feeling convicted, he prayed, “Lord, protect my heart and mind. I want to honor you with my thoughts and actions.” Over the following weeks, Paul distanced himself from the conversations that led him astray, choosing instead to meditate on God’s word and pray when temptation crept in.

What This Means

God calls us to “flee” from sexual immorality, recognizing that such sins are uniquely harmful, affecting not just our relationship with others but also our relationship with God. By guarding our thoughts and being mindful of our actions, we honor God and remain close to Him.

Think About This

Are there environments or conversations in your life that lead you away from God’s call to purity? Consider distancing yourself from these influences, filling your mind with God’s Word instead.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I ask for Your strength to resist temptation. Help me guard my heart and mind, making choices that honor You. Fill me with Your Spirit and give me the courage to walk in purity. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”
– 1 Thessalonians 4:7 (KJV)

November 5, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Cleansing in the Camp

Opening Verse

“And the priest shall look on the plague in the skin of the flesh: and when the hair in the plague is turned white, and the plague in sight be deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy: and the priest shall look on him, and pronounce him unclean.” – Leviticus 13:3 (KJV)

Introduction

God cares about the cleanliness of His people, both physically and spiritually. The laws about leprosy in Leviticus 13 may seem strict, but they highlight the need for purity and the removal of anything that could harm the community. These instructions remind us that God wants us to live in purity, avoiding anything that could defile our bodies or spirits.

Devotional Story

In ancient Israel, being examined by the priest was a serious and humbling moment. If someone had a suspicious skin blemish, they went before the priest, who would inspect them closely, as the Lord commanded. If the blemish was leprosy, the person was isolated—not to punish but to protect others. Though it was painful to be separated, this act was a mercy, as God desired to keep the whole community safe.

Imagine the courage it took for someone to approach the priest, knowing that they could be declared unclean. And yet, the risk of remaining untreated was greater. This ancient examination process mirrors our need today to examine our own lives. Are there areas where we have allowed “spiritual blemishes” to grow unchecked—unforgiven offenses, unchecked sins, or habits that lead us away from God? Just as leprosy could spread and harm others, unaddressed sins and spiritual issues can impact us and those around us.

What This Means

Just as the priest’s inspection allowed for the health and safety of the camp, God calls us to examine our hearts. If we find something “unclean,” the Lord offers a way for restoration. Just as people were cleansed and restored to the community, we, too, can bring our issues to God for cleansing. Jesus is the ultimate High Priest who forgives, heals, and restores us completely when we come to Him with our needs.

Think About This

What areas of your life need inspection? Are there hidden struggles or unaddressed sins that need God’s cleansing power? Don’t hold back. God’s grace covers us, and His mercy is more than able to restore and purify.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come to You with humility, asking that You examine my heart. Reveal any areas that need Your healing and forgiveness. Cleanse me from anything that separates me from You, and restore me to purity. Thank You for Your grace and mercy. Help me to live a life that reflects Your holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” – Psalm 51:7 (KJV)

October 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

You Can Be Technically Right but Spiritually Wrong

Opening Verse:

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”— Proverbs 14:12 (KJV)

 

Introduction:

Being right in the eyes of men doesn’t always mean you are right with God. Two biblical figures remind us of this lesson: Uzzah, who touched the Ark of the Covenant to steady it, and Simon the Sorcerer, who tried to buy the Holy Spirit’s power. Both thought they were doing something acceptable, but their hearts were far from right with God.

Devotional Story:

Uzzah’s story, found in 2 Samuel 6:6-7, is a sobering example. As the Ark of the Covenant was being transported, Uzzah reached out to steady it when the oxen stumbled. Although he might have believed he was protecting something holy, God struck him dead on the spot. His action seemed reasonable, but it violated God’s clear instructions about how the Ark was to be handled. Uzzah failed to recognize the holiness of God and the need to obey Him completely.

Similarly, in Acts 8:18-23, Simon the Sorcerer believed he could buy the power of the Holy Spirit after seeing the apostles perform miracles. He thought in human terms, where influence and power can be purchased, but his heart was not right before God. Peter rebuked him sharply, pointing out that Simon’s thoughts were poisoned by greed and self-interest.

Both Uzzah and Simon were technically “right” by human standards—they sought to do something that made sense in the moment. Yet, both were spiritually wrong because their hearts did not align with God’s will.

What This Means:

Being technically right, doing something that looks or feels correct, can be dangerous if we are not spiritually aligned with God’s will. God desires obedience and a heart that seeks Him above all. Uzzah’s mistake was in disregarding God’s instructions, and Simon’s was in thinking that the power of God could be manipulated for personal gain. Both stories teach us the importance of understanding God’s holiness and approaching Him with reverence and sincerity.

