Planted for a Purpose

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper.” Psalms 1:3 NKJV

What an awesome promise! Would you like access to this promise?

Planted to Bear God’s Fruit

Healthy trees provide us with a host of resources – fresh air, shelter, shade, food, building materials, and medicinal products. Visualize yourself as a healthy, planted tree. Are you productive, a safe space, and enhancing the landscape where God has planted you?

If you are a tree, as described in Psalm 1, God has planted you for a purpose – to be a producer. Apple trees produce apples, orange trees produce oranges, and so on. What fruit are you producing?

Trees planted along God’s riverbank produce His type of fruit. The Holy Spirit helps God’s children to produce bountiful fruit. “But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” Galatians 5:22-23 NLT.

God created us to love Him and to love others. He wants you and me to blossom in and out of season and to benefit others like a habitat.

Planted for a Purpose: Reflecting on Paul’s Life

After Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, he was radically changed from being a persecutor of Christians to God’s missionary on assignment (Acts 9).

Paul became a planted tree in God’s garden with roots that ran deep into the Lord’s water. His selfless, sold-out heart allowed the Lord to work through him. God shaped Paul to have a loving heart for mankind. Wherever Paul traveled or found himself stationed, he affected the atmosphere in which God had placed him.  

“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” Philippians 1:21 NLT

Divine Appointments

God had a plan for Paul’s life; what looked like delays, detours, and hardships were all part of a divine plan.  Whether he was addressing the Sanhedrin Council, fleeing from one city to another, preaching, disciplining, writing letters, being arrested, shipwrecked, or being under house arrest, it was all for advancing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This was the will of God for Paul to boldly preach the Gospel in every place he was planted and for unbelievers to witness the power of God.

When we live an obedient life unto God, His desires become our desires, and that includes timing, predicaments, and hardships. Remember, it’s all about advancing God’s Kingdom.

What about you? How are you doing where God has planted you? Are you harmoniously serving alongside your co-workers?

Paul’s Co-workers

Paul served alongside multiple co-workers whom he discipled and worked with. Because of their backgrounds or beliefs, some were uprooted from where they lived. What seemed like a harsh punishment turned out to be an opportunity to advance the Gospel.

When Paul met Aquila and Priscilla, they had just been deported from Italy because Claudius Caesar ordered all Jews out of Rome (Acts 18). The couple shared a similar background with Paul as tent makers and eventually worked together to advance the Kingdom of God. Tentmaking provided the financial support Paul needed to continue traveling and teaching both Jews and Greeks about Jesus.

Apollos is another fellow worker who knew of Jesus and eloquently taught others. However, he was not as grounded in the Scriptures as he needed to be. The Scriptures show that God would position Apollos with Priscilla and Aquila. This allowed the couple to explain the way of God more accurately to Apollos (Acts 18:18-28).  Knowledge and wisdom make us effective footmen for the Kingdom of God.

 Would you like to have access to God’s living water?

We, like Paul, are planted for a purpose. God so loved us, humans, that He sent His son, Jesus, to die for our sins (John 3:16). Jesus, who knew no sin (2 Cor 5:21), bore all our sins on the cross. He was crucified for you and me and resurrected from the dead (Luke 23-24). When we confess and repent of our sins, Jesus uproots us from the dominion of darkness and plants us in His garden (Colossians 1:13-14).

Prayer

If you would like to make Jesus Lord of your life, you can use this simple prayer as a template:

Dear Jesus, I confess I am a sinner who needs You as my Savior. I believe You died on the cross and rose again from the grave. Please forgive me for all my sins, and wash and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Today, I invite You to be the Lord of my life, and I choose to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer, you have been planted in God’s garden. I pray that you will find a Bible-believing and preaching Church so you can continue your journey with Jesus.

Be Blessed,

M. Featherson

About Michele

Michele Featherson is a lover of Jesus Christ, wife to her best friend of 29 years, and mother to two amazing, God-fearing sons. She enjoys breaking Biblical principles down so others can understand and apply them to their lives. Michele is the creator of Michminutes, an Instagram page that offers a daily word of inspiration.  She believes that although our lives may be busy, we are never too busy to talk with the Triune God.

To ensure you don’t miss a post, SUBSCRIBE HERE. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Pinterest.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.

