"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)

A pursuit of holiness is the Christian's lifelong ambition. To "put off the old man" and to "put on the new man" is the lofty goal. It is connected to the sinless life of Christ, the model of character and behavior.

The disciples are exhorted to cleanse their lives of fleshly defilements. Perhaps the reference here is to the idolatry and unchastity so prevalent in Corinth. A separation from old habits and associations are necessary, coupled with a focus on the purity of God.

At times one can become discouraged with this task. Old habits are hard to break, new wholesome ones are hard to begin. It is encouraging to know that spiritual growth is  gradual. The perfecting process is accomplished by setting daily goals, and constant, steady attention given to the task.

Paul appeals to the promises of God to motivate the disciples to this work. One of the sweetest thoughts in scripture is the very thought of God's reception of us, of a father-son relationship. What an awesome thought that God would say, "I will be there God, and they shall be by people."  (2 Corinthians 6:16)

The perfecting process must also be coupled with fear. I am amazed at the number of times that fear and holiness are coupled together in Scripture. “Be holy, for I am holy.”
 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear." (1 Peter 1:16,17) Remembering that we live each day in his holy presence, and the tender dread of offending him in anyway will help us to move in the right direction.

Thus, in the fear of God, and with our hearts encouraged by his promises, let us be determined to manifest God's holiness. God says, be holy, for I am holy. (1 Peter 1:1:16)

by George Slover
 

"At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp; as long as the cloud stayed above the tabernacle they remained encamped." (Numbers 9:18)

According to God’s providence, Israel was delivered from slavery in Egypt.  Moses, their fearless leader, was leading them toward the Promised Land.  An assurance of God’s presence was a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night that appeared above the tabernacle.  When the cloud lifted each tribe, according to God’s orders, would set out to march.  When the cloud rested they would make camp according to God’s instruction.  The journey of Israel is a parable of the life of the Christian as he travels from the bondage of sin, through this world, toward the heavenly home.

First, observe that it was God who clearly determined their route.   At the command of the LORD the children of Israel would journey, and at the command of the LORD they would camp.  The mapping out of our lives is God’s job and not ours.  This may require abandoning the plans we have made, or the plans friends and relatives have made for our lives.  We must yield to God!

Second, note the path is clearly marked.  God gave Israel a clear, visible sign of his intentions.  Today, God provides a simple pattern to follow that is revealed in the New Testament.  Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, (2 Peter 1:2-3).  He left us a blueprint for our daily lives, and gave the local church a pattern to follow in our collective work.  Like Israel, we must respect and follow our Lord’s marching orders.

Third, when Israel failed to follow their guide the result (Numbers 14:44, 45) was disastrous. We must never presume to follow our notions rather than the Lord’s commands.  Our greatest need is redemption from sin.  This salvation is only possible by the work of Jesus.  However, Jesus will present us blameless before God only if we continue in the faith.  (Colossians 1:22,23) God will approve of no life unless it is ordered by the gospel.  

Is not our life like a journey across a wilderness with the Promised Land as our goal?  Along the way do not forget to give glory to God, acknowledge his ruling hand, and commit your way to Him for the time to come.

By George Slover
 

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

The apostles, Peter and John, were put in custody because they had filled Jerusalem with the doctrine of Christ. The number of disciples grew rapidly during the early days of the church. (Acts 5:4). Thus, the rulers of Judaism questioned the apostles: "By what power or by what name have you done this?" (Acts 4:7) The answer of Peter and John rang loud and clear: "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead." (Acts 4:10)

The courage and resolve of Peter and John gets the attention of the enemy. There was something very different about these two. It was not their remarkable intellect that got their attention. It was the boldness of the apostles that was worthy of note. It was Peter and John standing fearless before the Sanhedrin. There was nothing apologetic about their demeanor. They stood fast as those courageously speaking for God.

Their witness for Christ demonstrates a great change had taken place in their lives. Fishermen, Jews, once filled with fear, now bold and eloquently proclaiming a doctrine the enemy hates. They were passionately devoted to proclaiming the kingdom of God that men might be saved from sin. Even the enemy was impressed with their character. If we are attaining to heights in our spiritual growth, our daily behavior will manifest the spirit of Christ.

Their witness testified of the new and guiding principle in their lives. This is the principle of love- love for God and love for lost souls. Peter’s words ring loud and clear: "We ought to obey God rather than men". (Acts 5:29) Their passion for souls is recorded in Acts 5:42: And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. (Acts 5:42)

We should always keep in mind that we are being watched, some times by friends, and some times by the enemy. Others will "take note" of us. If we easily fit into the world, something is wrong with our conduct. Let us be faithful at our post; speaking boldly for him. Let others observe and say: "they have been with Jesus." (Acts 4:13)

By George Slover

"He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall be no longer any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” ( Revelation 21:4)

There seems to be an absence of talk about heaven among 21st Century Christians.  Unfortunately, in an affluent society where many embrace material things, thoughts of the eternal  rewards are far from our mind.  Our eyes are fixed on  temporal rather than heavenly  things.  What will heaven be like?  Take a moment with me to get a glimpse of heaven as described in scripture.

First, there will be a renovation of character.  God calls upon his children to live heavenly lives while existing in this world.  (Phil. 3:20)  Therefore, when we submit to his will we are getting a foretaste of our heavenly existence.  When we see others walking daily with God exuding the traits of kindness, patience,  and moral purity, we are getting a glimpse of heaven.

Second, we are promised a new body. ( I Cor. 5:42-44)  It will be a spiritual body designed live eternally in the presence of God!  It will not be subject to the pain and heartaches experienced in this world.  All of the burdens that make this life intolerable will be done away!

Finally, the splendor of God will fill every corner of heaven!  The saints in harmony will forever praise Him around His throne!  Heaven is more than just existing eternally, but sharing in the life of God!
 
All of this is yours- in Christ Jesus.  So, my brother think often about the future rewards and take the time to share the good news with others!
 
George Slover

“Now therefore, fear the Lord, serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord! And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  (Joshua 24:14,15)
 
Patrick Henry said, “I care not what course others may take.  But as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”  This great American called his fellow countrymen to an important decision, and then pointed them in the way he deemed proper.  There must be no compromise with King George III.  There would be no more discussion and no more retreat!

Joshua, like Patrick Henry, is indeed one of the great leaders of all time.  His inspiring message to Israel and call to commitment and choice is recorded in Joshua 24:14,15.   “Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in truth; put away the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve the Lord.  And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”.  (Joshua 24:14,15)

Joshua, like Mr. Henry, leaves each of the families of Israel with an important decision – a choice they must make for themselves.  Then, like any great leader, he points them toward the right way by his own example and resolve.  The Israelites must decide which god they would serve.  However, as for Joshua and his family, they would serve only the Lord.  There would be no more discussion and no more retreat!

Like these two great leaders and the peoples they served, we also are confronted with choices every day.  Each day we choose the god we will serve.  Will we bow before the god of money, power, or pleasure?  Or will we serve the Lord?   Just like these of old the pressure to compromise is real!

So, my brother what is your resolve?  Who will you serve?  Remember:  the choice you make will determine your eternal destiny.  (Matthew 7:13,14)

George Slover