Think About This:

Are there areas in your life where you might be technically right but spiritually wrong? Are you seeking to honor God with not only your actions but your heart? Take time to examine your motives and align them with God’s will.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to walk in obedience and to understand Your holiness. Guide me to have a heart that seeks You above all else. May my actions be motivated by a desire to honor You, not by what seems right in my own eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”— Psalm 111:10 (KJV)

 

August 18, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Kill Sin Before It Kills You

Opening Verse

“For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.” – Romans 8:13 (KJV)

Introduction

Sin is not something to be taken lightly. It is a deadly enemy, one that must be eradicated from our lives without hesitation. Too often, we allow sin to linger, thinking we can manage it, control it, or hide it. But the truth is, sin is a destroyer, and if we do not kill it, it will kill us.

Devotional Story

A man once thought he could tame a wild beast. He fed it, cared for it, and even gave it a place in his home. For a time, the beast seemed manageable. But one day, the man turned his back, and the beast, true to its nature, attacked him. What he thought he could control ended up controlling him, and ultimately, it destroyed him.

This is exactly how sin operates in our lives. It may seem small or insignificant at first. We might think we can keep it in check, but sin always grows. It always seeks to devour, and if we allow it to stay in our lives, it will consume us.

What This Means

The Bible is clear: sin leads to death. But through the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to “mortify the deeds of the body.” This means we must put to death the sinful habits, thoughts, and actions in our lives. We cannot afford to be passive. We must be active in seeking out and destroying sin before it takes root and spreads.

Think About This

Are there sins in your life that you’ve allowed to linger? Have you been trying to manage or control them instead of putting them to death? Today is the day to stop playing games with sin. Confess it to God, repent, and take steps to remove it completely from your life. Remember, sin will either be killing you, or you will be killing sin.

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I have allowed sin to live in my life. I have tried to manage it, but I see now that it must be destroyed. Give me the strength through Your Holy Spirit to put to death the deeds of the flesh. Help me to live a life that is pure and pleasing to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” – Colossians 3:5 (KJV)

July 3, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Touched by the Coal

Opening Verse

“And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged.”  – Isaiah 6:7 (KJV)

 

Introduction

Isaiah’s encounter with the holy God is a powerful moment that illustrates God’s ability to cleanse and purify us from sin. This vision offers a vivid picture of redemption and the transformative power of God’s grace.

 

Devotional Story

Isaiah found himself in the presence of the Lord, overwhelmed by the glory and majesty of God. He immediately recognized his own sinfulness and cried out, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips.” An angel took a live coal from the altar and touched Isaiah’s lips, declaring that his iniquity was taken away, and his sin purged. This act symbolized the cleansing power of God’s forgiveness.

 

What This Means

God’s grace is sufficient to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Just as the coal touched Isaiah’s lips and purified him, Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross purifies us from our sins. We are made clean and acceptable before God, not by our own efforts, but by His mercy and grace. This transformation empowers us to live a life that honors Him.

 

Think About This

– Have you experienced the cleansing power of God’s grace in your life?

– How does understanding God’s forgiveness change the way you live each day?

– What steps can you take to maintain a pure heart before God?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and the cleansing power of Your forgiveness. Help me to live a life that reflects Your holiness. Purify my heart and guide my steps, so that I may honor You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”  – Psalms 51:10 (KJV)

June 10, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Separate from Sin

Opening Verse

 

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 KJV

 

Introduction

As followers of Christ, we are called to live holy and separate lives. The world around us is filled with temptations and influences that can lead us astray. It’s crucial to guard our hearts and minds against the lure of sin, even if it means distancing ourselves from certain people or activities.

 

Devotional Story

There was a young man named Daniel who loved the Lord deeply. He enjoyed spending time with friends but began to notice that some of them often engaged in gossip, crude jokes, and other behaviors that went against his beliefs. Daniel felt uncomfortable but didn’t want to seem judgmental or lose their friendship. Over time, he found himself laughing at jokes he once found offensive and participating in conversations that left him feeling guilty.

 

One day, during his morning devotion, Daniel read 1 Corinthians 15:33 and felt convicted. He realized that by entertaining himself with the sins of others, he was slowly drifting away from his commitment to Christ. Daniel decided to make a change. He lovingly distanced himself from those influences and sought out friendships that encouraged his faith.

