D.L. Moody once said, "A holy life will make the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns, they just shine."
Life -think of a gravestone. Thereʼs a date that shows oneʼs birth. Thereʼs a date that shows oneʼs death. Whatʼs in the middle? (a dash!) What does the dash on the gravestone depict? The time that person was ALIVE. What will your story be? Do people know youʼre alive? alive spiritually? Life is not about us, itʼs about Jesus. Living for Jesus. “Only one life, twill soon be past. Only whatʼs done for Christ will last!”
Our purpose here in this time! Acts 13:36 tells us David served the purpose of God in his own generation. God has assigned us to the world for this particular time. "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world" ~Mother Teresa. Which influence will win? can others tell a difference between Christians (followers of Christ) and the world (unbelievers)? weʼre not here to live to ourselves... make a mark for the Kingdom! Influence! Be strong in Christ, yet relevant.
lose your life. live to others. itʼs not about me. How is this done? How can we live in an evil world and be pure and Godly? We must learn to resist on purpose. Godliness is never accidental. be consistent! be undivided. Know that your battle is His.
What is Holiness?
"As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’" (1 Peter 1:14-16) (Holy- set apart for God. sacred. uncommon. extraordinary. for a holy cause. exclusively His. pure. You are invaluable to your King!) holiness is being yoked with Christ, walking in step with Him.
what do you want to present to others? is it brighter and better than what you really are? whose approval are we seeking? Gal. 1:10, Now am I trying to win the favor of men, or of God? Do I seek to please men? If I were still seeking popularity with men, I should not be a bond servant of Christ. Satan wants us to worship ourselves... anything but God. 1Peter 5:6 Seek God! not promotion or fame. we live in a self-centered culture. whateverʼs popular, desirable, religious, friendly, dangerous, intelligence, beauty, youth. a high regard for the things of this world always signals a lowering regard for God. Iʼm a daughter of the kingdom of God, not a daughter of Babylon (absorbed in the culture). Matthew 6:33. Seek one thing! Ps. 27:4 (ask, what cheats me of You, Jesus?) youʼve been chosen for a life worth living. feel cherished!! God is for you. -giving glory is drawing attention. Letʼs purpose to give glory to Christ! make Him famous. He isn't looking for perfection, but for purity of heart - the authentic desire to do His will and give Him glory.
WORLDLINESS= allowing my desires to control me. the world is attractive, but Jesus is Better! He is the abundant life.
Walk in the light!
1John 1:5-7. Be different!! BLENDING IN- don't blend in! be different... because God is different! Stick out... pointing others to God. 1 Peter 1:14-16 As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God's life, a life energetic
and blazing with holiness. God said, "I am holy; you be holy."It may mean youʼll have to stand alone. Donʼt be defeated by fear and by criticism. Know youʼre not really alone! Daniel 5:12 - "Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation.” he had an excellent (extraordinary) spirit. Numbers 14:24 - "But because my servant Caleb has a different spirit and follows me wholeheartedly, I will bring him into the land he went to, and his descendants will inherit it." "But my servant Caleb—this is a different story. He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately. I'll bring him into the land that he scouted and his children will inherit it. - the Message. Caleb had a different spirit and followed God fully. Daniel and Caleb stuck out! God looks for those who are fully committed to Him - to strengthen their hearts. 2 Chron. 16:9a "For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him."
Making it easier Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8. Get rid of the images that make you want to “conform to this world.” Make it easier for your mind to be focused on what is true, noble, right, and pure…
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