Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.
Memory of the Month:Proverbs 15:1-A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Today's reading: JEREMIAH 22-23 TITUS 1
All Saints
This day, halloween,or 'all hallow's eve' has become one of the most popular holidays of this modern era. It is the day before 'All Saints Day' or 'Hallowmas'.
So what is a saint?
Paul addresses many of his letters to the 'saints', meaning all believers, basically, although there are differing opinions of this. For our purposes, all believers are saints, Jews and gentiles alike.
There are many references to 'the saints' in the new testament but the word is literally translated as 'set apart to be holy'.
The scripture clearly says for us to be holy. 1 Peter 1:16 ►since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
All of us are called out-to be holy-set apart-for God's purposes. None of us are worthy to be called holy on our own merit but by the fact that God says we are the 'called out ones' and are washed in the blood of Christ.
John 6:44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.
1 John 1:7 - If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin
It is easy to see that what we celebrate on this day has nothing to do with the scripture. We show children that one day a year, it is acceptable and expected that they should be able to get all the candy they can carry for just looking cute and knocking on doors.
If you are in Christ seeking to do the will of God, you are, know it or not, seeking holiness. You have been called out by God to do His will. You, we, are chosen by God to be holy-to be saints.
1 Peter 1: 15 But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Everyday is a day for every saint; each day is a day for all saints to seek God and live and love in obedience to our Father. Yes, some are better at it than others but that is what growth in Christ is all about-getting better every day.
God loves all of us as much as He loves the next-no matter the hat on their heads or the dirt on their feet-the feet that Jesus would wash if He knelt before you. None of us feel worthy of that-but as saints, or those called to be holy-Jesus would be willing-not from obligation but in setting an example in His love for us all to follow.
What is a saint? One whose faith in Christ is fleshed out in loving service sharing God's tender mercies-loving God with your whole heart and loving neighbor as self.
Yes, we all have plenty of room for improvement-but so do all the saints...
...because He loves us...
Father in Heaven,
Forgive me for not keeping my eyes on what is real. Instill in me the will to serve in humility and peace.
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