 

What This Means

This story illustrates the subtle but dangerous influence that sinful behavior can have on our lives. By associating with those who engage in sin or finding amusement in their actions, we risk dulling our sensitivity to what is right and wrong. The Bible warns us to be cautious about the company we keep because it can either build us up or tear us down.

 

Think About This

– Are there people or activities in your life that lead you away from God?

– How can you gently distance yourself from these influences while still showing Christ’s love?

– What steps can you take to surround yourself with godly influences?

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me to recognize the influences in my life that lead me away from You. Give me the strength to distance myself from sinful behaviors and to seek out relationships that draw me closer to You. Help me to be a light in the darkness, sharing Your love without compromising my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Closing Verse

 

“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” – Psalm 1:1 KJV

May 2, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Certainty of God’s Judgement

 Opening Verse

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” – Ecclesiastes 12:14

Introduction

In a world that often seems chaotic and out of control, it’s important to remember that God’s judgement is a fixed point of certainty. This divine assessment is not just a future event but an ongoing reality that shapes our lives and our world.

Devotional Story

Imagine a small town where everyone knows each other’s business. One day, a new family moves into town, bringing with them a past that they hope to keep hidden. However, as time passes, their secrets start to surface, causing stir among the townspeople. This scenario mirrors how God’s judgement works. Nothing can be hidden from God; every action and thought are known to Him, and He judges them according to His perfect law.

What This Means

God’s judgement being already determined means that His laws and the consequences for breaking them are established and unchanging. Unlike human laws which can be ambiguous and subject to change, God’s standards are perfect, just, and eternal. They apply to every person and situation without exception or prejudice.

Think About This

How does the certainty of God’s judgement influence your daily decisions? Knowing that God sees all and judges all, are there areas in your life where you need to make changes? This isn’t about fear, but about living a life that is aligned with God’s will and His holy standards.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unchanging standards and the certainty of Your judgement. Help me to live each day with the awareness of Your presence and Your laws. Guide me to walk in Your ways, and give me the courage to make right choices, knowing that You see all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” – Revelation 20:12

April 13, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Call to Holiness

Opening Verse

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” – Isaiah 1:18 (KJV)

Introduction

Understanding our call to holiness is essential in our walk with God. It’s about aligning our lives with God’s standards, not just avoiding wrongdoing but embracing a life that reflects His purity and righteousness.

Devotional Story

Imagine a child wearing a bright white shirt, playing outside. Throughout the day, the shirt gets stains from mud, food, and grass. When he returns home, his mother doesn’t discard the shirt but washes it, removing all the stains, restoring it to its original white state.

Similarly, our lives often accumulate ‘stains’—these are our sins. They can be actions, thoughts, or words that go against God’s commands. These sins mar the purity of our spiritual ‘garments’.

What This Means

Sin, in its essence, is anything that separates us from God. It includes obvious wrongs like lying, stealing, gossip, and hurting others, but it also covers subtler things like harboring resentment, indulging in pride, or nurturing impure thoughts. All these are stains on our spiritual garments.

Think About This

If God has made a way to cleanse us completely, why would we choose to continue staining our garments? Living in sin after being cleansed is like the child deliberately rolling in mud right after his shirt is washed.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for the cleansing power of Jesus’ sacrifice, which washes away all my sins and restores me to purity. Help me to live a life that reflects Your holiness, turning away from sin and walking in Your ways. Guide me in Your truth and keep me close to You. Amen.

Closing Verse

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” – Ephesians 5:26 (KJV)

February 14, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Flaming Sword

Opening Verse

“So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” – Genesis 3:24 (KJV)

Introduction

The image of a flaming sword blocking the entrance to Eden is a powerful symbol of God’s holiness and the seriousness of sin. It represents not just a barrier but also a clear message about the consequences of disobedience and the gravity of being separated from God.

Devotional Story

Once, in a small village, there was a wise old man known for his deep understanding of life and spirituality. He often told stories to teach the villagers about the importance of living righteously. One day, he gathered the villagers to share a story about a great king who had a beautiful garden filled with every type of fruit and flower one could imagine. This garden was the joy of the king’s heart, and he allowed everyone to enjoy it, with one condition: they must respect the garden and not harm it.

However, one day, someone broke the rule, causing great harm to the garden. In response, the king, with a heavy heart, placed a guard at the entrance with a flaming sword that turned every way to prevent anyone from entering the garden and causing further harm.

The wise old man explained that the story mirrors the lesson of the Garden of Eden, where the flaming sword represents the consequences of our actions and the importance of living in a way that honors the boundaries set by God.

