I don’t know about you, but on Monday mornings, I don’t often feel all that holy. Thankfully, being holy isn’t based on how I feel at the moment. Nor do we have to go through the the ritual cleansings that the Israelites did. Since God had chosen the nation of Israel to be His special people through which He would fulfill His plan to restore fellowship between Himself and man, God commanded them to be holy because He is holy. God put into place the sacrifices and other rituals that would maintain their cleanness before Him. Because they were sinful humans, it was inevitable that they would become unclean – daily. Probably several times a day. So they had to keep doing the ritual cleansings that would allow God to remain in their presence.
Today, those ritual cleansings are no long needed or required because of Christ’s death on the cross. Once we surrender our hearts to Him and as Him to save us from our sins, we are made new. His blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. He has done the work for us. Once and for all.
To fully understand this verse, we need to understand what it means to be consecrated and what it means to be holy. As a Christian, this verse applies just as much to us as it did to the nation of Israel. God says to each of us, “I am the Lord your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.” So if God commands us to consecrate ourselves and to be holy, then we need to know exactly what God is commanding of us.
Consecrate Yourself
When we consecrate ourselves to God, we wholly dedicate ourselves to Him. It is the act of setting yourself aside and dedicating yourself to God. Consecrating involves separating ourself from anything unclean or sinful so that our relationship to a holy God is not contaminated. It carries the ideas of being sanctified, holy, and pure. 2 Corinthians 6:17 tells us, “Therefore come out from them and be separate, saying the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” Paul also wrote in Romans 12:1-2, “I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” As children of God who have been saved by the faith in Christ, we consecrate ourselves when we surrender our lives and will to Him as a living sacrifice and live our lives for the glory of God. Peter wrote: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)
Be holy.
To understand what it means to be holy, let’s first look at what it means that God is holy. God is absolute perfection. There is no other God. He has no trace of in (James 1:13, Hebrews 6:18). No one can compare to Him (Psalm 40:5). It defines His character. His love is a holy love. Him mercy is a holy mercy. And his anger is a holy anger.
When we look at what it means for us to be holy, we know we are not perfect and without sin. So how, then, are we holy? We are to be distinctly different from the world. As children of God, we are to live according to God’s standards so that the world will know we belong to Him. God know’s we are not capable of being perfect. Instead He calls us to be distinctly different from the world. Peter tells us how to do this in 1 Peter 1:13-16:
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 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.”
There is absolutely no way that we can make ourselves holy. We only become holy through a right relationship with God by believing in Christ as our Savior. Until we become a child of God, we remain unholy without any hope of becoming holy on our own. However, when we place our faith and trust in Christ and seek His forgiveness for our sins and ask Him to be our Savior then the blood he shed on the cross cleanses us from all sin. In that moment we become a holy child of God, set a part from the world.
So – are you living a consecrated and holy life?
#consecrated #holy
Don’t forget to learn this week’s memory verse:
James 4:7-8
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Meditate and apply:
Will you commit to praying with us in 2020 that God will revive His people, renew our faith, and redeem our land? We feel such an urgency and desperation for revival. If God is moving your heart for revival, write your revival prayer in the comments along with your state or country.
#revive #renew #redeem #revivalinAmerica #revivalin2020 #WCM
This week’s featured design is taken from our memory verse – James 4:7-8.
You’ll find the design in tees for men, women, kids, mugs, bags, and other products. Check them out in the Spreadshirt shop.
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#MrMrs #Valentine #WCM #teespring #spreadshop
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BOOKING NOW! Be a host site for the NEW God, Love & Marshmallow Wars Book Tour & Couples Conference:
This event helps couples understand why the daily activities found in the book will equip them to build a stronger marriage and the book provides them with 365 intentional activities to take what they learn at the event and apply it on a daily basis. Through the event, couples will discover the Biblical “why” behind the categories of activities found in the book and the “how” these activities are important to building a stronger marriage. Focus points of the event includes :
- How memorizing scripture together and studying God’s Word together as they study, meditate and apply scriptures related to marriage and life issues will help them develop marriages that honor God.
- Why utilizing fun conversation starters that spark meaningful conversations will keep interest alive as they continually learn new things about each other.
- Why keeping romance alive is essential to intimacy and connectivity.
- How making memories and working together builds relationship investment bonds and how these investment bonds can become the knots that keeps them together through the tough times.
