Can we be blameless before God? We are incapable of meeting God’s High Standards. He is Holy and Perfect. We fall short of His expectations time and again, because we are prone to sin. God knows that we are unable to please Him most times; but like children, we need to be receptive to correction and discipline. He understands our weaknesses, but He does not want us to make excuses for our sins, or to continue in them. He teaches us what is required of us, gives us many second chances, and equips us to be who He wants us to be.
“Those who fear God are sanctified by His Grace.”
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in Mercy. 9 He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the Heavens are high above the Earth, so great is His Mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father pities his children, so The Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103).
God has a soft spot for those who fear Him. He lavishes His Mercy on them, by not imputing their sins on them or meting out the punishment they deserve. God’s Mercy for those He loves is as immeasurable as the Heavens are higher than the Earth. Those who fear God are penitent and contrite. God removes the sins of those who earnestly repent. They are forthright about their sins. God understands that they are fallible, and enfolds them with His tender Grace, expunging their record and wiping the slate clean. Those who fear God are sanctified by His Grace.
“We are blameless when we are in submission.”
12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God Who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without complaining and disputing, 15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life, so that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain (Philippians 2).
Now that you have learned how to seek forgiveness from God, work out the salvation you have received with fear and trembling. Understand the chastisement and discipline of God as much as you know His Grace. Keep His Commandments and perform them, without complaining and arguing. Don’t be obstinate, but submit fully to God. Do not be like those who are rebellious, perverse and recalcitrant in their sinful lifestyles. Shine as light in a dark world. Your obedience to God’s Word is your wisdom, instruction and guide to living a blameless life.
Our lives are not perfect by any stretch of imagination, but we can strive to be blameless by doing what pleases God. He works within us, not by our own design; but He gives us the desire and will to perform what He desires. We are blameless when we are in submission.
9 Then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your Will, O God.” He takes away the first that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right Hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
15 But The Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 16 “This is the Covenant that I will make with them after those days, says The Lord: I will put My Laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them,” 17 then He adds, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.” 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin (Hebrews 10).
The Lord Jesus took away the sacrificial offering of animals, by offering Himself for our sins. The sins of the people were put on an animal, and it was killed in their place, for their sins. Instead of the people dying, the animal was sacrificed for their redemption. Christ did away with the sacrifices to establish Himself as the perfect sacrifice. He laid down His Life by doing God’s Will. He set the precedent for obedience that is requisite for all those who are being sanctified—they must lay down their lives to do God’s Will. By His obedience to God’s Will, there was no need for any other sacrifice for sin. So it is with us, that our obedience to God is the only sacrifice needed to make us blameless. By Christ’s sacrifice, we have been perfected forever to do God’s Will.
“We have been perfected and sanctified for obedience.”
We are being sanctified by His Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus now lives through us by His Spirit, giving us the will and desire to please God. He has established a Covenant with those who He has perfected—a Covenant of willful obedience. He has put His Laws in our hearts and written them in our minds. Our sins and lawless deeds are no longer remembered. We have no need for any sacrifice, or works that we must do to cleanse us of our sins. We have God’s Law in us to perform it by our submission to The Holy Spirit. The One Who came to do God’s Will abides in us forever. We have been perfected and sanctified for obedience. Our sacrifice to God is our willingness to submit to Him.
4 And The Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, but you have not listened nor inclined your ear to hear. 5 They said, ‘Repent now everyone of his evil way and his evil doings, and dwell in the land that The Lord has given to you and your fathers forever and ever. 6 Do not go after other gods to serve them and worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands; and I will not harm you.’ (Jeremiah 25)
When a judge gives his sentence, it is terrifying. The offender must comply with the injunction or must serve the sentence that is handed down. Sometimes, a law breaker is let off with a slap on the wrist, and though it brings relief, the fear of repeating the same crime is palpable. God is justified to mete out His Punishment for those who break His Laws. He has already sent us His Son to warn us, and He continues to use others to remind us of what is required of us. He is provoked by idol worship and sin. Repent and forsake any evil way, evil doing and all that goes against God’s Ways. He warns us numerous times, by speaking to us through others, before He pours out His anger.
10 Teach me to do Your Will, for You are my God; Your Spirit is Good. Lead me in the land of uprightness. 11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your Name’s sake! For Your Righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble (Psalm 143).
Can you admit that God’s Will is best for you? If we trust in His Ways, we can pray this verse as a prayer, teach me to do your Will, for you are My God. His Spirit teaches us what is good. He guides us to do what is right and acceptable. After repentance, we need to be revived; turn over a new leaf. From the ways of destruction to life in His Righteousness, we can now begin to honor God with a new transformation. We don’t just repent to return to our former ways; we get a new perspective, goals and motives—honor God’s Name and seek after His Righteousness. To remain in God’s Good Grace, we must resolve to stay the course.
“The blameless life is a life of continual fellowship with The Lord.”
4 I thank my God always concerning you for the Grace of God which was given to you by Christ Jesus, 5 that you were enriched in everything by Him in all utterance and all knowledge; 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you come short in no gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 Who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is Faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1).
Life in The Spirit is life enriched with everything in Christ Jesus. We comport ourselves well, with the knowledge of God’s Grace; being cognizant of who we have become in Christ. What He has begun in us, He will complete, if we yield to Him. Christ will declare us blameless before God our Father, as we continue to be enriched in every area of our lives. As long as we remain in fellowship with Him, God is Faithful to give us everything we need to sustain this relationship. The blameless life is a life of continual fellowship with The Lord. As we wait for our Lord to return, we can live a life solely enriched by Him.
