Deuteronomy 14 - 9.16.24

Scripture

Deuteronomy‬ ‭14‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT

“You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.”

Observation

In this particular passage, the author is reminding the people of Israel that they are God’s chosen people. They have been set apart from all the other nations. Therefore, God calls them to be holy and live holy lives, abiding in Him, and following His ways.

Application

We who call ourselves Christians, are called by God to a higher standard of living.

But how does that look like in today’s world? What are some practical steps that I can take in my life to ensure that I’m living a life that is holy, and set apart for God? 🤔

•When the world tells me to take revenge on someone who has wronged you, I will choose to forgive.

“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.”-1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬ ‭

•When the world tells me that success is all about how much “stuff” we obtain, I will remember that I can’t take any of this “stuff” with me to Heaven.

“Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”-Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬

•When the world encourages a “it’s all about me” attitude, I will remember it’s all about putting God and others before myself.

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.”-Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭

These are just a couple of examples of how we can be set apart, as holy for God and His purposes for us. We need to remember that once we accept Jesus in our heart as Lord and Savior, and we repent from our sinful ways, the old is gone, and the new has come. We are a new creation, born again through the blood of Christ and we should live our lives according to His will and purpose. 😊

“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

‭‭-Ephesians‬ ‭4‬:‭21‬-‭24‬ ‬‬

Prayer

Father God, even though I am in this world, You called me to not be of it. You have saved me from my sins and have called me to live a life that is pleasing and honoring to You, a life that is set apart and holy. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit that guides me to live that life for You. Forgive me for the times I do not listen to Your promptings. I pray that You may give me the discernment to know Your voice. May You give me the strength to trust and obey Your ways above my own. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi