Devotions with Pastor Marty

We as a church, community and as a nation are going through a most difficult time in our lives. So I ask you, are you allowing yourselves to get caught up in the drama of the world or are you staying close to God!

The Lord said to Moses, "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy'" Leviticus 19:1-2

God had saved the Israelites from slavery, so he addressed them as a nation and as individuals. So as a church a family of God are we Holy? As individuals are we Holy?
This was at one time what I thought to be an impossibility to be “ Holy “ as God has asked, for I am a sinful man.

The biblical notion of the image of God is best understood as our special endowment, our special relationship with God, and that which distinguishes us from the rest of the created order "there is only one way God is imaged in the world — humanness! God is not imaged in the world in anything fixed but in the freedom of human persons to be faithful and gracious"
Wholeness in Christ, William Gatehouse

Are we as the Body Of Christ faithful and gracious. Do we represent our Father in an honorable manner. We are made in his image do we bear that?

27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27

Living in Holiness does not mean that we are perfect, it is a desire daily to seek him and not the world. We can live in perfection with our Father. This is difficult to do in a world full of hate and division. Are we living the fruit of the Spirit to those with whom we disagree?

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 [a]gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23

We have to be different church, daily we must be on our knees crying out to the only one who can help us. We cannot get caught up in the craziness of the world yet find peace that only God can give. We must be light in the darkness for those who do not know him.

7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
It is in this place we will find ourselves under his wings, viewing others through the eyes of God instead of our own.
15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16

Have an amazing day!!!!!

Pastor Marty