Kathy Howard's Blog: Unshakeable Faith for Life, page 68

Our Standard for Holiness

What is your standard for holiness? When we compare ourselves to the culture or the people around us, we can come out looking pretty righteous. However, when we compare ourselves to the Holy One who, it’s a different story.

One Woman’s Story

Life changed dramatically for Janet after her divorce in the late 1970s. As a young, single mom she had to venture out into both the work and social worlds. Unfortunately, instead of clinging to the truth Janet knew from childhood, she conformed to the culture, which taught to “do what feels right to you.” Janet spent the next 17 years doing just that.

“I didn’t think I needed God. I thought I could handle things just fine by myself.” In the process, Janet wandered further and further away from God.

After 17 years of wilderness wandering, Janet attended a revival. During the altar call, the pastor asked a question God used to rip off her spiritual blinders. “If you died tonight, are you ready to meet God?” She was not.

Janet caught a glimpse of the holiness of God that night and knew the way she was living her life did not please Him. She knew her disobedience had consequences, but God also reminded her of His forgiveness and grace. He had been waiting for her to return. “God pines for His prodigals to return to Him. He never gives up. That day when I experienced His call to me to return, I sensed Him standing with open arms ready to give me a big hug.”

Overwhelmed with repentance and humility, Janet knelt in prayer to give her life back to God. “I told Him this prodigal girl had returned and I would go wherever He led.”

What’s Your Standard for Holiness?

God is the epitome of holiness. He alone determines what holy is. He is our standard for holiness.
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God is the epitome of holiness. He alone determines what holy is. He is our standard for holiness. Not the culture. Not the people around us. Not even Christian leaders. God alone is the standard.

When we allow His holiness to shine into our lives it can be humbling. The light of God’s holiness reveals our sin like a UV light reveals the blemishes and sun damage on our skin. No rebellious behavior, wrong motive, or selfish attitude can hide from God’s holy brilliance.

Yet, thankfully, when God reveals our sin and calls us to repentance, He forgives. He stands with arms wide open, ready to embrace the repentant sinner. Ready to transform us by the light of His holiness.

Has God ever reminded you of His holiness to convict you of a sin in your life? How did you respond?

This post is adapted from Kathy’s 6-week Bible study, “Embraced by Holiness.”

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Set Free from the Turnstile Prison

We all have them – those funny family stories. The stories when retold bring peals of laughter from everyone. Well, almost everyone. Sometimes one family member simply responds with an embarrassed chuckle. That’s the way it is with our daughter Sarah and the time she had to be set free from a turnstile prison.

It was the last week of summer and time to get ready for a new school year. Back then we lived in a small town about 25 miles outside Calgary, Alberta. The kind of shopping we needed to do required a trip to the city. So the three kids and I piled in the mini-van and headed off for a day in Calgary.

We had almost hit the city limits when the smallest voice from the backseat announced he had gotten into the van without any shoes. Mom made a quick decision. We would not return home; six-year-old Mark needed new shoes anyway. Our first stop would be the sports store.

It didn’t take long to pick out a nice pair of sneakers and socks and get to the check out. While trying to explain to the checker why I was paying for an empty box, I heard a familiar scream close behind me. Sarah, our 9-year-old, had somehow managed to get herself caught in the turnstile at the store entrance.

I can’t even explain how she did it, because I didn’t see it happen. The best I can determine is she tried to push through the turnstile on the wrong side where it spun under a crossbar. When she discovered she couldn’t get through from that direction, she tried to back out, but instead wedged herself between the turning tripod and the stationary crossbar. Head and shoulders hung out one side and lower half out the other. (I know you’re probably thinking I’m a horrible mother, but honestly I only took my eyes off her for a second.)

She wasn’t hurt, but she was mad. While she continued to scream, the rest of us couldn’t help but laugh – while trying to help her of course. But she was stuck fast. Her release required the manager and a special turnstile key.

Bondage of Sin & Freedom of Holiness

Have you ever been trapped with no hope for escape? Held in slavery and in need of salvation? Just like Sarah’s turnstile prison, we’ve all been caught fast in sin with no way to save ourselves.

Yet, while we were still held captive, God called us out of the bondage of sin and into the freedom of holiness. Loosed from sin, we are free to be bound to God with cords of love and righteousness. Free to embrace the holy life to which He calls us. Free to embrace the Holy One Himself. (Read more on the “Non-Stick Life of Holiness.”)