10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses (1 Timothy 6).
When we are enriched in everything by The Lord Jesus, we set our affections on God alone. The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, because the love of God is replaced with that of money. God has warned us not to place any other gods above Him. Child of God, flee from the lust for riches. Pursue what God has already ordained for you—eternal riches. Lay hold of eternal life, by cultivating and sowing righteousness, godliness, faith, love, gentleness and the likeness of Christ. This is our high calling, and it will reap for us eternal rewards. Spend your energy, time and resources on all that Christ gave His Life for. He has promised to return, and reward us for what we do with all that He has offered us.
“Those who desire to be blameless must accept God’s chastening.”
17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; therefore do not despise the chastening of The Almighty. 18 For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His Hands make whole.” (Job 5)
As undesirable chastening is, it removes folly with the rod of correction. Those who want to be blameless must take their lumps. They must accept God’s chastening. He will bruise us with His Hands and make us whole again. He will bind our brokenness, while we endure His correction, rebuke and discipline. He will remove the blemishes, impurities, sin and pride that mars our character.
Yes. It is possible to be blameless before God. It is incumbent on us to repent, submit to God, yield to Christ and obey His Spirit. As we are being sanctified, we must also be chastised, when we deviate from God’s Ways. There are no works, or sacrifices that will cleanse us of our sins. When we remain in fellowship with The Lord Jesus, we become more like Him. We are enriched in every area of our lives by Him, so that we don’t set our affections on riches, sinful lusts, or make idols of other things. God is Faithful to make us whole; to complete what He has begun in us. Christ has perfected us by His death for our sins, and we are kept blameless by our obedience.
Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the Throne of God (Hebrews 12).
We feel less control when we are in unfamiliar surroundings or when caught off guard. We are more confident when we are in our element, and our routine is undisturbed. In reality, we are never in complete control of any moment. We don’t know what others are going to do next, or what we will run into as we take on our responsibilities. No matter how good technology is or reliable others may be, we should be prepared for any contingencies; expect delays, failure or disappointments. Everyday is chock-full of uncertainties. Put your confidence in The One Who knows what each day brings.
“Trust God by taking the next step forward.”
10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to The Lord. 11 Then they said to Moses, “Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you so dealt with us, to bring us up out of Egypt? 12 Is this not the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyptians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilderness.”13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of The Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
15 And The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. 16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I indeed will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them. So I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, his chariots, and his horsemen. 18 Then the Egyptians shall know that I am The Lord, when I have gained honor for Myself over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen.” (Exodus 14)
The children of Israel had left Egypt, after some four hundred years as slaves. God had brought them out with great signs and wonders. Pharaoh finally let them go, when God killed all the first-born males of the Egyptian children and their livestock. Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt by The Mighty Hand of God. As one could imagine, the Israelites must have longed for their new beginning out of Egypt, with bated breath . They had seen God do great wonders and were eager to go out. They did not know that God had hardened Pharaoh’s heart to pursue after them. When they saw Pharaoh’s army, the Israelites were overwhelmed with trepidation. They had no weapons, nor military experience to fight Pharaoh’s men. This freedom they had longed for felt like an ill-fated omen. God fought for them: He parted the Red Sea; the Israelites did walk in the midst of the sea on dry land, but Pharaoh and his army drowned in it.
After a long struggle, we may finally get some relief. We become elated with future prospects, even formulate some plans of what we imagine life will be. While we bubble up with excitement, we meet difficulties, or some insurmountable challenges. We begin to cast aspersions on our hopes as merely being too good to be true. We start to believe that things would have been better, if we had just been content with where we were. God hardened Pharaoh so that the children of Israel would depend on Him. God also wanted the Egyptians to know He was The God Who was fighting for His people. He would ultimately get the recognition and glory for their freedom. Sometimes God orchestrates trouble in our lives to bring Him the honor He desires. Be still and believe in God’s deliverance. God will get excel at every phase of advancement. Trust God by taking the next step forward. As you encounter difficulty, keep going forward, and don’t focus on your challenges. The adversity you see today is not yours to overcome; whether it is people who are obstructing your progress, or physical challenges. The God Who made a way out will make a way in. Only look back to see how far God has brought you, and cling to that understanding.
“When we have God’s protection, we have the best security.”
16 No king is saved by the multitude of an army; a mighty man is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. 18 Behold, the Eye of The Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His Mercy, 19 to deliver their souls from death, and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for The Lord; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His Holy Name. 22 Let Your Mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You (Psalm 33).
A king is not delivered by his army or his horse; they will not guarantee his safety. Leaders are often surrounded by security, and their military is always at the ready, in case of any impending threat; yet these measures could fail to avert an attack. Even the most experienced or trained personnel can make errors. If there’s no guarantees for those who have so much power, what about the plebs? There’s hope for those who fear God and hope in His Mercy. He is our shield and help at all times. When we have God protection, we have the best security. Trust in His Holy Name and He will deliver you from harm. Hope in God’s Mercy, and fear Him alone. Don’t stake your life on fickle resources. Rejoice in The Lord with high expectations. There are no guarantees of security or stability in wealth, power or human strength. God’s Eye is on those who depend on Him, to preserve their souls and sustain them in the midst of adversity.
17 Though the fig tree may not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines; though the labor of the olive may fail, and the fields yield no food; though the flock may be cut off from the fold, and there be no herd in the stalls— 18 Yet I will rejoice in The Lord, I will joy in The God of my Salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength. He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me walk on the high hills (Habakkuk 3).