No part of this website or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified, or adapted, without the prior written consent of Chizobam Idahosa unless otherwise indicated.

The post Planted for a Purpose appeared first on Beautiful in Jesus.

I invite you to read her article carefully, mediate on the Scriptures, and apply them to your life.

Until next time….

Chizobam Idahosa

“For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14 ESV

We know from Scriptures that we are living in the last days (Hebrews 1:2, Acts 2:17). Therefore, it is crucial that we take our walk with Christ seriously because we are closer to His return than the early believers were. With this in mind, I have been deeply saddened by some Christian messages that inaccurately portray the grace of God as weak, the same grace that empowers believers to prepare for our Savior’s return. This prompted me to write about God’s grace based on the Word of God.

What is Grace?

Grace is God’s free and undeserved favor toward sinful humanity. It is His unmerited divine assistance given to humans for their spiritual rebirth and sanctification. It is His gift to us, a divine benefit.

One can’t adequately define God’s grace because it is all-encompassing and affects every area of our lives. Praise be to God because we have been saved by His grace through faith, and we did nothing to deserve it (Ephesians 2:8 ESV).

God’s Grace Empowers

The same grace that saved us is also the same grace that empowers us to live godly lives in this world as we await Christ’s return. Meditate on Titus 2:11-14 ESV.

“For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.”

Titus 2: 11-14 tells us that the grace of God saves us and then,

• Trains, instructs, and teaches us to renounce ungodliness
• Trains us to renounce and reject worldly passions: corrupt desires belonging to this present age
• Empowers us to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this world while awaiting the return of Christ.

God’s grace accomplishes all this in us through our obedience to the Word.

Personal Testimony

I can testify to the power of God’s saving and transforming grace in my own life. I am very different from the person I was when I received Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord. The sins I welcomed and embraced as a sinner, I now shun. His grace has worked and is still working through my obedience to His Word to transform every aspect of my life. Every day, my thoughts, words, behavior, aspirations, and motives are continually being changed to conform to His will. To Him be the glory forever and ever!

We see that God’s grace is not only needed for salvation, but for the entire Christian walk. We are not to receive His grace in vain. It is meant to transform us.

 “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.” 2 Corinthians 6:1 NKJV

God’s grace also empowers us to carry out our God-given assignments

Consider Timothy; He was Paul’s traveling companion and fellow laborer, and Paul also considered him a beloved son. At a young age, Timothy was made a church leader at Ephesus. Although he had received God’s gift to do the work of the ministry (2 Timothy 1:6 ESV), and prophetic words had been spoken concerning him (1 Timothy 1:18 ESV), he still needed God’s grace to fulfill God’s calling on his life. Paul commanded him to be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:1 NKJV).

Consider Apostle Paul; He was once a persecutor of Christians (Galatians 1:13 ESV). By the will of God, Paul was called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 1:1 ESV). No human being taught Paul the gospel. Instead, he received the gospel through a revelation of Jesus Christ (Galatians 1:12 ESV). Apostle Paul also received abundant revelations from Christ (2 Corinthians 12:7 ESV). He labored greatly to preach the gospel to the Gentiles (Romans 15:17-21 ESV) and authored most of the books of the New Testament. In Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, he acknowledged that he accomplished his work by the grace of God.

“But by the grace of God I am what I am and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10 ESV

“According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it.” 1 Corinthians 3:10

In the same way Apostle Paul and Timothy needed God’s grace to fulfill their God-given assignment, so do we. We must imitate them.

Obtaining God’s Grace

Based on our understanding of Titus 2:11-14, we must therefore make a practice of daily availing ourselves of God’s grace to empower us to live for Him and fulfill His calling on our lives. As believers in Christ, we already have access into this grace (Romans 5:2 NKJV); we just need to obtain it by doing what Hebrews 4:16 tells us.

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16, ESV

When we pray to our Heavenly Father, He makes grace available to us.

Personal Experience

I remember once when I traveled out of my residential state. I forgot to pray in the morning before leaving my hotel room because of the change in my morning routine. It was shocking to me how easily I got irritated and offended during the day. It was then it dawned on me that I had forgotten to pray! I made up my mind that day to never start my day without going to my loving Heavenly Father to obtain grace to obey Him for each new day.