- How they can understand what they are or are not contributing to the marriage as well as how they might be contributing to problems or potential problems within the relationship through the use of targeted, intentional personal reflections
- Why it is important that couples never stop dating and how group dates with Christian friends can be both an encouragement and accountability to their own relationship.
During the event, couples will be given an activity from each focus point to do together, making this event an interactive, fun, and engaging event with practical, hands-on learning. Unlike other couple events that are over when the event ends, couples who attend the GLMW event will be able to apply what they learn when utilizing the book on a daily basis for a year. Since the book is not dated, couples are able to reuse the activities year after year to continue being intentional in strengthening their relationship with each other and with God as they strive to live out God’s design for marriage every day.
Learn more about hosting this event at your church or conference site by clicking here.
About the book: The GLMW book contains 365 daily challenges for couples to strengthen their relationships to each other and with God. Couples will complete activities such as Scripture memory, conversation starters, relationship builders, learning about Biblical marriage, romance builders, personal reflections, and date ideas. Click here to purchase your copy. (This link will open a new widow and take you to Westbow Press’ bookstore.) It is also available at Christian Book Distributors, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble
#GLMW #couplesevent #GLMWbook #intentionalmarriage #Godlymarriage
Looking for a keynote speaker for your next ministry event? Julia is now booking for 2019 and 2020 Christian events for women’s and couples’ ministries for both small and large events.
Book with us now.
Julia is CEO of Wellspring Christian Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people and couples develop a passionate relationship with God. A public speaker, conference trainer, event planner, and blog writer, Julia is a two-time graduate from Grand Canyon University with a bachelor in Psychology and a masters in Professional Counseling. Saved as a child and raised in church and in a Christian home and private Christian School as a Pastor’s kid, Julia has taught Sunday school, led music, played the piano, served as Children’s Director, and engaged her gifts in many other areas of church life. Previously employed with the Florida Baptist Convention, Julia organized events and led conferences for church ministry assistants. Today, Julia enjoys sharing her journey as a growing Christian with others looking for a deeper connection with God. Through Bible study and her own life experiences, God has given Julia a passion to help couples understand God’s design for marriage while they learn to place God first in their marriage, cultivate meaningful relationships, build intimacy, and address the tougher issues that come in every marriage so that they can experience a marriage that honors and glorifies God. Julia also loves mentoring, teaching, and working with women to help them learn to live as Godly women.
With her history and experience growing up in both small and large churches, Julia enjoys bringing top level quality events to churches of all sizes. Her father largely pastored small churches and therefore she understands that these vital parts of the believing community need to be good stewards of the resources God provides them with. This knowledge inspires her passion for being available with a fresh perspective for those who want to provide their congregations with meaningful spiritual growth opportunities, regardless of size.
To request more information or a booking,
fill out the online form here.
Or call us at 904.524.8073
#JuliaBruce #speaker #keynote #author
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Chasing Vines: Finding Your Way to an Immensely Fruitful Life, Exclusive Edition
By Beth Moore / Tyndale Momentum Does the field of your life feel like rocky soil? Beloved Bible teacher Moore explores what it means to abide in the vine of Christ—and bear abundant fruit! Loaded with just-for-you extras, this special edition features insightful discussion questions and life application takeaways so you can dig deeper into God’s plan for human flourishing. Includes a Study Guide for group or individual reflection. 336 pages, hardcover from Tyndale. |
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I Wish He Had Come with Instructions: The Woman’s Guide to a Man’s Brain
By Mike Bechtle / Revell Discover what he is REALLY thinking! In I Wish He Had Come with Instructions, relationship expert Mike Bechtle offers you an insider’s guide to the sometimes puzzling male brain. He explains how men think, act, communicate, and grow in relationships. Simple and practical, this book is a road map for better conversations and improved relationships. |
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Experience the Power of God’s Names: A Life-Giving Devotional
By Tony Evans / Harvest House Publishers “Elohim,” the strong Creator; “Jehovah,” the relational God; “Adonai,” Master over all. . . . The many names of our Lord reveal his characteristics and contain powerful promises to you as a believer! In each of these 85 life application devotions, Evans introduces you to one of God’s unique names and reveals its spiritual significance. 176 pages, hardcover from Harvest. |
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It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way, Study Guide
By Lysa TerKeurst / Thomas Nelson What do you do when your reality is so different from the vision you had for yourself. In the 6-session video Bible study with Lysa TerKeurst, she offers fresh biblical insight to get you through painful situations, and life-giving perspectives for living in between Eden and eternity. In the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Study Guide, you will dig a little deeper and apply the teaching to your individual circumstances. Session Titles:
Designed to be used in conjunction with the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way DVD and the It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way Book. |
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Twelve Women of the Bible: Life-Changing Stories for Women Today, Study Guide
By Lysa TerKeurst, Elisa Morgan & Amena Brown / Zondervan In this 12-session small group Bible study, Twelve Women of the Bible, Lysa TerKuerst, Elisa Morgan, Jeanne Stevens and others look at the spiritual lessons learned from twelve biblical women and their implications in life today. Now revised and expanded in a larger format from the original for easier note taking and deeper study of the Bible’s most empowered and iconic women. The Participant Guide features discussion questions, background information on each character, space to write down thoughts, and a helpful Leader’s Guide. Revised and expanded in a larger format from the original for easier note taking and deeper study of the Bible’s most empowered and icononc women. |
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Ten Women of the Bible, Study Guide
By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson Their actions stood out to the writers of Scripture, even though society overlooked their contributions. In Ten Women of the Bible, a 10-session workbook, Lucado tells the stories of 10 pivotal biblical women, including Sarah, Rahab, Abigail, Esther, Sapphira, Mary Magdalene, and others. Each session features insights and study questions that explore their lives – and help you apply the lessons to yours. |
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The Woman God Sees Mug, ESV
By Christ to All Reflections: The Woman God Sees, 11 ounce ceramic gift mug in white and purple with swirl design and features Bible reference to Isaiah 62:4, The Lord delights in you. Dishwasher and microwave safe; packaged in sturdy matching gift box. |
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Embroidered Scripture Quilt, Pink
By Comfort in The Word Unique Baby Gift Bible verse quilt with nine squares embroidered with words of Scripture.All cotton quilt is 40″ x 45″ in an array of pretty pink colors and patterns. For baby gift, baby shower, baptism, christening, or dedication. A beautiful quilt for baby’s nursery. Topselling baby gift. The verses chosen are meant to encourage mom and dad, as well as teach to your children as they are growing up. Quilt is packaged in reusable zipper case; it’s hypoallergenic; easy care machine wash and dry. Verses included:
Personalization is available! |
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Wash Your Hands and Say Your Prayers Soap Dispenser
By Dexsa-the Giving Company Trending words of inspiration on glass soap dispenser for kitchen, bath, or powder room; clear glass with typography design screened on; pump top. Fill with your favorite detergent, soap, or lotion. 8 ounce capacity.Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere. |
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When God Doesn’t Fix It: Lessons You Never Wanted to Learn, Truths You Can’t Live Without
By Laura Story with Jennifer Schuchmann / W Publishing Grammy Award-winning songwriter Story had a fairy-tale life—until her husband was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Can blessings arise from broken dreams? Tackling common myths about God and hardship, she examines what happens when life doesn’t turn out as we expect—and offers assurance that although our situation may never get better, we can grow because of it. 224 pages, softcover from Nelson. |
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Jesus: The God Who Knows Your Name
By Max Lucado / Thomas Nelson Come and meet the One at the center of the greatest story ever told! Inviting you to reflect on the heart of Christ, this updated edition of Lucado’s best-selling work introduces you to Jesus as Immanuel, friend, teacher, miracle worker, Lamb of God, returning king, and the God who knows and loves you. Includes never-before-published material. 230 pages, hardcover from Nelson. |
God, Love, and Marshmallow Wars: 365 Daily Challenges to Grow Your Marriage
By Julia M. Bruce / WestBow Press
There’s no doubt that marriage is hard work. Yet it can also be one of the most fulfilling relationships you can experience, outside of your relationship with God. However, many marriages leave God outside of the relationship. Godly marriages do not happen without cultivating it, investing in it, and putting God first in your individual lives and in your marriage.
This book includes 365 daily activities and takes you on a journey through Biblical principles about Godly marriage that you can then apply to your marriage, as well as helping you talk through concepts that can help you develop a solid relationship. Inside you will find simple, quick activities that include:
• Scripture to memorize and meditate on
• Conversation Starters
• Concepts from the Bible on Godly marriages
• Romance Builders
• Relationship Builders
• Personal reflections
• Date ideas
• Group date ideas for you and other Christian couples
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Musician’s Mug
12 ounce ceramic mug features lines of music and Scripture verse; Make a joyful noise unto the Lord. Psalm 100:1. Microwave and dishwasher safe. Perfect gift for any musician. Boxed. |