“When we trust in God, we put all our confidence in Him alone.”
It’s natural to have joy when everything is hunky-dory; when in good health, have money in the bank, and are generally doing well. But when we begin to experience losses, we lose our joy. God provides us with everything we need to get through each day. If we can learn to rejoice in God, and not in our possessions, we will have the strength to face another day. We may not have a consistent amount of resources squirreled away, but we still have God. He will enable us to overcome challenges when we find our greatest joy in Him. He is our full portion, when we have a meager supply of everything else. Make God your constant source of joy. He will gives us the strength and wisdom to be adaptable to our shifting circumstances.
3 Do not put your trust in princes, nor in a son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His spirit departs, he returns to his earth; on that very day his plans perish. 5 Happy is he who has The God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in The Lord his God, 6 Who made Heaven and Earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever (Psalm 146).
Leaders are still humans; their very lives are not a guarantee. Do not put your hope in leadership. God determines your entire life. Leaders may have big plans, but they may not live long enough to even see them realized. Blessed and joyful is the one who makes God his help. Why should we trust God above leaders? Because He created everyone and everything in Heaven and Earth. He is in complete control of all that He has made, including your life. He is also reliable, and will not fail to keep His Promises. Unlike leaders, God makes promises that He is bound to keep. God has made plans for your entire life; plans that He will not fail to bring to pass. No one else has a concrete plan for your present or future.
“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s House there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” (John 14)
If you believe in God The Father, you must also believe in The Lord Jesus. He is God. He said if you believe in God, you must also believe in Him, because He is One with God. He implores us to not fret, fear or worry. This life is temporary, because He has gone to prepare a permanent place for us. The Lord Jesus compels us to believe in His return and hope in an eternal future with Him. We don’t have to be troubled, overwhelmed or prostrate with despair, because our circumstances are transient. The Lord will come again to receive us as His Own. Our eternity is secured and He has guaranteed it. What could compare with what The Lord has promised us? Look at all He has created, and be amazed. How can anything compare with all the perfection He has prepared for us? Nothing can be more exhilarating than an endless life spent with Him. He is coming to receive us, because He longs for us to be where He is. He yearns to be with us forever.
10 Again, it says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, “Praise The Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol Him.” 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, One Who will arise to rule over the nations; in Him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 May The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the Power of The Holy Spirit (Romans 15).
As you carry on with this life, may The God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in Him. When we trust in God, we put all our confidence in Him alone. We don’t expect Him to fail us, but to prosper in all that He has planned for us. We can be filled with all, not just some, but all joy and peace in an unsettled world. Praise God for numbering you among His Own; calling you His with His people, Israel. Every promise that belongs to Israel is granted to you as well. Praise God with His people, because God is not against you. Overflow with the hope of His people; brim with joy by the Power of His Holy Spirit. This is the gift of God for all those who trust in Him—The Holy Spirit. We are never alone; God dwells in us by The Spirit of His Son. In The root of Jesse—The Lord Jesus, we, Gentiles, have been blessed with His chosen, Israel. May we trust in God and be filled with all joy and power in The Holy One, who rules over all the nations.
“Trust God with the early hours of your day.”
8 Cause me to hear Your Lovingkindness in the morning, for in You do I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. 9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies; in You I take shelter (Psalm 143).
The first hours of each day that are spent in God’s Presence are most precious. The first thing we do each morning prepares us to face the day. Trust God with the early hours of your day. He will direct your paths, if you give Him your most valuable time. Allow Him to reveal Himself to you. Be receptive to receive God’s correction, and learn how to walk in His Ways. Let God train you in righteousness as you allow him into your inner sanctum.
Depend on God to deliver you from your enemies, and do not take matters into your own hands. Hide yourself under God’s Shadow; make His Presence your shelter, and no adversary will prevail against you. Before you embark on your day, give God control of every possible scenario, including those who will likely come against you.
6 For affliction does not come from the dust, nor does trouble spring from the ground; 7 Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. 8 “But as for me, I would seek God, and to God I would commit my cause—9 Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number(Job 5).
You can never know what each day brings. You can plan well and still find yourself in a pickle. Seek God and commit your plans to Him, and He will give you the wisdom to win the day. Trouble is part of life; it is not some unusual experience that happens to a few. We are never prepared for challenges, but we can entrust God with the good and bad. He does great and unsearchable things that we may not understand; yet, they are within the scope of His Will. When we commit ourselves to God, we don’t need to have all the answers.
Start each day in God’s Presence and commit your cause to Him. He will go ahead of us, if we trust in Him, and keep moving forward. Regardless of the obstacles, foes or troubles we face, God is our hiding place and victory. He will get the honor and glory, even when we feel like we are at our wits end. He may toughen our circumstances so that we can fully depend on Him. We can put our confidence in God; and not in own resources, wisdom or leaders. He has already planned our present and future. We have an eternal place prepared for us; all of this life is temporary. Our hope is in all that The Lord has promised us. He will not fail us. Our present and future are secured, so we should be filled with all joy and peace in the Power of The Holy Spirit. We belong to Him with all of His chosen people, Israel. The Mighty One of Jacob, The Holy One of Israel is with us; and is coming back to receive us to Himself. He will never leave nor forsake us.
“God determines your entire life.”
5 Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3).
17 Now The Lord is The Spirit; and where the Spirit of The Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled faces, beholding as in a mirror the Glory of The Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of The Lord (2 Corinthians 3).