What This Means

The flaming sword symbolizes the separation between humanity and God due to sin. It reminds us of the need for redemption and the seriousness with which God regards disobedience.

Think About This

Consider your own life and the boundaries God has set. Are there areas where you’ve crossed into places you shouldn’t, causing separation from God? The story of the flaming sword invites us to reflect on our actions and their impact on our relationship with God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge our sins and the times we have strayed from Your path. Help us to respect Your boundaries and live lives that reflect Your holiness. Guide us back to the path that leads to life, and through Your grace, may we find our way back to You. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” – Revelation 22:14 (KJV)

 

November 8, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

Embracing God’s Grace in the Midst of Storms

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.'” – 1 Peter 1:15-16 (NKJV)

Introduction:

The story of Jonah is a remarkable account of a man who faced tumultuous trials and tribulations. His journey, marked by storms and a great fish, holds valuable lessons for us about God’s grace. Just as Jonah was swallowed by a whale but ultimately saved by God’s grace, we too can find refuge in God when we submit to Him in the midst of life’s storms.

Key Point Summary:

– Jonah’s disobedience led to a storm that mirrors the trials and tribulations we face.
– When Jonah submitted to God in humility, God’s grace rescued him from the depths.
– God’s grace provides shelter and care, even when we obey with a stubborn heart.

Devotional Story:

In the book of Jonah, we find a man who was called by God to go to the city of Nineveh, but he chose to flee in disobedience. As Jonah sailed away from his divine calling, a great storm arose, threatening to swallow the ship. The storm serves as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations we often encounter in our own lives when we choose to walk away from God’s plan.

“Therefore they cried out to the Lord and said, ‘We pray, O Lord, please do not let us perish for this man’s life, and do not charge us with innocent blood; for You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.’”‘ – Jonah 1:14 (NKJV)

Jonah, realizing that his disobedience had brought this calamity upon the crew, instructed them to throw him into the sea. Just as Jonah was swallowed by a great fish, we too can feel overwhelmed by the challenges we face when we disobey God’s calling.

“So he prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.”– Jonah 4:2 (NKJV)

Despite Jonah’s stubborn heart, God’s grace reached down into the depths of the sea and provided him with shelter and protection inside the whale’s belly. It was in this dark and unlikely place that Jonah humbled himself and prayed.

“When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; And my prayer went up to Him, into His holy temple.”– Jonah 2:7 (NKJV)

Conclusion of the story:

Jonah’s story teaches us that even in our moments of stubbornness and disobedience, God’s grace is ever-present. When we find ourselves in the midst of life’s storms, like Jonah, we can submit to God in humility, knowing that His grace is sufficient to rescue us from the depths and provide us with shelter and care.

Contextual Insight:

Jonah’s journey reminds us of God’s relentless pursuit of us, even when we stray from His plan. His grace is always available to rescue us from the storms of life.

Personal Reflection:

1. Can you think of a time when you faced a trial or tribulation that felt overwhelming, like a storm?
2. How did you respond to that situation? Did you turn to God in humility or resist His calling?
3. Reflect on the grace and mercy that God has shown you in your own life.

Practical Application:

1. In times of difficulty, turn to God in prayer and humility, seeking His guidance and grace.
2. Consider how you can align your life more closely with God’s calling and plan.
3. Reach out to others who may be going through their own storms and offer support and encouragement.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for the story of Jonah, which reminds us of your unwavering grace even in the face of our disobedience. Help us to humble ourselves before you when we encounter trials and tribulations, knowing that your grace is sufficient to rescue us and provide shelter. May we always trust in your lovingkindness and abundant grace. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Conclusion:

In the midst of life’s storms, let us remember the story of Jonah and how God’s grace rescued him from the depths. Just as Jonah found shelter in the belly of the great fish, we too can find refuge in God’s grace when we submit to Him in humility. His grace is our eternal shelter, even when we obey with a stubborn heart.

Further Reading:

1. Jonah 1:17 (NKJV)
2. Jonah 2:10 (NKJV)
3. Additional reading material or author: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado

Faith Notes:

God’s grace is a gift that we do not deserve, yet it is always available to us when we turn to Him in faith and humility.

Reader Participation:

Share a personal experience of how God’s grace has rescued you from a difficult situation or storm in your life.

“So he prayed to the Lord, and said, ‘Ah, Lord, was not this what I said when I was still in my country? Therefore I fled previously to Tarshish; for I know that You are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness, One who relents from doing harm.” – Jonah 4:2 (NKJV)