(Friday)
So you may have noticed in your reading program a slight glitch in the days numbered, well, not sure how that happened (actually it has to do with formulas in excel) so you can take a break – if you want, or you can just re- assign the correct dates. I will have new programs for you on Sunday and in a short while, the reading program will be available on our website.
Well, today’s reading fits in nicely with the messages we have been learning on Sunday mornings. Our sermon series Divergent, is about applying this very verse “You shall be holy, because I the Lord your God am Holy.” (19:2).
There is no getting around the fact that as followers (chosen ones) of God, we must not regard holiness as an option. Jesus in the New Testament sets the bar just as high when he says, “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is Perfect” (Matt 5:43). This command so often seems unattainable, but we must realize that we are holy, because God is holy and to live outside of that nature or character of God will bring us much grief and hardship. God wants us to be Holy, set apart, different from the rest of the world. And since He commands holiness and expects us to live holy lives, He will and does, provide the means for us through the power of the Holy Spirit that dwells in us.
I can’t do this on my own, but with the power of the Holy Spirit, I can do all things. (Phil 4:13).
To be holy means that we must imitate God. He is our example, and throughout this reading we are told how to live it out in everyday life. Love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself. Make holy living not just part of who you are, but allow God to transform you into a new person, with a new nature that is focused on being holy.
Blessings for the day
PK
If you haven’t heard our messages on Holiness – you can find them on youtube – just search for youngsvillefmc or in a little while, on our website at ybfree.org