Tag Archives: Kathryn Scott

Intentional Holiness

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Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
1 Corinthians 9:25, NIV*

I’m challenged by how seriously the Apostle Paul takes spiritual growth and development, compared with how casually it’s often treated these days. Even when we know it’s important and we try our best, it’s easy to wish ourselves more spiritually mature and then forget to actually practise the spiritual disciplines that will help us grow.

A quick search of BibleGateway.com turned up six variations on the command to “be holy because God is holy.”  We know it’s not so we can earn His love, nor for legalistic purposes. It’s spiritual training, where outward acts deepen inner devotion.

Part of the call to holiness is so barriers won’t grow between us and God after Jesus took them all down. The repeated act of recognizing and confessing our sins of commission or omission keeps the barriers broken down and sensitizes our spirits to God’s way.

I wonder if the main reason, though, is so our devotion to God will show others how incredibly worthy we know Him to be: worthy of our obedience, worship and love. After all, if we don’t seem very captivated by Him, what will attract them to consider Him?

Living and Holy God, You’ve saved us and called us to be a people set apart for Yourself, and You’ve promised to grow us into Your Son’s image. Help us take this seriously, with the right motivation, and teach us to live holy lives that worship You. Thank You for the privilege of being restored to relationship with You.

∞

Let Kathryn Scott’s “Search Me, Know Me” be our prayer today.

*THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Belonging at Last

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Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and now am here. I have not come on my own; but he sent me. … He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God.”
John 8:42 & 47, NIV*

This group of Jewish listeners thought Jesus was saying they weren’t legitimate children in the line of Abraham—but He took it farther than that. He called them children of the devil.

Not that they were particularly evil or nasty, but that they couldn’t receive the truth and were naturally inclined to sinful behaviour.

In short, they were human. Children of the Fall, tainted by Adam’s and Eve’s disobedience.

Just like us.

But these were people who believed Jesus’ words (at least until this point). This conflict grew from His offer to set them free. “Who, us? We’re not slaves! The nerve of You!”

He wasn’t blaming them for not being able to hear. He understood the problem and that’s why He came to solve it. He was offering spiritual rebirth, the chance to actually hear God again. To belong in relationship with Him. To be adopted into His family.

We can have that. What could be worth more?

I don’t often hear Him in my spirit, and I’ve never heard Him audibly, but I know I belong. To Him, with Him, because of Him. He gives meaning to my life.

Creator God, because of Jesus I can call You Father. Because of Your Spirit in mine, I’m connected with You. You know what a deep need this meets, because You designed me this way. In Jesus You have accepted me. You’ve welcomed me. I am at home in You. I belong.

∞

This week’s song is Kathryn Scott’s “I Belong”. Beautiful song, with some beautiful images in this video.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Submitting to God

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Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you… Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
James 4:7,8,10 NIV*

Submission… our independent natures bristle at the word, and it conjures images of weakness, humiliation, subservience. I think that’s because of how the powerful have abused their status.

The NIV titles the bulk of James 4 “Submit Yourselves to God,” and there’s no connotation of abuse at all. If we stop and think about it…

Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He laid down His life for us. We can trust His love.

The Prophet Jeremiah and the Apostle Paul speak of God’s plan to work all things out for good for those who love Him. We may not see how this will happen, but we can trust His intentions.

Our God is the one who spoke the universe into being, sent and stopped Noah’s flood, and who through Jesus calmed the storm, healed the sick, and raised the dead. We can trust His ability to look after us. (Yes, He sometimes allows His people to be martyred, but even there He has a purpose and we can be sure He carries their spirits safely into His healing presence.)

Sovereign Lord, help me start each day by submitting myself to You and committing to listen for Your leading and to obey in trust. You know the end from the beginning, and You are good. Remind me when I try to go my own way, and when I falter help my unbelief. My spirit finds its rest and true purpose in You.

Let this week’s song be our prayer: “Creator King” by Irish worship leader Kathryn Scott.

*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.