 Growing in God’s Grace

We are also to grow in the grace of God. Apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:18 commanded the saints to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Earlier in his letter, he had told the saints how to grow in God’s grace. Consider 2 Peter 1:2-3 NKJV,

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.”

The word translated as knowledge is the Greek word epignosis. According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance G1922, epignosis means full discernment, and full knowledge. This is not a mere mental knowledge of God but a precise and correct knowledge of Him that comes from knowing and experiencing God through obedience to His Word.

When we engage with God’s Word in this way, His grace is multiplied to us: empowering us to live godly lives and fulfilling our God-given assignments here on earth while awaiting Christ’s return.

Failing to obtain God’s Grace

We have been given God’s grace through Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:4 ESV). Therefore, we must allow His grace to accomplish His purpose in and through us by embracing obedience to the word of His grace (Acts 20:32 NKJV). The grace we received at salvation is not a license or liberty to sin. The author of Hebrews warns of the sinful consequences if we fail to obtain the grace of God. Consider Hebrews 12:15-17 ESV,

“See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled; that no one is sexually immoral or unholy like Esau, who sold his birthright for a single meal. For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.”

Finally, let’s not forget the words of the apostle Paul in Romans 6:15 NKJV

“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!”

Prayer

Father, I pray in the Name of Jesus that you help us continue to practice drawing near to Your throne to obtain grace through prayer. Grant that Your grace will multiply to us more and more as we grow in our knowledge of You. Help us to not receive Your grace in vain but allow You through Your grace to empower us to grow in godliness and fulfill Your calling on our lives as we await the return of Your precious Son, Jesus Christ. AMEN!

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GUEST POST

Repentance can mean different things to different people but it’s extremely important to have a sound understanding of what the Bible teaches on the topic.​

As a young adult wallowing in the dregs of sin, I’m so thankful that when I turned to God in repentance by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ, He forgave me, purified me, saved me and made me holy in His sight. ​

The initial work of the Holy Spirit is to lead us into repentance resulting in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. God is the source of repentance and salvation but it’s up to us to yield to His drawing.

The post below was written primarily by my dear friend and fellow worker in Christ Jesus who chose to remain anonymous. She is a beautiful woman of God, a wife and mother who has an insatiable desire for the things of God. I bless God for her life.

My prayer is that the Holy Spirit Himself will speak specifically to you as you read through this post and meditate on the Scriptural references.

You are blessed.​

Chizobam.

 ​

What is Repentance?

The Greek word for repentance is metanoia, which means to change your mind about sin with an abhorrence (disgust, hatred) for it.

Importance of Repentance

God commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to Him. (Acts 17:30.) He sent Jesus into the world for this purpose and in Luke 5:31-32, Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”

Jesus Himself preached repentance, calling on people to repent and believe in the Good News (gospel). (Mark 1:15, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 11:21, Matthew 12:41, Luke 13:3.) When He sent His disciples out two by two, they also preached repentance. (Mark 6:12.)

In Luke 15:7, Jesus tells us that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who REPENTS than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. Again, in Luke 15:10 …there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who REPENTS.

Repentance is important because it is the prerequisite for forgiveness of sins. After Jesus resurrected, He explained to His disciples that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name. (Luke 24:47.) Thus, Jesus offers forgiveness of sins only to those who come to Him with a repentant heart. A heart that thinks differently about sin accompanied by a hatred of it and a resolve to turn away from it and turn wholeheartedly to God.

Jesus’ Disciples Preached Repentance

Peter and the other disciples went about preaching repentance as a prerequisite for forgiveness of sins as taught by Jesus Christ. 

In Acts 2:37-38, while Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, the crowd of listeners responded by asking him what they should do in response to what they had heard. The first thing Peter told them to do was to repent.

After Peter had healed the lame man through Christ, Peter told the crowd that gathered to repent and turn to God so that their sins may be wiped out. (Acts 3:19.)

In Acts 5:31, Peter and the apostles explained to the Jewish high council how God exalted Jesus at His right hand as Leader and Savior, so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven.

Upon Peter’s report on the conversion of Cornelius, the council at Jerusalem began praising God because the apostles understood that God has granted Gentiles the privilege of repentance that leads to eternal life. (Acts 11:18.)

In Acts 20:21, Paul preached the same message. He testified to the Jews and Greeks that it was necessary to repent from sin, turn to God and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

How Should Sinners Respond?

