Daily Devotional
Are You Set Apart and Devoted to God?
“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’”
1 Peter 1:15-16
August 21, 2023
Ponder This
What does the word holy mean? It means to be separated, different, set aside for a purpose. In the Church, we observe and celebrate various holidays. Holidays are holy days, days set aside for special purposes. So, a holy person is a person set aside for a special purpose. I don’t belong to me; I’m not my own. I belong to the Lord.
Holiness is not a prideful attitude; it’s just being different. Holiness is not withdrawing. It’s not going off to a monastery or convent somewhere. To be holy means simply to be different from this world. It means to be like God. God is holy, so to be holy is to be like God. Second Peter 3:11 says, “Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?” What is godliness? It simply means to be devoted to and pleasing to God. If you please God, it doesn’t matter whom you displease. And if you displease God, it doesn’t matter whom you please. We are meant to be pleasing to God.
- Who in your circle exemplifies this type of set-apart life?
- What are some things that please the Lord according to Scripture?
Practice This
Look in the Word and make a list of things that are pleasing to the Lord. Consider how this list is different from the things you would naturally value and prioritize.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
