Because we have these promises, dear
friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body
or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
These
promises…. Sometimes we have to look back at the previous verses to see
just what Paul…or another author…was saying. What promises?
And what union can there be between God's
temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said: "I
will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my
people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves
from them, says the LORD. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome
you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the
LORD Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
God has promised
to be our Father—that we will be His sons
and daughters. What a great promise! I can’t image anything greater. For
Him to live and walk among us—what a privilege
and a joy! All He wants for us to do is separate ourselves from unbelievers…at
least that is what He was asking the church at Corinth to do. We can minister
to non-believers, but not be a part of them…of their way of life…following
their idols. There in Second Corinthians Seven, Paul is teaching that we should
cleanse ourselves and work toward complete holiness out of respect for God. How
are you doing with that? Are you called to Holiness? Isaiah gives a great
picture of this Highway of Holiness.
And a great road will go through that once
deserted land. It will be named the Highway of Holiness. Evil-minded people
will never travel on it. It will be only for those who walk in God's ways;
fools will never walk there. Isaiah 35:8
God shares His holiness with us…as we walk
in obedience to Him as Paul did.
We can say with confidence and a clear
conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all
our dealings. We have depended on God's grace, not on our own human wisdom.
That is how we have conducted ourselves before the world, and especially toward
you. 2 Corinthians 1:12
Although the verse in Matthew below talks
about seeking God’s righteousness…it applies to right living before God…in His
holiness.
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and
live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
 |
| People seeking God at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem. |
Seek God and His Kingdom first in your
life. Good advice…and that came from Jesus Himself.
Prayer
~ Jesus, You told us to Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live
righteously, and You will give us everything we need. Matthew 6:33. I’m
trusting You for that. Help others to see this promise…and seek You first in
their lives. Show them how to get rid of idols…drugs and anger…and provide for
them the basic things that they need in life. How do we help the destitute…the
forgotten?
Daily
Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 5-8
Friday’s
Feast at the King’s Table
Time to start thinking about Christmas goodies. This is one of my sister’s
favorites that she made especially for our folks…and all the adults enjoyed
them. Grandma shooed the kiddos away. Those were grown-up only goodies. Eat in
moderation.
Bourbon
Balls
2 Tbsp powdered cocoa
1½ powdered sugar
1 cup broken or chopped pecans
1/3 cup bourbon
2 Tbsp light corn syrup, or agave syrup
2 ½ cups finely crushed vanilla wafers
Sift together cocoa and one cup of the powdered sugar. Combine bourbon
with syrup and sir into sugar-cocoa mixture. Add crushed vanilla wafers and
pecans. Mix thoroughly and roll dough into smooth balls. Sprinkle with
remaining powdered sugar. This will make 5-6 dozen depending on the size of the
balls.
I think I’ll make some of these soon—to honor my sister, our folks and
Vicki, who would have been 43 years old today. If she were here Grandma wouldn’t
shoo her away from the goodies for grown-ups.
Happy Heavenly
Birthday to Vicki Marie~
© 2018 Text and
Photos by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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