Anyone who prayed the “sinner’s prayer” without understanding that he/she is a sinner and as a result, had no desire to repent from sin most likely went away unchanged. Even if people pray the “sinners prayer,” attend church faithfully, participate in all church engagements e.t.c., without a change of mind about sin and an accompanying desire to turn to God by placing their faith in Christ’s atoning work on the cross for their sins. If they do not allow Jesus to be their Lord thus dictating how they should live their lives henceforth….they will still remain outside the Kingdom of God. (Matthew 7:21-23.)

Everyone born into this world is a sinner. (Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:5.) Only those who have repented (changed their mind about sin) and fled to Christ for refuge have gone from sinners to saints (holy people, set apart). (1Corinthians 1:2, Romans 1:7.)

A Call to Biblical Repentance

If you are reading this post and you recognize that you attend church faithfully and even participate in church activities or even work in church; but sin is your lifestyle. You determine what is right or wrong instead of God and you never stop to consider what God’s Word says about any area of your life. You sit on throne of your heart acting as God. God is calling you to repent. He does not want anyone to perish and spend eternity in hell but instead, wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9.)

We see in Romans 2:4-5 that the kindness God displayed by sending Jesus to the cross on our behalf is meant to lead us to repentance…change our minds about sin, hating it and turning wholeheartedly to Jesus for forgiveness of sins.

If this describes you, please do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:16), instead heed the warning of Jesus in Matthew18:3…repent of your sins, turn to God and ask Him to forgive your sins. Profess faith in Christ’s death and resurrection for your sins. He in turn will forgive all your sins, give you a new and righteous nature that desires to please Him and empower you with His Holy Spirit to live for Him. (Acts 3:19.) Begin a habit of studying the Bible so can you grow in your knowledge of Him and learn how to live daily for God.

What if I Sin After Receiving Salvation?

So what happens if you blow it after salvation? What next? Should you throw in the towel and quit?

Of course not!!

Do not spend time wallowing in condemnation. (Romans 8:1.) Instead, repent, ask for forgiveness, accept God’s forgiveness and quickly get back on the “strait and narrow.” (Matthew 7:14.) If we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and purify us from ALL unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9.)

As believers, we are saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a gift of God (Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:8-9) and He doesn’t fling salvation at us, then take it back on a whim when we are naughty. The gift of salvation is not like a yo-yo tossed to and fro in the wind. If it were so, we will all be disqualified. As long as we are truly saved and continue to live our lives in Christ, Jesus Himself promised to keep us to the very end.​ (Hebrews 3:14, John 6:39-40, John 10:27-30.)

Conclusion

I pray for those who have not yet accepted Jesus as Lord and those who have been playing church to realize their need for a Savior through the work of the Holy Spirit. I pray that they will repent, ask God for forgiveness, accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, confess Him as Lord and live holy lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

And I pray for all believers reading this post to be quick to repent, quick to forgive, quick to love and quick to run back to the “strait and narrow” path if they do stray. God is faithful and He is able to do it.

Amen!!!

​

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ZOE, a Greek word for life used multiple times in the Bible, means eternal life or “The God-kind of life.” The rich, abundant divine nature of God; His fullness of love, joy, power, and ability.

When you get born-again, this abundant life and nature of God is imparted into your spirit from God.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

“But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” John 20:31

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me HAS eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

God recreates you by taking away your old spirit and giving you a brand new spirit created in His own image and likeness so that you become His child and His direct offspring. Zoe is the essence of salvation.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17

“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

God is divine. Since “like begets like,” when you become God’s child, you share in this divine nature of God.

“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.” John 3:6

“Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature…” 2 Peter 1:4a

Christ, who is life, brings us life eternal. So, zoe is not only about spending eternity with God in heaven. It includes the promise of heaven, but it is so much more! In Christ, we have zoe right now. Those who belong to the Son of God have the right to eternal life here on earth. Zoe starts here and continues for eternity.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

“Whoever believes in the Son HAS eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36

So as a born-again believer, REJOICE and REST in the knowledge that you are a new creation and you have the life of God – eternal life – in you.

What does zoe do for you?