God is Spirit. He manifested Himself in human physical form, when He came as The Lord Jesus, fully Man and fully God; born of The Holy Spirit. His Life exemplified the life we were created to live as children of God. When He created us, He made us in His Image and Likeness—physical yet spiritual beings. We are made for God and not the other way round. He created us for Himself—for His Glory and Purpose. God exists independent of our existence; we depend on God for every breath we draw. God is our Heavenly Father and we belong to Him, as we abide in His Son, The Lord Jesus Christ. Christ defined the life of One who is one with The Father, by a loving, submissive relationship. We must learn to relate to God, not just physically, but spiritually. This is how we are able to know Him, have an unbroken fellowship, and live according to His Will for us.
“The Wisdom of God is revealed to those who yield to The Holy Spirit.”
11 For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except The Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit Who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.
13 These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of The Spirit of God, for they are foolish to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For “who has known the mind of The Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2).
No one knows the things of God, except The Spirit of God. Just as no one knows the thoughts, emotions and desires of anyone, except their spirit. Those who have given their life in submission and surrender to The Lord Jesus Christ, have the life of The Spirit of Christ, The Spirit of God, in mankind. They have not been given the spirit of this world. By God’s Spirit in them, they are privy to the God’s Ways and spiritual matters, which can not be humanly deciphered. Those who have been born-again of The Spirit are taught by the Spirit, not by human wisdom; but through spiritual revelation and understanding. Godly men, women and children are enlightened into spiritual knowledge by having the mind of Christ. The natural man can not grasp spiritual things, because they are not of this realm. The Wisdom of God is revealed to those who yield to The Holy Spirit.
No one can rightly judge those who live by The Spirit on spiritual matters. Unbelievers are not qualified to judge those who walk after The Spirit. Their Judge sits High above the Heavens. He instructs, corrects, rebukes, condemns, and upholds them by His Spirit in them—He is their Law and Judge. There’s treasure trove of wisdom, knowledge and understanding given to those who are privileged to receive from God because they have the mind of Christ.
Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high, the anointed of The God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: 2 “The Spirit of The Lord spoke to me, and His Word was on my tongue. 3 The God of Israel said, The Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God’.(2 Samuel 23)”
When The Spirit of The Lord speaks to you, you won’t be able to keep mum. His Word will fill your mouth. David, the chosen king of Israel, filled with The Spirit spoke what The Spirit revealed to him, before his death. As a king, he had learned many things, but this time he submitted only to what The Spirit spoke. Those who rule must rule with God’s Wisdom, fear God and do what is just. Those with influence and authority in any society will only be effective when they listen to God and do what is just. David had spent much of his life seeking and worshipping God. He curved out time from his duties to pray, sing and play skillfully to God. He communed with God and died filled with God’s Spirit. All his life he gained what he could only take with him—God’s Word. David left his successor, his son Solomon, with only what was most valuable—God’s Wisdom.
“True worship is an appreciation of Who God truly is.”
19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”
21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship The Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for Salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship The Father in spirit and truth; for The Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4)
It is not where you worship that gives credence to your beliefs, but it Who you worship. Some don’t know why or who they worship. Others consider places to be sacred because of the rituals or religious practices done there. God is not confined to any space or religious practices. Understanding Who God is will define our worship. For the Jews, God is worshipped in Jerusalem, for others like the Samaritan woman, He was worshipped at a mountain. The Father is no respecter of persons. Salvation was of the Jews because The Messiah heralded from Israel; but The Savior came for the Jew, Samaritan and anyone who desires a relationship with Him. True worship is an appreciation of Who God truly is. Worship is not about the people or place. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must access Him in their spirit, not by physical means. Those who worship God in spirit will do so in truth; acknowledge their weakness, sin, and need for Him. No outward, stellar performance of worship earns us brownie points. God is sought in spirit and humility. Those who come before His Holy Presence must seek Him in reverence, adoration and a true desire to worship Him. The truth is, they have a longing to worship, without anyone else’s influence.
“We are holy, because the Holy One dwells in us.”
16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are (1 Corinthians 3).
You are not just a living being; but you are a habitation of God’s Spirit. You are the temple of the Spirit of God, Who resides in you. We can now worship God anywhere and at any time. We are the place The Lord Jesus was referring to: Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship The Father. As a temple is sacred, our bodies are sacred places for God. He will destroy those who willingly and knowingly continue to defile themselves with sin. We are holy, because the Holy One dwells in us, by His Spirit. Those who are sanctified by Him honor Him with their lives.
I, therefore, the prisoner of The Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, Who is above all, and through all, and in you all (Ephesians 4).
We gather with other believers in church or other places of worship, because together we make up the Body of Christ. We are still individuals who are temples of The Holy Spirit, but in unity with others, we become one people, God’s children, The Body of Christ. We do so in our homes, church and friendships with fellow believers. In one body, one Spirit, faith and Father, we learn to bear with each other, love as God intended, and live in peace, with one hope and calling of our Salvation. It doesn’t matter our careers, income, nationality, race or gender; God lives through us all. So we humble ourselves as one body of believers, chosen, saved, and justified by His Grace.
“Loving God and loving others is godly perfection.”
3 Blessed be The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His Will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His Grace, by which He made us accepted in The Beloved (Ephesians 1).
It is no coincidence that we gave our life to The Lord Jesus and now abide in Him. We were chosen in The Beloved, before we were even formed in our mother’s womb. God was pleased to adopt us as His children according to the good pleasure of His Will. He was elated to make us His Own. He was so pleased that it was the intended plan. We are truly blessed in God our Father. So blessed that we have been given every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. What an inheritance for our souls to live off! Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places is not small fry. To be spiritually-endowed is to utilize every spiritual blessing accorded in the heavenly places. It’s inconsequential what your earnings are, how much is saved in your bank account, or what you lack in material needs. Every spiritual blessing in Christ will keep you in good stead in every circumstance; you are kept in the Kingdom’s resources.
