December 3 – Living A Holy Life

“You shall therefore keep my statutes and my rules; if a person does them, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.”– Leviticus 18:5 (ESV)

‘The Book of Leviticus was the first book studied by a Jewish child; yet is often among the last books of the Bible to be studied by a Christian if they even ever do open it. However it’s referred to about 40 times in the New Testament making it one great significance to everyone who by faith believes in God.1  In it we find many rich lessons and promises concerning the character of God and a call to living a holy life. ‘Special blessing was promised to the Israelites on the condition of their obedience to God’s law. This promise was remarkably verified in particular eras of their history, in the national prosperity they enjoyed when pure and undefiled religion prevailed among them. Obedience to God’s law always insures temporal blessings, as this verse indicates. But these words have a higher reference to spiritual life as indicated by the Lord (cf. Luk3 10:28) and Paul (cf. Romans 10:5).2 Leviticus contains extensive revelation concerning the character of God—especially His holiness but also His electing love and grace. Obedience does not save from sin and hell, but it does mark those who are saved.

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1] F. Duane Lindsey, The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, 1985, 1, 163. 
2] John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Study Bible: New American Standard Bible., (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006), Le 18:5.

December 2 – Only One True

“Who is like You among the gods, O Lord? Who is like You, majestic in holiness, Awesome in praises, working wonders?” – Exodus 15:11 (NASB)

The people of the earth from nearly the beginning have created their own gods. The one true God is compared to those who come from the imagination the people. Exodus 15 is a song that was sung by the Israelites after they escaped the grip of Egypt’s Pharaoh. After multiple devastating plagues, Pharaoh lets the Israelites leave Egypt but quickly changes his mind and pursues them unsuccessfully. This Song of Moses is of God who worked to free His people. God has always been at work in the lives of His people and is at work in our lives now if we by faith have believed in Jesus and now have the right to be called His children (John 1:12).  There are no other gods that can honestly be compared to our Lord God Almighty. Every other so-called god is a product of the imagination of those who reject God. That is a promise we have here as the answer to the question posed in this verse. There is none among the gods who is like God for our God is the only One majestic in holiness, awesome in praises and working wonders.

 

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September 2 – Here Are Six But There Are More

 “[God] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” -  2 Timothy 1:9 -  (ESV)

Six Promises for those saved and In Christ Jesus. Pause for a moment and think how incredible it is to be united to Christ. Bound to Christ. If you are “in Christ” listen to what it means for you:

1. In Christ Jesus you were given grace before the world was created. (2 Timothy 1:9)
2. In Christ Jesus you were chosen by God before creation. (Ephesians 1:4)
3. In Christ Jesus you are loved by God with an inseparable love. (Romans 8:38–39)
4. In Christ Jesus you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins. (Ephesians 1:7)
5. In Christ Jesus you are justified before God and the righteousness of God in Christ is imputed to you. (2 Corinthians 5:21) 
6. In Christ Jesus you have become a new creation and a son of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17) 

The unbeliever is not in Christ Jesus but an enemy of God’s truth as revealed in the Bible. Declaring that one believes in Jesus is real does not save. True belief is saving faith, a gift of God. In the next few days we will look a little closer at each of these six promises in God’s Word. 

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June 08 – Faith Firmly Founded

“And although you were formerly alienated and hostile in mind, engaged in evil deeds, yet He has now reconciled you in His fleshly body through death, in order to present you before Him holy and blameless and beyond reproach— if indeed you continue in the faith firmly established and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel that you have heard” – Colossians 1:21-23 (NASB)

Being on the ‘outs’ of Christian fellowship was our circumstance before we received faith that made it possible to believe that Jesus, the Son of God is our Savior. We are converted from being ‘out’ to being ‘in’ God’s family when we are born of God – a work that God does for us according to his will and promise. It is a real transformation of our lives because before, or as our verse says, formerly we were alienated and had a hostile attitude. We were engaged in what is evil. Yet even in that state, doing nothing ourselves God reconciled us. When did this reconciliation happen? It happened on the cross, at the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. That is when the work of reconciling our sinful selves with our perfect God happened. Here is our promise: He did this so we can appear before Him holy and blameless (forgiven) and beyond reproach. We are to continue in the faith firmly founded and unwavering, not moved away from the hope of the gospel.