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” Romans 6:22

Do you long for deeper intimacy with your heavenly Father? According to Scripture, a close connection exists between living a holy life and experiencing God’s presence. Sin strains our relationship with God and creates distance, but holiness breaks down barriers and moves us ever closer.God’s call to holiness is also an invitation to experiencing greater intimacy with Him.

In what specific ways can you see a holy life fostering both freedom from sin and greater intimacy with God?

If you’d like to know more about living a holy life, check out Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence, the new Bible study by Kathy Howard. This 6-week study practically explores why believers should pursue holiness and how living a holy life will draw us into the circle of our holy God’s loving embrace.

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Creation Sings about the Holiness of God

Before the stars dotted the heavens and the waves crashed on the shore, God existed in all His holiness. Divine, perfect nature witnessed solely by the Triune God Himself. Then He spoke, and His majesty burst forth in visible wonder. He splashed His glory across the skies and spread His power in the ocean depths. Now all creation sings a clear, unbroken chorus of praise about the holiness of God.

Since the beginning of time, what has been made testifies to the unlimited power and worthiness of its Maker. Nature beckons us to seek God, bidding us turn our eyes and hearts to the Creator. It is beyond comprehension that this powerful, majestic, holy God desires us to know Him. And yet He does.

Lisa Heard the Song

Lisa had longed to see Old Faithful since she studied the geyser in her sixth grade geography class. Artesian springs were abundant around her southeast Texas home, but their gently flowing waters could not satisfy her desire to witness the power of Yellowstone National Park’s most famous natural site.

Unfortunately, Lisa’s family did not have the resources for many vacations, so almost three decades passed before she stood on the viewing platform next to Old Faithful. Lisa, her husband, and their five children had started their trip at the northern end of the park. They enjoyed the hot springs, canyon, mud pots, and wild life. But she purposefully saved the geyser for last.

Lisa knew the geyser would be impressive, but the depth of her reaction surprised her. The eruption built until water and steam reached more than 150 feet into the air. The power of nature demonstrated by the Old Faithful geyser turned Lisa’s heart and mind to the power of its Creator. The holiness of God overwhelmed her as she witnessed His majesty revealed in His creation.

“All I could think of was the majesty of God; how holy and mighty beyond my imagination. He had created this spectacular display of power, yet it is miniscule compared to God’s power. I could stand safely on the viewing platform and witness the power of the geyser, but I knew I could never stand in the presence of God except by His grace through Christ. I worshipped God in that moment. He had given me a glimpse of His majesty.”

Have you heard the songs of praise?

Creation summons us to know and worship the Creator. The psalmist David heard and responded. As a shepherd, he spent many nights under the stars with the sheep, where creation’s song fostered his own praise:

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Psalm 19:1-3, NIV

Creation reveals the power and majesty of God. No language difference or cultural barrier can hinder its message. No government or law can silence its voice. The complex beauty of the heavens and the earth reflect the holiness of God to every person, of every language, in every place. Without exception.

When was the last time something in God’s creation filled you with awe and worship for its Creator?

Note: This post was adapted from Kathy’s newly-released, 6-week Bible study, “Embraced by Holy.”

 

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Caught by His Holiness

The power of the ocean surprised me. I had heard stories of rogue waves, dangerous currents, and destructive tsunamis, but I had never experienced them. That was before the Pacific caught me in its pull.

Our family was vacationing on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. We rented boogie boards earlier in the day and I eagerly wanted to try mine out. When we hit the beach, I didn’t hesitate. I jumped right in and paddled out to catch the waves. Unfortunately, by the time I realized they were breaking too far out for boogie boarding, I was in over my head. So with my upper body on the small board, I began to kick my way back to the beach.

Despite my efforts I couldn’t make any progress. In fact, after several minutes of trying I was farther away from the beach and farther down the shoreline. The board was strapped to my wrist so I let it trail behind me and began to swim. I swam until I was exhausted and swallowing water, but I was even farther from shore.

Powerless against the riptide, all I could do was cling to the board and holler for help. My dear husband, who came quickly to my side atop his own boogie board, talked me through riding out the current. Soon we were safely on the beach.

That experience gave me new respect for the ocean. I had heard of its power, but without first-hand knowledge I treated the water too casually. My new attitude does not prevent me from enjoying the ocean, but I approach it differently than I did before. The personal encounter with its power changed everything.

Likewise, intellectual assent to the holiness of God is not the same as personal experience. We can mentally agree to the truth that God is holy, but when we come face to face with His holiness we are forced to respond.

Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders? Exodus 15:11, NIV

You can experience our holy God in a real way. For instance, God can reveal His holiness to you when you are enjoying a magnificent sunset or reading His Word and praying. Sometimes we simply don’t wait before Him long enough. We see His glory in nature or we read of His majesty in Scripture, pause long enough to say, “Wow,” then we’re off and running again. I’m guilty of that.

Let’s try something together today. Revelation 1:12-16, included below, is John’s description of our Savior when Jesus appeared to him on the island of Patmos. Read it slowly. Picture this image of Jesus in your mind as you read. Ask Jesus to overwhelm you with His divinity, power, and holiness. Let His majesty envelop you like a bright cloud. Now sit, be still, and know.

12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.  Revelation 1:12-16, NIV

How will you respond to His holiness today? In what ways could an encounter with God’s absolute holiness reshape and deepen your relationship with Him?

Kathy Howard’s new Bible study, “Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence,” helps readers discover a deeper intimacy with God through a life of holiness. This six-week, interactive Bible study explores why believers should pursue holiness and guides readers through practical steps to pursuing a holy life.

 

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6 Purposeful Practices to Pursue Holiness

I’ve been blogging a lot about holiness recently. I’ve written about what holiness is, why we should be holy, and why we would want to be holy. Today, we get practical. How can we pursue holiness in our lives? What can we do to look more and more like Jesus?

Only the Holy Spirit can transform us, but we must cooperate with Him to foster holiness in our lives. Here are a few practical things we can do:

1. Practice an awareness of the presence of God – We know from the Bible that God is always with us. He sees everything we do and knows our thoughts, attitudes, and motivations. Purposefully remembering this truth and disciplining ourselves to regularly think about Him will nourish holiness in our lives.

2. Stay in the Word – The Creator of the universe has revealed Himself, His will, and His ways to us in the Bible. It describes the holy life to which God calls us. But we cannot live by God’s Word unless we know God’s Word. Reading and studying the Bible will plant God’s truth in our hearts.

3. Be proactive in our battle against sin – Sin takes root in our lives, growing and multiplying. To be holy, we must dig it out by the roots and get rid of it. Ask God to also help you recognize areas of weakness in your life so you can guard against potential sin.

4. Respond quickly to the Spirit – Have you ever responded to the prompting of the Spirit with “in a minute?” I certainly have. If you’re a parent, you understand that “delayed” obedience is simply disobedience. Sometimes, we even intend to obey – later. Unfortunately, our delayed obedience causes us harm and dishonors God. We may miss out on God’s best plan for us or even put ourselves in danger. Immediate obedience is always best!

5. Make the most of trials – God uses persecution for the sake of Christ and the common trials of this life to refine our faith and shape our character. If we fight Him in the process rather than lean on Him, trust His love, and follow His guidance we can waste much of what He wants to do. I certainly don’t want to have to go through more hard times than necessary!

6. Keep an eternal perspective – If we allow the things of this physical world to dominate our thoughts and priorities, the temporal will drive our emotions and responses. But if we stay focused on God’s bigger, eternal picture we will be able to reject sin and stand firm in trials.

Although not an exhaustive list, if we continuously and purposefully pursue these six practices, God will have access to do His work in our lives. Note: If you’d like to learn more about holiness and how to live a holy life, check out my newly released Bible study, “Embraced by Holiness.” You can also enter to win a copy for yourself here. Contest ends June 16.

Believers, let’s keep running after holiness! For our good and God’s glory!

Which of these 6 actions do you have the most trouble with? Why?

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What are You Feeding Your Mind?

Everyone recognizes our diets directly affect the health and working of our bodies. And while we may not eat right 100% of the time, most of us try to do what’s best for our bodies overall. But are you as careful with your spiritual health through what you’re feeding your mind?

The Bible shows a direct correlation between what we put into our minds and our outward actions:

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2, NIV

In Romans 12:2, Paul says our spiritual transformation occurs through “the renewing of our minds.” According to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, the noun “renewing” means “the adjustment of the moral and spiritual vision and thinking to the mind of God, which is designed to have a transforming effect upon the life.”

The way we think directly affects our character and behavior. What we put into our brains will impact our holiness. For instance, if we repeatedly and exclusively hear society’s view that God’s teaching on sexual relationships is outdated and waiting for marriage is ridiculous, then we are likely to have sex outside of marriage. But if we learn about God’s perfect design for sexuality and marriage and accept His Word as timeless truth, it’s more likely our behavior will line up with that thinking.

What our culture considers “good, moral, and acceptable” is a far cry from the truth of God’s Word. When we watch, read, and participate in things out of line with God’s truth our thinking becomes desensitized. As our thinking shifts and conforms to the world our character and behavior will follow.