We are chosen and predestined to be holy and blameless before Him. How can we achieve such a high standard? By love. Loving God and loving others is godly perfection. Every spiritual blessing enables us to live up to God’s Standards. Christ The Lord is The Fountain of spiritual blessings. We have His Righteousness, Salvation, The Holy Spirit, His Presence, Strength, Grace, Truth, Peace and Mighty Power. If we aim to love, we will not lack in all that we need to do so. If we love God, we will love others, and love is never wanting.
3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in The Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3).
Those who worship God in The Spirit allow The Spirit to fuel their worship. Their worship is not determined by a sermon, instruments of worship or the melodious singing of others. They rejoice in The Lord and not in the arrangements. They put no confidence in their own performance, or all that they have done for God. Put aside confidence in yourself or others, and let The Spirit move you to rejoice in The Lord. If you can rejoice in all that The Lord has done for you, you are capable of worshipping in The Spirit.
“Every spiritual blessing enables us to live up to God’s Standards.”
17 But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. 19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is Eternal Life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6).
Obedience is the ticket to our freedom. In order to be set free from sin, we must commit to submit to God. Subservient to One, we become as slaves to God to attain His Righteousness by obedience. We have been unshackled from the clutches of the sins that were destroying our souls, to live forever in Christ our Lord. The Lord Jesus is the Only One Who kept God’s Law and obeyed God even to His death. The work of obedience is not passive, but intentional acts of doing what is pleasing to God. Righteousness yields holiness, which in turn rewards us with Eternal Life. We now present ourselves daily as servants or slaves, if you will, to righteousness by obedience, repentance, and set free from sin. The Lord Jesus is the Authority and Power in us to do God’s Will. He works in us to will and do what is well-pleasing to The Father.
“Those who live by The Spirit are free from the law.”
4 Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the Body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were aroused by the law were at work in our members to bear fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of The Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter (Romans 7).
The law exposes our sinful propensity, as those who fail to meet God’s Standards. When Christ died, we were set free as subjects to the law; He crucified the flesh, and the requirements of the law that governs it. Those who live to fulfill the lusts of the flesh are under the law. Those who live by The Spirit are free from the law. We are now dead to our sins and the requirements of the law, when we become one with Christ in His death. He rose again to give us new life in His Spirit, so that we can live by Him. We are now under the Authority of The Spirit and not of the law. Those who live by The Spirit of Christ are complete in Him. We have been betrothed to Christ, just as in marriage; one body, in a covenant that will never be broken by any law. We now bear fruit to God, by newness in The Spirit.
As the very temple of God’s Spirit, we take on the divine nature—God’s Design for us, when He chose us before the foundations of the Earth. We have been given the mind of Christ, by the indwelling of The Holy Spirit, to receive the deep things of God. Let The Spirit of God fill your mouth with His Word. Furnished from above we have every spiritual blessing in Christ to do The Will of The Father, by love. Love makes us holy and blameless before God. We are sanctified, forgiven and made holy by His Presence in us. As those who live by The Spirit, abiding in Christ Jesus our Lord, we are not under the law, but complete in Christ. By repentance, obedience and submission to God, we live up to our calling to be holy, by loving God and loving others; fitted with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. We are taking on the likeness of God, by becoming more like The Son of God, partaking in our divine nature. We worship in spirit and truth and rejoice in Christ. God was pleased according to His Plan to make us His children. Live as one who will has attained Eternal Life in The Lord Jesus.
Simon Peter, a bondservant and apostle of Jesus Christ: To those who have obtained like precious faith with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His Divine Power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2 Peter 1).
The Lord is God above all other gods—El Elyon. He is The Only True Living God—Elohim. He is The Creator of all things seen and unseen. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is Lord of lords and King of kings. There’s no one that compares to Jehovah: He has all Power, Majesty, Glory, Wisdom, Honor, Righteousness and Truth. He is Holy and Just. He is the beginning and the end of all creation; The Alpha and Omega. He is our God, Heavenly Father, Redeemer, Judge, Savior, and Rock of Strength.
“Find rest in the God Who is exalted above everything.”
10 Be still, and know that I Am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the Earth! 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (Psalm 46)
God commands us to be still before His Presence. He commands us to take a moment, find a quiet place, and just be still before Him. He wants us to focus our attention on Him and acknowledge Him to be God, in spite of all that is going on around us. He declares that He is exalted above every esteemed person or thing we know on the Earth. God affirms that He will be exalted by all the inhabitants of the Earth. So whether we do so now or not, we will all eventually exalt Him. He reminds everyone that He is God. He may seem distant, silent, or inscrutable, but He is still God.
The Lord of hosts is our refuge. Those who know Him find their refuge and rest in Him. Be still, don’t fret nor fear, He is God and has full command of all circumstances. Be still; put aside all distractions and put your hope in Him. Exalt God in quietness, or exalt Him with the highest praise, declare Him your God. Find rest in God Who is exalted above everything. Take some time each day to be still before God.
“He is not an angel, He is The Lord Jesus Christ; He is God.”
God, Who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, Whom He has appointed heir of all things, through Whom also He made the worlds. 3 Who being the brightness of His Glory and the express Image of His Person, and upholding all things by the Word of His Power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of The Majesty on High, 4 having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more Excellent Name than they (Hebrews 1).
