Sanctified!

   As we continue to grow and transform into who we really are in Christ, we go through a process. This isn’t something we like to hear, however it is what we need. The Word of God tells us in Leviticus 20:7-8 (KJV) “Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the LORD your God. And you shall keep my statutes, and do them: I AM the Lord that sanctifies you.” That word sanctify, does not mean “act religious.” It means to set yourself apart or to be separated from the world’s way of doing things, for God’s purposes. We are not just some folks that go to church on Sunday and then act like the rest of the world Monday through Saturday. We don’t look like the world, we don’t conduct ourselves like the world, and we don’t talk like the world. At least we shouldn’t be like the world. We are set apart ones. We are His children, His offspring by His plan. Before He created the earth He knew the plans He had for us, plans for good and not for evil. His plan is for us to glorify Him in our daily lives. To show others what the Father looks like. There’s an old saying, ”The only Jesus people may ever see is you.” It may seem cliché but it has a truth to it. Romans 12:2 (KJV) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” In other words, change your thinking and your actions. When Jesus prayed for His disciples and for us, in John 17, verse 17 says “Sanctify them through Your truth Your Word is truth.” The Word of God, Jesus is the Word. We have the written word and the Word Himself revealed to us through the Holy Spirit. We need to take time to read the Bible as well as spend time with the Lord. The Holy Spirit is our guide and He will guide us unto all truth. Look at Hebrews 10:14 (AMP) “For by a single offering He has forever completely cleansed and perfected those who are consecrated and made holy.” He did it and now we are holy. Now before you get all ruffled, let’s get things right. Your spirit man IS holy, sanctified, consecrated, and cleansed. Your carnal or flesh man, the soul is NOT. This is where the process is. This is why we renew our minds. The process is NOT God sending sickness, disease, pain, and suffering to teach you a lesson. The process of being sanctified is in your mind, will and emotions. Being changed from self-centered to Christ-centered. Face it! Sometimes that’s harder than having some physical symptom. The good news is that as we go through that process and we mature in Christ, it becomes less aggravating to our carnal-man. Actually, our spirit-man has more control. So, go forward into sanctification and experience God’s glory, His perfect will in your life! We love you much and call you blessed! Eric and Laura Menefee “Growing in the Word” radio program can now be heard on three different stations! Every Saturday mornings at 11:30am eastern time/10:30am central time on www.WOFR.org worldwide. Every Saturday mornings at 11:00am eastern time on WFAX AM 1220 in the Washington D.C., Virginia, and Maryland areas. www.wfax.com Every Sunday mornings at 6:30am and 11:00am central time on AM 600WVOG in the New Orleans area and the entire Gulf South. www.600wvog.com You can listen in on the internet, too.