We will do what we think.

Only the Holy Spirit can transform us (Titus 3:5), but we can cooperate with His work by feeding our mind with truth. Let’s ask God to show us where our thinking is out of line with His truth. Let’s ask Him to renew our thinking and transform our spiritual health. And let’s cooperate with Him in practical ways.

God’s Word tells us to think on things that are true, noble, right, pure lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8). Could these characteristics describe the things you’re allowing into your mind?

Maybe you’ve never given it much thought. Here’s your chance! Use this downloadable worksheet BRAIN FOOD to evaluate the “food” you’re feeding your mind and how it may be shaping your thinking.

The renewing of our minds and our personal holiness is an ongoing process. We must continue to reject the leanings of our old sinful nature. We must continually override the “wisdom” of the world by allowing God’s truth to reprogram our thinking. Old patterns and habits are not easy to break. It takes time and relentless vigilance.

The more we renew our thinking, the more clearly we will discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Since our thinking will be lining up with His, there will be less confusion and more clarity. Our minds will be set on what the Spirit desires and our lives will be holy and pleasing to God.

List every way you can think of that we can feed our minds with the truth of God’s Word and override the lies from our culture.

Kathy Howard’s new book, Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence, helps readers discover a deeper intimacy with God through a life of holiness. This six-week, interactive Bible study explores why believers should pursue holiness and guides readers through practical steps to pursuing a holy life.

 

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Embraced by Holiness

Would you like to sit next to God and snuggle up against His side? To be so close you could hear Him breathe? There would be no distance between the two of you, no barriers to prevent you from drawing near. You could linger in His presence and rest in the circle of His embrace.

All of us desire to experience this kind of intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. Yet, we often feel disconnected. We may even sense that something blocks our path to deep, personal companionship with God.

According to Scripture, a life of holiness can pave the way for greater intimacy in our relationship with God. King David, described as a “man after God’s own heart” (Acts 13:22), understood the connection between a holy life and experiencing God’s presence.

Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Psalm 15:1-2, NLT

Unholy living floods believers’ lives with the natural consequences of sin, including distance and strain in our relationships with God. But a pursuit of holiness is also a pursuit of God. As we embrace the holy life God calls us to, we are embraced by the Holy One Himself.

Isn’t holiness too difficult?

Many Christians think a holy life is too difficult. They recognize the truth that God commands His children to be holy and want to please Him, but life gets in the way. Others compare themselves to the Christians around them and think they’re doing pretty good. But, God doesn’t call us to “pretty good.” His holiness is our standard (1 Peter 1:16).

Sound like an overwhelming, daunting, impossible task? Humanly speaking it is. But, whatever God requires of His children, He also supplies. God requires holiness, but His Spirit provides the power to turn away from sin. God calls us to holiness and God provides what we need to be holy.

But, why would we want to be holy?

Holiness is for our good and God’s glory.

God calls us to holiness so we can be set free from the bondage and consequences of our own sin. God also knows that a holy life paves the way for deep intimacy with Him (Psalm 15:1-2). Holiness sets us free and draws us close to God!

Holiness in God’s people also brings Him glory. When we live holy lives we reflect God’s character to the world. We become lights in a dark world that lead the way to the Savior.

Holiness. For our good. For God’s glory.

Are you ready to begin the journey toward a holy life? What misconceptions or obstacles have held you back in the past?

Kathy’s brand-new release, Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence, helps readers discover a deeper intimacy with God through a life of holiness. This six-week, interactive Bible study explores why believers should pursue holiness and guides readers through practical steps to pursuing a holy life. Enter now for your chance to win a copy! Buy the book now on Amazon.

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Big News & Book Giveaway!

I’ve been waiting a long time, but it’s finally official! Drum roll please…

My newest book, Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence, has been released!! And you could win the book giveaway!!

Could this Bible study be for you?

Do you long for deeper intimacy with your heavenly Father? According to Scripture, a close connection exists between living a holy life and experiencing God’s presence. Sin strains our relationship with God and creates distance, but holiness breaks down barriers and moves us ever closer. Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence, the new 6-week study by Kathy Howard, practically explores why believers should pursue holiness and how living a holy life will draw us into the circle of our holy God’s loving embrace. (Buy now on Amazon.)

Why did Kathy write a study about holiness?