The Son of God is The Creator of all the worlds—the Heavens, Earth, seas, galaxies and all their powers. He upholds all of it by His Power. He is the spitting Image of God and His Glory. The Lord Jesus Christ came as God in the human form—The Son of Man born of The Holy Spirit. He took upon Himself the sins of the world, and sanctified those who exchanged their lives for His Life in them. His Name is above all other names; He has an Excellent Name.
6 For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His Name will be called: Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of His Government and Peace there will be no end. Upon the throne of David and over His Kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice, from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of The Lord of hosts will perform this (Isaiah 9).
Only Christ could do what no one else could: He died for all mankind so that we would be a new creation, made in His Likeness, through His Spirit in us. In these last days, God is speaking to us through His Son. The Lord Jesus Christ is Lord above all, and all creation is sustained by Him. He is not an angel, He is The Lord Jesus Christ, He is God. Give your life to Christ, and you will be kept by His Power. Take heed to His Spirit, and be acquainted with The One who seats highly exalted above all kingdoms.
“Our Father’s Greatness is our victory and strength.”
“Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the Greatness, the Power and the Glory, the Victory and the Majesty. For all that is in Heaven and in Earth is Yours; Yours is the Kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as Head over all. 12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your Hand is Power and Might; In Your Hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your Glorious Name (1 Chronicles 29).”
It is God’s prerogative to give honor, riches and greatness to those He chooses. It is in His Hands to bless as He chooses. He reigns over all the kingdoms of the universe. Our Father’s Greatness is our victory and strength. We ought to praise God and thank Him for all that He lavishly gives us everyday. He never fails to do as He pleases. He will not fail His children. He determines our future and success. Praise His Glorious Name because you are called by His Name; you belong to Him. We are held in His Hand by His Might. Our Father enfolds us with His Greatness.
“God’s Name is His Glory and Honor.”
17 His Name shall endure forever; His Name shall continue as long as the sun. And men shall be blessed in Him. All nations shall call Him blessed. 18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! 19 And blessed be His Glorious Name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His Glory. Amen and Amen (Psalms 72).
God’s Name shall endure forever; names of legends, trail blazers or great influencers will not be remembered or evoked forever. We call upon His Name, Jesus Christ—The Name that is above all other names—when we pray, because we don’t just pray to any god. Those who want to be truly blessed are blessed in Him. He is no respecter of persons; all nations can call Him blessed, and all people can be blessed in Him. Bless His Glorious Name and you won’t glory in anyone else. No dignitary, celebrity or political leader can compare to God. God’s Name is His Glory and Honor. Don’t bow yourself low before any fellow human. Blessings come from God alone. The Earth is filled with His Glory; all human inventions are pale in comparison to the wondrous works of God.
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw The Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of His robe filled the temple. 2 Above Him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. 3 And they were calling to one another: “Holy, Holy, Holy is The Lord Almighty; the whole Earth is full of His Glory.” 4 At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke.
5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, The Lord Almighty.” (Isaiah 6)
Holy, Holy, Holy is The Lord God Almighty. He is seated on His Throne, exalted, full of Majesty and Glory, even the seraphim could not look at Him; they covered their eyes with their wings. The pillars of the House of God shook at their profession of His Holiness. Isaiah, juxtaposed to The Lord’s Holiness and Glory, sees himself in his decrepit, sinful condition. Isaiah is confronted with his unclean ways and of those he lives among. The King, The Lord Almighty is Holy. There’s no one Holy but God alone; we can strive to be holy, but God is absolutely Holy. Though He is seated exalted above, His Glory is in all the Earth. Many are oblivious of their sins. They don’t understand how far they have fallen short of His Holiness. It is incumbent upon us to be cognizant of our sins. Like Isaiah, we should be contrite, humble, and honest about our condition. If the seraphim called at each other and the doorposts shook, how much more if The Lord God spoke, would all people tremble and repent!
“Bless His Glorious Name and you won’t glory in anyone else.”
11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is The Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And every creature which is in Heaven and on the Earth and under the Earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power be to Him Who sits on the Throne, and to The Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelations 5)
Who is worthy to receive all the highest worship? Worthy is The Lamb who was slain. Worthy is The Lord Jesus Christ, who died on our behalf to redeem us from our sins and make us His Own. He alone and He Who sits on the Throne is worthy of Honor, Glory and Power forever and ever. Thousands of innumerable people from all nations will join with the elders, all living creatures, and the angels to honor and exalt The Lamb of God. Blessing and honor, riches and power belong to The Lamb who was slain. He gave His Life for us so that we could live for God and not for ourselves. We have been made clean and are no longer unworthy to worship before The Holy One. Lift up your hands in awe and adoration to The Holy Lamb. He and The One Who sits on the Throne share the same Glory, Honor and Power, and They will reign forever. Be numbered among those who will fall before the Throne in joyful reverence and adoration.
“Forsake your ways and seek His Ways.”
7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to The Lord; and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. 8 “For My Thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My Ways,” says The Lord. 9 “For as the Heavens are higher than the Earth, so are My Ways higher than your ways, and My Thoughts more than your thoughts.
Forsake wickedness, pride, sin and rebellion. The Lord is beseeching us to return to Him. He has already made the sacrifice for our sins, by His death; we just have to repent and turn away from our thoughts and ways. His Ways are far higher than our ways. We must now seek to live by His Ways and do according to His Will. His Thoughts are for our good. He abundantly pardons those who fess up, see the error of their ways, and yield to Him in complete submission. Forsake your ways and seek His Ways. He is our God and He will always have mercy on those who continue to draw close to Him, with the intent to conform to His Will.