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December 18 – The Humility of God’s Chosen

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”   Luke 1:46-49  (ESV)

These are the words spoken by Mary when she visited Elizabeth to tell her of God’s plan for her.  It is known to many as “The Magnificat” and this, we can see how. It was through the Holy Spirit; Mary understood a most remarkable thing about God.  He was about to change the course of all human history. With the birth of John to Elizabeth the Barren and the birth of Jesus to Mary the Virgin, the most important three decades of all time were to begin.  Two obscure, humble women are presented by Luke in this Gospel as wonderful heroines. Writing his gospel for a person named Theophilus, probably a nobleman of some sort, both Elizabeth and Mary are attributed cheerful humility in submission to their God.  Indeed God is magnificent and deserves this honor and respect.  Elizabeth and Mary acknowledged their lowly estate and God’s magnificence overwhelmed them. This is what it takes to truly appreciate the greatness of God in our lives and His greatness  in the lives of others.  Mercy, strength, subjection of those who are  proud and think they are mighty. These and more are included in the full Magnificat. (Luke 1:46-55) 

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November 25 – Before the Beginning Began

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,  even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him." Ephesians 1:3-4 (ESV)

Three times in this letter to the believers in Ephesus, Paul uses the term “heavenly places.” The heavenly places are not often on our mind and yet as this letter tells us, this is where our real treasures are in Christ. We have received not one spiritual blessing but all spiritual blessings. God our Father has blessed us with riches promised and untold, particularly spiritual ones. The knowledge of God, the forgiveness of sins, righteousness, eternal life are spiritual riches and blessings which no human reason or method has revealed to us, but only by the revelation of the Holy Spirit these promises are made known. Paul says that it was determined by God choice, by His eternal decree made before the foundation of the world. God chose us so that our sinful life might be wiped away by the sacrifice of his Son Jesus. All because of His love for us, He chose us, and not because of any goodness we produce through our actions, thoughts or words, we will and do stand before Him blameless and holy. It has been planned this way by God and there is no other way but by believing in Jesus. 

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November 14 – How To Do Holy

“ 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 (ESV)

Two more of five exhortations are given in these verses. We looked yesterday at the first three; ‘prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope.”  Two more in today’s verses make it clear that we need the first three which are strenuous mental preparation in order to take on what is ours to do in today’s verses. We are instructed to not be conformed to the evil desires that once were ours. What conformation are we to be on guard against? Wee, passions of our past sinful lives. Habits and activities which one occupied our time no longer belong. Not even being on the sidelines. In obedience to that we live lives that are holy. We know that absolute holiness cannot be achieved in this life, it will be ours in heaven and today it is ours to strive for.  What we know does not fit or should not be part of our lives we can choose to be rid of it. Like Hebrews 12:1 says, “let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely,” That is the path to being holy because He is holy.  

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October 9 – Blameless

“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.”   Ephesians 1:4 (NASB)

Context is important because it is from the context that we can learn the full meaning and intention of a passage.  Such as this one. The immediate context includes verse 4 and runs through verse 14. Which runs too long for the format we use so we will divide it over a few days. Paul continues his discussion of believers’ spiritual blessings by showing that they are based on the work of the three Persons of the Trinity: the selection of the Father (vv. 4–6), the sacrifice of the Son (vv. 7–12), and the seal of the Spirit (vv. 13–14). The first word, sometimes translated ‘for’(NIV), is better rendered “just as” or “even as.”  It connects God the Father’s choosing from eternity past as part of the heavenly blessings we learn about in verse 3. We receive the spiritual blessings as believers are because of and on the basis of the work of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God choosing us in Him so that we would be holy and blameless before Him. This is the only way for us to be blameless, through the work of Christ Jesus and the Holy Spirit. 

