Holiness: Our Family Trait
Hello There! I hope you are all well and safe, and that your Resurrection Celebration was amazing! It was different, this year, with all of us at home utilizing Technology for our worship time; with just Family. I find it was amazing how God used this time to help us; all over the World, focus on what is the real meaning of Easter… His precious Son’s Death, Burial, and Resurrection for our salvation! Ponder that a moment… Amazing huh? He does that!
Last time we talked about God’s writings upon our hearts through His Word…the Bible. As we begin this segment of our journey, realize that God will be revealing everything about who He is and what He is all about. You are His son or daughter, and He wants to tell you everything you need know to live and thrive in your relationship with Him. Beginning this journey is both thrilling and challenging. It is important to stay connected and to ask questions. Praying, probing, and pondering are key tools that will yield amazing results.
If you are new to reading and studying God’s Word, it is important to understand some basics. The Bible is one complete book…no other book is an extension of it. It is the complete revelation of God, by God, for us.
It has two main sections: the Old and New Testaments. You will learn later that God created two Covenants with Mankind: The Abrahamic Covenant and the New Messianic Covenant through Jesus. These two covenants are not an “either – or”, but the first extends to the second. In fact, Jesus is the complete fulfillment of all the Old Testament covenants, and ushered in the New Messianic Covenant / Kingdom of God for all of us!
For many, beginning to walk through Scripture in relationship with God can be overwhelming… where do I start?? We at Heartlife encourage you to obtain your own personal Bible. (preferably a Study Bible i.e. “Life Application Bible” in any of the current English versions) Start with the four Gospel books: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These are the first four books of the New Testament, chronicling Jesus’ life and times. These writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit’s presence through their lives told Jesus’ story to distinct groups of people from their personal vantage point of Jesus’ life and ministry.
Heartlife also encourages new disciples to begin reading a chapter a day in a personal private place where you are uninterrupted. Begin with prayer as you meet with God. Welcome Him to join you in this time together. As you read, engage and ponder what is being said. What is happening? Who are the key players? Does God show up? What happens then… and so forth
This may seem like a lot at first, but the key is to go below the surface of just reading verses to understand what God may be saying to you in application. He is there with you, Ask the Holy Spirit to help you… the answer may not come up right then, but pray for understanding. We have found that when there is a question, the Holy Spirit will answer. It may be in a sermon later or in a conversation that you hear. Be watchful for the answer, or the confirmation of the thoughts He has already planted in you. It is amazing!
As we spend time with God in prayer, and reading in His Word; we develop and learn to reflect His life through us… writing His words on our heart! This is His work of Holiness in us. Holiness is not perfection. It is setting our heart and mind apart for His special purpose and goal; our union with Him. The more we read, pray, and ponder on God’s Word the more His mind and Heart are woven into ours. His Holiness transforms us to reflect Him in all our ways…because we are Family.♥
