September 16, 2021

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

There are great and precious promises for God’s people. We are correctly instructed to claim them for ourselves, for our God of Love, delights in giving. Not to claim a promise from Him is like leaving a wrapped gift unopened. But having a relationship with the Creator means, along with the receiving of gifts from Him, acknowledging His rightful claim upon each of us. We are His temple for a dwelling place! His claim upon us is legitimate. All along the way, we will find that the unwrapping of the gifts He desires to bestow involves a wonderful, glorious process of exchanges. For instance, to receive the gift of a new healthy habit ought also to involve letting go of an unhealthy one. God desires that this temple which is my body be perfected in holiness, just as His radiant heavenly sanctuary—resplendent in brilliant glory—is a dwelling place for Him. I am in the process of perfecting holiness. It is a process that requires my participation – otherwise I would not be a partaker, or partner, in the relationship. The fear of God refers to the awe and reverence that He is due. It is in this light, having eyes fixed on Him, that I willingly align myself with His revealed will, transforming the natural life into a spiritual one through loving obedience as I go . . .

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14

Beloved, think of the prodigal son and his father (Luke 15:11-24). Think of the pain in the father’s heart, and the sorrow of the son when he saw his own foolishness and understood the pain he had caused. When the son resolved to return home, his father saw him when he was still a great way off . . . and ran (v.20) to meet him! Your decision to change directions and move toward alignment with God’s plan will seem foolish to the world. But it is met by our heavenly Father with spiritual “bear hugs”! His tender eyes, so full of love, are watching for any desire for Him on your part. He will run to your aid. Go ahead: make His day! But be careful not to look for affirmations or encouragements from the world.

My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:1-5