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September 24 – Experience Nearness

“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” Psalm 73:28 (ESV)

The people of Israel who lived during the days of the Old Testament record knew that in the tabernacle and then later in the temple in Jerusalem there was an inner room called the Holy of Hollies.  It was in this room where the presence of God was manifested.  Sometimes people would go to the temple thinking that this brought them close to God.  We see this thought in some of the Psalms.  We believe, though, that our verse today is about a spiritual closeness to God.  The psalmist had experienced the joy of knowing that God was near him even without his going to the temple.  This is true for each of us too.  Although it is possible for us to receive a blessing from attending church, we know that we can experience the nearness of God no matter where we are.  Everyday of the week and anytime of the day we can sense the closeness of His presence.  And, we can share that with others.   

What was the Holy of Hollies?

Significance of the Holy of Hollies for Christians.

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September 17 – Personally Revived

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.” Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)

If we take a moment each day we can reflect and remember how blessed we are to have the assurance that our God who is in heaven also lives with us.  He abides in the high and holy place and he is with us when we are perplexed and dismayed.  He knows our situations and is very anxious to be a part of our lives.  Even though we are so small and so weak in comparison to God's greatness, and His power, yet He desires and promises to be involved in our lives.  And our verse today tells us why. He wants to revive us, to revive our spirits and our hearts.  Remember the times when we are low and feel ashamed or regretful, even in those times, God wants to lift our spirits and boost our confidence in His love for us.  So, today, let us remember to be humble and recognize our weaknesses and our need for His help.  And let us walk through the day rejoicing that we have such a Holy God who loves us so much. 

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August 26 – Only From God

“Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.”   Leviticus 10:3 (NIV)

We often take advantage on this daily visit to remind ourselves that we have a wonderful God.  No matter which attribute of our Lord that we consider, we realize how wonderful He is.  He has great power, great knowledge, great love and great patience.  These are just a few of His wonderful attributes.  Today's verse reminds us of another attribute.  Here Moses is quoting a statement which God Himself had made and what He wants you and me to remember – He is HOLY.  This means "to separate or cut off." And in this context God is separate, or cut off, from everything that is sinful and evil – He cannot tolerate sin.  To say that God is holy means there is no trace of evil in his character.  God wants us to recognize His holiness and to respect and honor him for it.  He then is the one that brings holiness into our lives through the promised Holy Spirit.  Without God's Spirit, we have no chance at holiness.  Only God is Holy. 

Please share with your friends if you are encouraged by these daily words. 

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May 23 – None Like Him

“Your way, O God, is holy; What god is great like our God?” Psalm 77:13 (NASB)
“Your way was in the sea And Your paths in the mighty waters, And Your footprints may not be known.”  Psalm 77:19 (NASB)

The writer of these words was thinking of how God had opened a way for His people through the water. He had made a way through the Red Sea and also through the Jordan River forty years later. God had done it but He was invisible. He went ahead of the people but his footprints were not seen, as our verse says.  This is a reminder for us of how God helps us. He opens the way for us through the obstacles that we encounter in life.  Although we don't see Him, He is there with us. When we see what God does for us let's not forget to thank Him for His faithfulness and love. Let's tell him just as the psalmist does in these verses how great He is. We may come upon something that seems uncrossable or insurmountable but we can trust in the promises of our God and in His greatness. There is none like our God for He is the only true God.  

May 22 – Strength from Joy

“This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10b  (NIV)

In the book of Nehemiah, the story of the return and rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem after seventy years of captivity in Babylon, we find these words of encouragement from Nehemiah. Given to the people on a special day after they heard the Book of the Law of Moses read to them.  Ezra, the scribe had been reading for several hours – this was the only way the people could hear the Word of God since individual copies did not exist. After the reading the Levites were teaching them what it all meant. It had a profound effect on the people. Today, we receive the word by reading our own Bibles and hearing it taught in church or on the radio or television. And just like the people in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra, we are encouraged and we are impressed. We rejoice when we hear how God has said and done and taught us in the Bible – it gives us strength to press on in our walk of faith. It is true that the joy of the Lord is the source of our strength. That is a promise.