And on that day you will say: “O Lord, I will praise You. Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away, and You comfort me. 2 Behold, God is my Salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. ‘For Yah, The Lord, is my strength and song; He also has become my Salvation.’ ” 3 Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of Salvation. 4 And on that day you will say: “Praise The Lord, call upon His Name, declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His Name is exalted (Isaiah 12).
On the day you realize that your sins are forgiven, on that day when you have received grace you didn’t deserve, you will be comforted, when He has turned his anger away. On that day, you will surely praise His Name and will call upon Him without fear, but with exultation. Draw from the well of Salvation and proclaim He is exalted. Why do some get so elated with celebrities who do nothing for our souls? We magnify people who will not be our strength, comfort or joy when we have fouled up, or when we are in our worst form. Now that you have tasted God’s Grace, you don’t need to fear, even when you have fallen into sin and temptation. Come before Him and bare your heart to Him; and with joy receive Mercy. Let His Name be exalted with song and thanksgiving.
5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God; 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him The Name which is above every name, 10 that at The Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on Earth, and of those under the Earth.11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God The Father (Philippians 2).
Truly, there’s no one like our God. Who can do what The Lord Jesus has done? Who has created all these and does marvelous works? He holds all the powers of the universe and does as He pleases. He is exalted above all other gods and all creation. He is our strength and victory. When we have God we have everything excellent. In The Name of Jesus, we pray with expectancy. We are His children. The Lamb of God was slain for our sins and has given us access to The Exalted One. We must acknowledge that He alone is Holy and repent of our sins. The Lord entreats us to be still, forsake our ways and be acquainted with Him. He commands us to know that He is God. He is highly exalted, seated on His Throne, and His Ways are far above our ways. Exalt Him with highest praise, and honor Him with your life, as you live each day for His Glory.
Praise The Lord! Praise The Name of The Lord; Praise Him, O you servants of The Lord! 2 You who stand in the house of The Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is Good; sing praises to His Name, for it is pleasant. 4 For The Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel for His special treasure. 5 For I know that The Lord is Great, and our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever The Lord pleases He does, in Heaven and on Earth, in the seas and in all deep places (Psalm 135).
5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow The Lord will do wonders among you (Joshua 3).”
There’s a particular decorum that is expected when we are at certain places. When in the presence of one who is highly respected or at a formal event, we comport ourselves with dignity. Most professions demand etiquette or a code of conduct that reflects on character and experience. God’s people should regard their calling with honor. The one who has committed their life to Christ should be set apart to live for His Glory.
“Separate yourself from those who do not advance your growth in Christ. .”
10 So The Lord said to Joshua: “Get up! Why do you lie thus on your face? 11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My Covenant which I commanded them. For they have even taken some of the accursed things, and have both stolen and deceived; and they have also put it among their own stuff. 12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies, but turned their backs before their enemies, because they have become doomed to destruction. Neither will I be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you. 13 Get up, sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves for tomorrow, because thus says The Lord God of Israel: “There is an accursed thing in your midst, O Israel; you cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you(Joshua 7).”
Israel was commanded not to serve the gods of those who they fought, or take their gold and precious things which were used for worshipping idols. The Israelites had to rout the inhabitants of Canaan in order to inherit their land. God gave the Israelites this land, because its inhabitants were wicked. But some Israelites disobeyed God; they took the accursed things and kept them among their belongings. When Israel went to fight the people of Ai they were trounced. Joshua fell on his face before God to inquire why He had delivered the Israelites to defeat.
The children of Israel could not stand before their enemies because they had defiled themselves. God did not go to war with them. God does not associate with wickedness. All along God had fought for Israel because they were His people, and because He had promised to give them the land. What cursed thing is defiling you? It is an abomination to God and He will not compete with it. Sanctify yourself and throw off anything that corrupts you. Get rid of anything that keeps you from God’s best for you. You will not be able to stand against your enemies, or overcome adversity as long as you cling to the cursed things. The cursed things will be your downfall. Repent and be sanctified from every wicked thing. The Lord does not reward disobedience.
14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of The Living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” 18 “I will be A Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says The Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6).”
Believers and born-again Christians can’t accomplish godly purposes by trying to fit in with those who disregard God. Our convictions determine our decisions and life choices. Being unequally yoked with unbelievers is having goals, motives and intentions that align with their principles. Never the twain shall meet. If one endeavors to be righteous, they will not succeed by assimilating to works of darkness. We are the habitation of The Spirit of God. We have been made one with Christ. Everywhere we go and everything we do is done while abiding in Him. A temple, church, or place of worship is sacred.
Separate yourself from those who do not advance your growth in Christ. Don’t engage in activities that lead you off track. Be separate, touch no unclean thing and God will make you His Own. He will be your Father and you will be His forever. Come out and be separated from others. God dwells and walks among those who walk with Him. He accepts and receives those who are not ashamed to acknowledge Him even in their associations.
“Repent and be sanctified from every wicked thing.”
17 This I say, therefore, and testify in The Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart. 19 Who, in the past, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts. 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4).
Leave your past behind; put off the old man that was once corrupted by sin, uncleanness and ignorance. You are taught by Christ, being trained by His Word and are led by His Spirit. You are now a new creation in The Lord Jesus Christ. The truth about you is in Christ and is no longer in your past ways. You are God’s creation, made according to His design— in true righteousness and holiness. Don’t believe that you are who you used to be.
