Category: Holy Living

Immorality in the Church

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 5-6

Oh, precious reader, I don’t know you, but the Lord does. I don’t know what skeletons you have hidden in your closet, but the Lord does.

Likewise, you don’t really know me, what all has gone on behind closed doors or in the recesses of my mind in the fifty years I’ve drawn breath, but the Lord does.

All I can say is, praise His Name for the “such were some of you” promise of 1 Corinthians 6:11. I have been washed, sanctified, justified, redeemed, forgiven, and made new in the blood of Jesus Christ. Because of my testimony of who I was, it grieves me so very deeply to hear of professing Christians who are still walking in sin. People calling themselves followers of Christ and yet refusing to repent and break free from the chains of sin.

Whatever form your lust takes, whether fornication or adultery, pornography or homosexuality, gluttony or anger, jealousy or greed, Jesus says, “Leave those things behind and follow me. No one can serve two masters. It’s either My way or your way. Which way are you heading? You know full well that those things are not good for you. As My child, you must put them far away from you. In Me, you are no longer your own. I have purchased you with my blood, and you have become a temple where my Holy Spirit dwells. My Holy Spirit will not share His temple with idols. Now clean out every little corner of that temple of yours, so my Spirit can dwell fully in you. Glorify Me in your body, in how you think, in how you eat, in how you speak, in how you live, and it will be well.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for your grace and forgiveness. Thank You for causing me to be born again. Thank You for washing me clean and making me new, giving me new desires and a new name. As Your daughter, I want to be made more like Your Son. I want to have a pure heart and mind. I want to glow. I want to reflect Your glory as only a clean mirror can. I want to be filled with Your Spirit, Your presence, Your peace and love and joy. May others see You in me. In the Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

The Sun Rises Even in the Rain

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: 1 Corinthians 2

This morning I woke up early because I wanted to watch the sun rise. I was eagerly anticipating the sun turning the sky pink, purple, and orange as it crested the horizon over the lake where my sisters-in-Christ and I have been staying since Friday. Instead I was greeted by a rainstorm beating down on the metal roof of the porch under which I was taking shelter.

But still, the sun rose.

But still, it got brighter minute by minute.

But still, a new day dawned.

God is still on His throne even when we don’t see His glory. God still reigns even when His presence is hidden behind clouds, and His voice can’t be heard over the pouring rain.

In God’s perfect wisdom, He had decreed before the ages that His Own Son would be hung upon a cross to die for the sins of man. In the eyes of human wisdom or logic, it appeared that Satan had won and God had been defeated.

Oh, sisters, but God. Up from the grave He arose!

Suddenly, the cries of a bird ring out over the pounding of the storm. The birds are awake and singing in the trees, despite the rain. The storm won’t stop them, and it shouldn’t stop us, either

Darkness can’t overpower the light. The rain can’t drown out the sun. The sun still rises, even in a thunderstorm.

Heavenly Father, Death could not contain Him. A grave could not defeat Him. Darkness, no matter how deep, cannot keep the King of Glory from shining. I pray that our faith would be in You and You alone. You are Almighty. You are Victorious! No storm can delay what You have decreed. Your purposes will stand. You don’t always give us “cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels.” Sometimes you give us pitch black nights and thunderstorms that last for hour upon hour. Help me remember that the trees need the rain so they can grow, and the world needs the darkness of night so it can rest. Help me trust You, rather than myself. Help me to doubt human reasoning and believe Your Word. Help me remember that You reign over the rain. In the Good and Sovereign Name of Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.

As For Me and My House

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Joshua 24

“Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” …

“Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the LORD, to serve him.”

And they said, “We are witnesses.”

He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.”

And the people said to Joshua, “The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.”

Joshua 24:14-15; 22-24 ESV

Heavenly Father, What foreign gods am I serving? Where is my heart not inclined toward You? Where am I still limping between the world and the Lord rather than fully surrendering all my all to You? Please show me my sin. I’m blind to my own iniquity. Open my eyes that I can see my own blindness. I want to love You more that I can serve You better for You are worthy and good. In the Name of Jesus Christ who died in my place I pray. Amen.

Even the Old Testament is Full of Practical Applications

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Read through the Bible in 2 Years: Joshua 22

Wow, this is a rich chapter full of practical application for my own life!

It reminded me to be steadfast and faithful and to keep my promises, even when I’d rather not.

It reminded me of that greatest commandment to love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

It reminded me that love is more than just an emotion. Love is an action, and love results in humble submission to the will of the one we love. If we love God, we will obey His commands, like John 14:15 says.

Only be very careful to observe the commandment and the law
that Moses the servant of the LORD commanded you,
to love the LORD your God,
and to walk in all his ways
and to keep his commandments
and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart
and with all your soul.”


Joshua 22:5 ESV

It reminded me that I need to not be so quick to judge other people’s motives, but instead give them the benefit of the doubt until I have time to hear from them. If I’m having a problem with someone, I should bring it to their attention and talk to them about it. And then I need to really listen to what they have to say, rather than assuming the worst.

It reminded me that God cares about why these Israelite tribes were building that altar – but also that just having the right motives doesn’t make something ok. There are still right and wrong decisions even if your heart is in the right place.

That was a lot from one chapter out of the Old Testament! 🎉

Heavenly Father, please help me to be faithful to keep my promises, even when it would be easier to just move on. You are a promise keeping God, and I want to be more like You. Cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Help me to love You with my all in all. Help me not turn aside to idols, remembering that I cannot serve both You and my own passions. Give me the patience and courage I need to talk to people that I’m having problems with and to sincerely listen, rather than hastily prejudging their motives. Make me more like You, Lord. I want to be more like You. In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Savior, Redeemer, Lord, and Perfect Example for everything, I pray. Amen.