Like a trampled spring and a polluted well is a righteous man who gives way before the wicked. Proverbs 25:26

Holiness means to be set apart for special use. Every follower of Jesus is made holy by God. He has profound purpose for our lives. I love the saying “holiness is what God wants for you, not from you”. Why? Because in it is the power to confront evil and wickedness. The Bible says that when a righteous man gives way (allows wickedness to win or be a compromise in his life), he becomes useless like a polluted well. In the words of Alfred Lord Tennyson in his poem about heroic Ulysses, I want “to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield”!

Am I giving way to anyone or anything wicked? Lord, please reveal it to me.

God, may Your holiness and righteousness spring up fresh in me. May I be a wellspring to those around me, because you set me apart and Your word washes and regenerates me. I consecrate myself to You.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1

The author of the letter says that we are to live our lives in such a way that we accomplish the purpose for which we were made. In other words, we are invited to run in a race and expected to finish! How? When I consider those who have run before (all the great examples of faith found in chapter 11), I am motivated and encouraged by God’s faithfulness. Practically, I am instructed to get the sin out of my life, because it will weigh me down and ruin my effectiveness. Then the key, looking at and looking to Jesus my source and my goal. And if I get discouraged, I can remember that I am not alone and that Jesus endured immeasurably more.

Is there any sin slowing me down right now? Yes, I do need to be proactive in one situation where I am not facing a potential conflict. Is my gaze securely fixed on Jesus? Yes, I am doing what I am doing for His glory.

Oh God, what is my problem? Lol I am pumped up recognizing again those great examples of faith and moreover that Jesus is with me and for me and in me and ahead of me. Set me apart today for holy service in Your name. Let me run with endurance the race You have set before me. I am looking to Jesus today.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3

David was a shepherd boy that became king. I imagine he laid out in the fields at night with all the fears and worries that come with being responsible for others while being in a dangerous setting. He discovered a great truth. That God was watching over him and caring in a loving personal way.

Today is my daughter Eden’s birthday. One of my prayers from the early days has been that she would know God in this way. Of course, I prayed many prayers for God’s protection, comfort and guidance in her life.

Lord, what a blessing to see a joyful, wonderful, beautiful (inside and out) young woman whom You entrusted to me for a period of time. All the while, You were her shepherd too. Thank you Lord for the joy that is my daughter.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:13-15

Someone was deceiving the believers in Galatia, persuading them that keeping the circumcision law was somehow going to save them. Paul condemned that practice strongly, redirecting them to the cross of Christ. Its sad that some well-meaning Christians superimpose upon others, certain expectations beyond what Jesus and the apostles taught. In doing so, bondage always comes with it.

Is there any expectations I am placing on others that God has not? I hope that God would reveal that to me. On the other hand, have I bought into any extra-Biblical practices that I believe will save me apart from the saving grace of God expressed on the cross? I don’t think so.

Lord Jesus, you nailed it, literally… taking the certificate of debt against me and cancelling it upon the cross. Help me stay clear on what grace is and its value. Guard me from deceit and man made traditions.

Hate evil, you who love the Lord,
Who preserves the souls of His godly ones;
He delivers them from the hand of the wicked.
Light is sown like seed for the righteous
And gladness for the upright in heart.
Be glad in the Lord, you righteous ones,
And give thanks to His holy name. Psalm 97:10-12

The writer of this Psalm says the one who loves the Lord, should hate evil. In this beautiful song we are drawn into the cosmic battle and implored to take the side of the Lord. Notice what God does for those who belong to Him. He preserves our soul. He delivers us from the wicked. He sows gladness in our heart that comes through righteous living. We are merely instructed to be glad and give thanks to His holy name. (His name is synonymous with His cause and character)

Am I clearly experiencing what it means to be identified with Christ? I really think so. I am aware that He preserves and delivers me from evil. He really has sown gladness in my heart. I am the happiest man I know.

Oh God, my heart is rejoicing and my lips are singing this morning as I begin my day with You. I know difficulty may come, but we will be together. That’s what matters. I give thanks to Your holy name.