— The zoe life of God brings life to man to make him divine and a new specie. 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Peter 1:4

— Zoe enables us to know God and have an intimate relationship with Him. Without His divine nature, we cannot fellowship with God. But because of zoe, we can commune directly with Him. John 17:3

— Because of zoe, we are able to reflect Christ; the one true light. As his life (zoe) is the light of men, when we receive him, spiritual darkness is dispelled. John 1:4, 1 John 5:11,12

— When you partake of God’s divine nature, you become His vessel of love on earth. God is love, therefore as recipients of His divine nature, we become His love ambassadors. He has poured His love into our hearts and He has given us His Spirit of love. 2 Timothy 1:7, Romans 5:5

— Zoe enables us to work in God’s divine power and authority. 2 Timothy 1:7, Ephesians 1:19, Ephesians 3:20

— Zoe sets us free from the devil, sin, and eternal damnation. Through your life and conduct, others will be able to tell that you have the life of God in you. John 5:24, Romans 8:2, 1 John 5:18

— Zoe empowers us to live life abundantly. To the full. Free from oppression and sickness. John 10:10

Conclusion

Although we have the awesome powerful life of God within us, it will only impact our lives to the extent that we allow it to. Therefore, we must choose daily to walk by faith in light of these precious promises given to us by God.

If you have not yet accepted Jesus as Lord, my prayer is that you open your heart to receive God’s free gift of eternal life.

And if you already have the gift of eternal life, I pray that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened so that you will know that you have the life and nature of God in you. I also pray that you will allow God’s divine nature and power within you to dominate you and overflow through you to others. AMEN!!!

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Except where indicated, Scriptures are taken from the NIV.

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As children of God, we are called to walk in holiness.

However, holiness is frequently viewed as a huge unattainable feat. It is perceived as an attribute that describes God and Jesus, but not us. After all, “we are only humans.” But regardless of how we may feel, the believers in the New Testament were often referred to as holy, which means that holiness should be a central part of our lives today.

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters who share in the heavenly calling… Hebrews 3:1

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved…. Colossians 3:12

What is holiness?

Holiness is simply ‘separation unto God.’ It involves walking with God and allowing Him total access to all areas of our lives. It is daily yielding to the promptings of the Holy Spirit so that our attitudes, behaviors, and responses line up with the living Word of God.

Holiness involves purity in our thoughts, words, and deeds. This includes having a pure heart and meditating on the Word of God instead of allowing dark negative thoughts to overcome us. Speaking God’s words of faith into all situations instead of allowing our tongues to stir our lives in the wrong direction; acting like Jesus would when confronted with different circumstances.

Holiness is putting God first and obeying Him even when we do not feel like it. Casting off the flesh with all its deceitful desires and imitating God.

We are commanded to live holy lives

God has commanded us to be holy.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14

But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

 

As we obey God’s command, our fellowship with Him is strengthened, resulting in a deeper walk with Him as He manifests Himself to us more and more. But we need to rely on Him daily because our holiness comes from Him and not from our own strength.

Holiness comes from God

You cannot “holy” yourself. Holiness comes from God.

First and foremost, you are made positionally holy at the new birth by God because He has made you the righteousness of God in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). Then, as a result of your position in Christ, you are enabled to walk in holiness through the grace of God by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives and dwells in you.

SELAH: Stop and Ponder!

Then, I’m going to say the same thing again in a slightly different way for emphasis.

Holiness is imputed to us by God because of Jesus Christ. Then, we are to respond by walking in holiness through the help of God.

Therefore, as believers, we are both declared holy by God (positionally) and also called to live a lifestyle of holiness, which reflects our relationship with God. Holiness not only refers to what we do but also to who we are.

Reflect on the Scriptures below:

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

He saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time. 2 Timothy 1:9

For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:4

 

If He saved us, called us, and chose us to be holy before the beginning of time/creation of the world, then it means that our holiness originates from Him, not us (because we weren’t here at the beginning of time). As the Scriptures point out, He did it because of His own purpose and grace not based on our works or anything we may have done.

Conclusion

God has made you holy and given you the ability to walk in holiness. However, it will not manifest in your life until you make a concrete decision to obey Him and walk with Him in light of what He has already done for you.

I pray that the eyes of your heart will be enlightened so that you will fully accept God’s gift of righteousness. And as you do, I pray that you will live a holy life, set apart to God through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives in you. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!!

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Except where indicated, Scriptures are taken from the NIV.

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