Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- November 29, 2012
“Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy.” Romans 13:13 NKJV
A walk of purity is just the beginning to becoming more like Jesus. There is a consecration to Christ that takes place in the process toward holiness. Indeed, purity is not an end in itself, but a path to holiness. A pure heart wants more of God and has more of God. Yes, the closer we get to Christ the more we abhor sin and embrace righteousness. Purity positions us for the things of God. Being like Him is the ultimate goal.
Are you on the path of purity or do you flirt with foolishness? Do you long for integrity to lead you into intimacy with Jesus? Purity without intimacy is just sterile self-discipline devoid of the Spirit’s power. But purity packaged with prayer invites the Lord’s favor. You matter because your guileless life points to God. You are a trophy of trust in Christ that shines forth with brilliant belief.
“Finally then, brethren, we urge and exhort in the Lord Jesus that you should abound more and more, just as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1, NKJV
When you walk in purity, you partner with purity. Thus, you avoid impure thinking and compromising situations. Like a noticeable spot on a freshly laundered shirt, your conscience guides you away from gray area stains. Your pure thinking makes friends with fidelity, but enemies with unfaithfulness. The sorrow from the slightest sin sends chills to your clean heart. So, stay pure to enjoy the fruit of peace.
Furthermore, purity follows the procession of Christ’s train of clean living. Society and unseemly forces will soil your soul. But, invite your Savior to scrub it clean. Your walk of purity is without pretense–open about its struggles and challenges. So, stay honest about your weaknesses and the Lord will walk with you like a righteous bodyguard. A pure walk is not perfect, but it is prayerful. Cling to Christ and His word, and He will cleanse your heart from impurities!
“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word.” Psalm 119:9
Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart’s desire is to walk in purity with You and for You.
Related Readings: Psalm 24:4; Hosea 8:5; 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Timothy 4:12, 5:2; 1 Peter 3:2
Post/Tweet this today: The closer we get to Christ the more we abhor sin and embrace righteousness. #purity
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© 2012 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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How many do this anymore? Liz
Young people today don’t know what purity means anyomre.Its tragic…….
Holy is not a four letter word
Holiness is received not achieved.
Holiness is accepting a gift given not compensation for work done
Holiness begins in the heart (seed), transforms the mind (seedling), and is evidenced by how a life is lived (tree).
Example of a holy life…
1) This man blasphemeth.
2) Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
3) Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
4) they laughed him to scorn.
5) He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.
Above are excerpts from Matthew 9 directed toward Jesus. Jesus did not live up to the “holiness perception” of His day. Neither will you or I.
1) This man blasphemeth…from Matthew 9:1-7…“doctrine”
2) Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?…Matthew 9:8-13…“association”
3) Why do we Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?…Matt. 9:14-17…”discipline”
4) they laughed him to scorn…Matthew 9:18-26…”unseen ministry of touch”
5) He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils…Matthew 9:27-34…”reputation”
Why such a discrepancy between the “holiness perception” and how holiness is lived?
6) he was moved with compassion…Matthew 9:35-38…”compassion not competition”
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
When we perceive, understand, experience intimately, personally, wholly, the love of GOD…..
HOLY HAPPENS
…..peace…..