Two years ago, when “Fifty Shades of Grey” hit the bookstores and the NY Times Bestsellers list, the novel caught the attention of American women – including many Christian women. They gobbled up the erotica with a shrug and justifications like these: It’s only fantasy. I’m not participating; I’m just reading fiction. Christian women in my church and your church bought into the lie that it’s no big deal, that holiness doesn’t really matter in the lives of believers. But it does matter. The response to this book is just one sad reminder that American Christians need to realign ourselves with God’s truth rather than the culture around us. My prayer is that Embraced by Holiness will remind believers that God’s call to holiness is for both our good and His glory.

Enter to win a copy of Embraced by Holiness!

I want to give away 3 copies of my new book. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment in the comment section below. The contest opens Monday, June 2nd at 6am and closes Monday, June 16th at 10am. You can enter up to 3 times by doing any of the following:

Tell me why you’d like to win a copy in the comment section below.
Share this post on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest, then tell me you shared it in the comment section (this will need to be a separate comment from the one above to enter a second time).
Email this post to your Women’s Ministry Leader, Bible study leader, or pastor to tell them about this Bible study (again, this will need to be a separate comment from either of the previous two in order to enter your name again).

Why would you like to win a copy of “Embraced by Holiness?”

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The Non-Stick Life of Holiness

Last night, I made crawfish etouffee for my son, who is home for a few days from college. The secret to a good etouffee – or gumbo for that matter- is the roux.  I always make my roux in a black iron skillet that belonged to my husband’s grandmother. Nothing sticks to its well-seasoned surface.

Decades of proper care created this perfect, non-stick skillet. Because the surface is clean and protected, you can cook anything – even eggs – without fear that the food will stick. It’s versatile; you can use it on the stove top or in the oven. It will last more than one lifetime if the seasoning is maintained. Cooking with this kind of non-stick cookware usually results in praise for the food and the cook. (Check out this post for more about seasoning and caring for cast iron.)

Our lives should be like that seasoned skillet. Smooth, slick, and clean. When we’re “seasoned,” nothing sticks. Our lives should be so holy, that even if someone wrongly accused us of sinful behavior, no one that knows us would believe it. Peter put it this way:

Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls. Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when He comes to judge the world. 1 Peter 2:11-12, NLT

Holiness is vital in the lives of believers. Holiness is for our good and God’s glory. First, purposefully striving to turn away from “evil desires” frees us from bondage to sin and protects us from its consequences. And more importantly, holiness points the world to Jesus and brings glory to God.

Not sure what a holy life looks like? You can get a really good, practical picture by reading chapters 4, 5, and 6 of Ephesians. Also, if you’re serious about holiness, I’d be honored if you’d take a look at my new Bible study, Embraced by Holiness.

This 6-week study deals with questions like these:

Why do I need to be holy?
What is “holiness?”
What does a holy life look like?
Is holiness worth it?
Is holiness really possible and how?

Do you purposefully strive to live a holy life? If not, why not? Have you had misconceptions about holiness?

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3 R’s for Life’s Trials and Troubles

I get motion sick very easily. Cruise ship. Park swing. If I move too fast, I can even get a little queasy unloading the dishwasher.

So a few years ago, when I flew on a small puddle-jumper plane from Shreveport to Houston during a thunderstorm, I didn’t stand a chance. Even though it was only about 45 minutes from wheels up to wheels down, it was a two-airbag flight. I “lost” everything.

The flight attendant could have opened the door and tossed me out and I would have been relieved. There were moments I didn’t think I was going to live through it. Other moments when I wished I wouldn’t. Of course, I did live through it, but not with grace or dignity.

Have you ever felt like you wouldn’t survive one of life’s storms? Has there been a time when a trial was so intense you wondered if you would make it through? Jesus clearly told us trials will come. We will have trouble in this world (John 16:33), but we can take heart, because Jesus is greater than the trouble!

When trials and troubles come – and they will – here are 3 R’s to help you weather the storm:

1. Reflect on God’s purposes – Trials in a believer’s life have purpose. God wants to use them to refine our faith, to transform us into the image of Christ. The trials themselves may cause grief, but we can rejoice in the truth that God will use them for our good and His glory! (See 1 Peter 1:6-7.)

2. Rest in God’s promises – The Bible is full of promises God makes to His children. Many of them are promises to help us, strengthen us, walk with us, and guide us in the midst of trouble. We can rely and rest on God’s promises because He is a promise keeper! (For more on God’s promises in trouble see this post and this post.)

3. Rejoice in God’s presence – God does not promise a life without trouble, but He does promise His presence in the midst of it. Even if we lose everything, we have God and that is more than enough (Psalm 23:4; Habakkuk 3:17-19).

Which of these R’s comforts you the most? Which one do you have the most trouble hanging onto? Why?

 

 

 

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