As the Day Begins “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” — 1 Peter 1:15 Peter’s command begins with God’s character rather than our effort. God is holy, and the One who calls us intends His character to become increasingly visible in us. TheContinue reading “The Fragrance of a Holy Life”
Tag Archives: Christian holiness
Holiness Is More Than a Preference
As the Day Begins “For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.” —Romans 14:18 Romans 14 reminds us that God’s kingdom is not built upon food, drink, or personal preference, but upon “righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). Paul is addressing disagreementsContinue reading “Holiness Is More Than a Preference”
Grace Does Not Make Sin Safe
On Second Thought “You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.” — Psalm 139:3 There is a dangerous little thought that sometimes slips quietly into the Christian mind: “God will forgive me anyway.” We may never say it aloud. In fact, we may be embarrassed to admit thatContinue reading “Grace Does Not Make Sin Safe”
Carrying the Fragrance of Another Kingdom
As the Day Begins “May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.” — 1 Thessalonians 3:13 There are some people whose presence changes a room without them ever trying to do so.Continue reading “Carrying the Fragrance of Another Kingdom”
WHEN GOD LOVES US TOO MUCH TO LEAVE US UNCHANGED
DID YOU KNOW “My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” —John 15:1–2 We often hear the word “discipline” and immediately think of punishment, rejection, or anger. Scripture presents a different picture.Continue reading “WHEN GOD LOVES US TOO MUCH TO LEAVE US UNCHANGED”
WHEN HOPE PURIFIES THE HEART
As the Day Ends “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” —1 John 3:2 The return of Christ is not given to theContinue reading “WHEN HOPE PURIFIES THE HEART”
The Peace of a Holy Heart
As the Day Ends “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 As this day comes to a close, Romans reminds us that true peace is not found in circumstances but in the condition of our hearts. The Holy Spirit is not merely aContinue reading “The Peace of a Holy Heart”
When Evil Is Tolerated, It Multiplies
The Bible in a Year There are passages in Scripture that are difficult to read, not because they are unclear, but because they expose the darker realities of human nature. Judges 20:13 stands in one of those moments: “Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial… that we may put them to death,Continue reading “When Evil Is Tolerated, It Multiplies”
When God Refuses Half-Hearted Obedience
“And it came to pass on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him.” — Exodus 4:24 There are moments in Scripture that stop us in our tracks. Exodus 4:24 is one of them. Moses has just received the extraordinary call of God. The burning bush has spoken.Continue reading “When God Refuses Half-Hearted Obedience”
Plowing Straight Furrows
The Bible in a Year “Thou shalt not plow with an ox and an ass together.” —Deuteronomy 22:10 As we continue our journey through Scripture together, we occasionally encounter laws in the Old Testament that seem unusual at first glance. One such command appears in Deuteronomy 22:10: “Thou shalt not plow with an ox andContinue reading “Plowing Straight Furrows”