33 Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 34 Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame (1 Corinthians 15).
Your identity is now in Christ. Put on newness by renewing the spirit of your mind. See yourself in Christ and you will not regress to your former ways. You become the thoughts you feed. You succumb to your greatest desires. Renew your mind by putting on the mind of Christ. Don’t compromise by adopting the habits of others who live on a whim. Bad company can turn you back to your old ways. Choose your closest friends wisely. Your good character in Christ can be tarnished by bad influence.
“We consecrate ourselves to The Lord by willingly giving ourselves to His Work.”
3 Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: 4 three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses; 5 the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver, and for all kinds of work to be done by the hands of craftsmen. Who then is willing to consecrate himself this day to The Lord?”
6 Then the leaders of the fathers’ houses, leaders of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the officers over the king’s work, offered willingly. 7 They gave for the work of the house of God five thousand talents and ten thousand darics of gold, ten thousand talents of silver, eighteen thousand talents of bronze, and one hundred thousand talents of iron (1 Chronicles 29).
Are you willing to consecrate yourself today for The Lord? What are you willing to give God from your life to honor Him? David gave all he had in gold, silver and other items to build the house of God. He gave willingly because he set his affection on The Lord. He consecrated all that he gave for the work of God. We consecrate ourselves to The Lord by willingly offering Him all the areas of our lives. Our jobs would be done more diligently, if we consecrated them to The Lord. Our marriages would be blessed, if we consecrated them to The Lord, by being the best spouse we can be. Our parenting would be more effective, if we consecrated our children and our responsibilities to The Lord.
Until we set our affections on The Lord, we will not offer our lives willingly to Him. If we love God, we will give Him our time and resources. We will give God the best of ourselves— the best portion of our time, effort and attention. We consecrate ourselves to The Lord by willingly giving ourselves to His Work. The work of the house of God is done by the Body of Christ, The Church. Those who have consecrated their effort, time and resources for the house of God will not have given in vain.
2 As they ministered to The Lord and fasted, The Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away (Acts 13).
The Holy Spirit has work for each one of us to do. After we have spent some time in prayer and seeking God, we will be better prepared to serve Him. The work that The Holy Spirit has for us must be taken seriously. It is incumbent upon those who are called to ministry, or to do the work of God, to be consecrated first. After the apostles prayed, fasted and laid hands on Saul and Barnabas, they sent them out at the behest of The Holy Spirit. They had to be brought to complete submission and surrender to The Holy Spirit, before they began the work. Those who do the work of The Holy Spirit must be set apart to do only what The Spirit empowers them for. The work is only done in subservience to what He wants. Those who are sanctified by The Holy Spirit are chosen to do the work that glorifies Him—His Work, not their own intentions.
“We train ourselves to be godly by applying God’s Wisdom.”
7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance (1 Timothy 4).
Train yourself to be godly by doing whatever is necessary to live by God’s Truth. There are many ideas out there about how to live a long fulfilling life; but most of them will not give you sustainable hope, joy, peace and assurance of Eternal Life in Christ. Myths and old wives’ tales, or fads are just people’s suggestions on how to do life from their own experiences or those of others. God is the Source of Life, and being godly is the best way to live. Physical exercise is good for your heart, mind and physical strength; it only benefits the individual. And will not give you real contentment, peace, disciplined children, good relationships, righteousness, good work ethic, nor will it strengthen you in your trials and afflictions. Godliness has value in everything. Godliness is being able to discern spiritual truth and live by it. We train ourselves to be godly by applying God’s Wisdom. Godliness will lead to productive lives that bear enduring fruits for this life and the next.
“A pure heart loves others with the Love of God.”
22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying The Truth through The Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through The Word of God which lives and abides forever ( 1 Peter 1).
Our souls are purified by our obedience to The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth. He is not The Spirit of fables, hearsay, gossip or myths. He teaches us to love with sincerity and to do so with a pure heart, devoid of malice or bitterness. A pure heart loves others with the Love of God. A pure heart has no ill intentions nor is it judgmental towards others. We have been born again by the seed of God, The Word of God—The Truth of God, which compels us to love others. This Word is incorruptible in the lives of those who obey, and it abides in them forever. It purifies by purging out lies, bitterness, hatred and everything that goes against God. Love stifles and suffocates negative perceptions of others. Fervent love for others makes our hearts pure.
“God dwells and walks among those who walk with Him.”
Be consecrated for The Lord, as you live for Him. He has called us out of our past lives that lusted after sin, into the life of His design, in holiness and righteousness. We are not meant to fit in with those around us. In fact we are called to stick out like a sore thumb by the godly lives we live.
The Holy Spirit, The Spirit of Truth leads and guides us in God’s Truth, not old wives’ tales or myths. He adjures us to obey, set our affections on God and to love others with God’s Love, with a pure heart. Consecrate your life, your resources, time and profession to God. Do the work that The Spirit has set you apart for.
We must touch no unclean thing that sullies us, or take cursed things as our possession. We are bound to live defeated lives, if we defile ourselves. God will not fight for us, but will deliver us up to our adversaries, if we disobey. We must come out and be separate. God has promised to accept us and make us His precious sons and daughters, if we do not touch the unclean things or partake in works of darkness. We are the temple of The Holy Spirit. The Lord dwells among us and we have been sanctified as His special treasure, above all the people upon the face of the Earth. Be consecrated; you have been purchased with a high price—The Precious Blood of The Lord Jesus Christ.
6 “For you are a holy people to The Lord your God; The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth (Deuteronomy 7).”
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