March 3 – Like None Other

“Your ways, God, are holy. What god is as great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples.” Psalm 77:13-14 (NIV)

We've been considering the ways that God revealed Himself to Abraham as God Almighty. Many since the time of Abraham have recognized how true that name is.  The Bible records many instances when God displayed His power to His chosen people Israel. His people were reminded often that He is God Almighty.  But our verse reminds us that God displays His power among the people and that means people of all nations and all races.  We can see it happening if we have faith.  And this is true today all around the world. Yes, God is demonstrating His power and drawing people to Himself in many places. We can rejoice that we have an Almighty God and that we can depend on Him to show us His power. 

More about the names of God.

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December 27 – Above Reproach Before Him

“But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation” Colossians 1:22 (NIV) 

We have been celebrating the birthday of our Savior Jesus Christ. His coming to earth in bodily form has made a tremendous difference for God's human creatures.  This is emphasized in today's verse. It was in God's plan to have His Son come and live here on earth in a physical body just like ours and then to die a physical death as a substitute for us. We were enemies of God but He has reconciled us and brought us into His family. Our verse says that God's motive for all this was to present us holy in His sight without blemish. Friends, all who have believed in Jesus Christ can today stand before God without blemish or spot, perfect in His sight – that is our promise. Although we have our failings, if we are trusting in Jesus as our Savior, God accepts us as without blemish in His sight. 

July 21 – He Has Done Great Things

“From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” Luke 1: 48b-49 (NIV)

These words are part of a song which Mary sang.  She was singing about the wonderful works that God was doing in her life. She had learned that she would become the Mother of Jesus, the Messiah and she realized that it was God doing it. Our experiences are different than Mary's but we can praise the Lord just like she did. God does do great things for us and He is ready to do such things for us every day. We need to remember that He is the Mighty One – the Almighty One. That is why His love for us is so great. So whatever we are facing today, you and I can know, my friend, that God is able to take care of it for us. Let's trust Him because He has promised. 

June 14 - Respond and Rejoice

“In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Psalm 33:21 (NIV)

There is joy in the Christian life and our verse reminds us that true joy is found in our Lord. Where does this joy come from? From trusting in Him. Why is  it that trusting the Lord results in joy? Because He is trustworthy. When we trust the Lord we are trusting someone who is dependable. When we look to Him for help and He responds by giving us what we need, our hearts respond and rejoice. That had been the experience of the Psalmist and it can be our experience too.  Lets join with the Psalmist and say as he did, “Because of Him we are happy! We are trusting him. And we trust his holy name.”

December 16

“For the Mighty One has done great things for me — Holy is His name.” Luke 1:49 (NIV)

Have you ever thought of whom it was that sang the first song in connection with the birth of Jesus? I am going to suggest that we look at the song which Mary sang when she first came to visit her cousin Elizabeth. This was, of course several months before Jesus was born. Her opening words were: “My soul praises the Lord” and then she tells why as we read our verse for today. It was a great thing that God had done in causing her to conceive a child who would be the Son of God. This was her song of praise. We believe that she trusted in Jesus as her Savior. After His crucifixion and ascension she joined other believers in prayer in Jerusalem. God had done great things for her! And he has done great things for us, too.

October 1

“We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name.” Psalm 33:20-21 (NIV)

Our God is surely a great source of joy. The psalmist wrote that in Him our hearts rejoice. So our faith in God is not just a mental, intellectual attitude. It affects our inner being. It fills our hearts with joy and gladness. Actually that is how the psalmist describes what happens when we put our faith in God. He says that trusting in the Lord is what produces the joy. Yes, you can trust the Lord for whatever you are facing today. As you depend on Him to take care of your needs, and you realize what a great and holy God He is, the result will be joy. His joy will fill your heart.

July 12

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”  Ephesians 3:17b-18 (NIV)

This is a prayer the apostle Paul was praying for the believers in Ephesus. Did you notice that he included you and me in his prayer? He said "together with all the Lord's holy people" If you have believed in Jesus as your Savior, God has set you aside for Himself. That is what is meant by the words "holy people" another word is "saint" – someone set apart for God. So this prayer is for us. The request is that we might grasp how great the love of Christ is. We are human. God’s love is divine. We will never understand it fully but with His help we can learn more of its greatness.