Sanctification, January 14

Sanctification, January 14

..."The Lord knows those who are His," ... "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity."
Flee ... youthful lusts... pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
... a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient,
in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth,
and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

2 Tim 2:19, 22, 24-26, www.solascriptura.com

Father, You do know who has chosen to serve You. If we name Jesus as our Savior, You tell us to depart from iniquity, to stop sinning. Father, when we were young, youthful lusts pursued us but as we mature You tell us to pursue (chase after) righteousness, knowing that Satan will delight in our sins if we falter.

We learn here that quarreling with others is not Your way. We are expected to be gentle, patiently teaching, in all humility, Your eternal verities. We know Father that it is your will that every soul be saved. We pray that You will grant our friends, family and acquaintances repentance and that they will learn that Your grace and mercy is extended to all and intended for all.

We are Your servants, seeking to serve You and every person we meet. We are very uncomfortable with the notion that our serving should result in praise to anyone but You. There is only One who is worthy of being elevated; only One to whom we should bow and confess our sins. Give us a servant's heart now and forever, in Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Bruce Caldwell

Sanctification, October 31

Sanctification, October 31

...God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth,
to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle.
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace,
comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

II Thessalonians 2:13-17, www.solascriptura.com

Father, it could not be more clear. You chose us for salvation. We see that we are sanctified by the Spirit, as we decide to accept Your Son, Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and when we demonstrate our belief in that truth. And what is the truth but Your Holy word. That, Father, is the Good News in a nutshell. Your Spirit, and our spirit, becomes as one and the process of sanctification ensues.

Father, sanctification is such a lofty word and it is surely the highest goal. Through that process we become more and more like You Jesus. Our lives then bring glory to You, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Help us not lose track of the fact stated above; our sanctification is by the Spirit. We endeavor to obey but lacking the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, our works emanate from our initiatives, not Yours. We pray that You will direct us and that our will does not get ahead of Your will.

Since you grant us freedom to decide, moment by moment, about our next thought, our next move, help us always seek Your counsel, your light on our path. We have certainty about our salvation, now help us Father to seek certainty from You about our decisions, our attitude and our demeanor. We know that volition is ours but we pray for Your will in our lives; in Jesus name, amen,

Bruce Caldwell

Sanctification #1

you... are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ...you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

1 Pet 2:5, 9 www.solascriptura.com

Father, we all face various trials and sometimes they are very severe. We read here that they are a test of the genuineness of our faith. Jesus, we have not seen You but we love You. We do not have blind faith, but faith based upon knowledge and experience. You are there for us, over and over.

The world has long awaited Your coming and now it has happened, as it was promised. You have redeemed those who love You. Our salvation is no longer in question. We await Your glorious return, with a reverent fear and joyful expectations. Breathe upon us afresh with the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We pray in Jesus' Holy name, amen.