Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Set Apart



Why do things get complicated? Why do WE complicate things?

You are reminded today that YOU are set apart.  There is much in that statement.  There is a purpose, a promise, and a responsibility on your part. 

You were created to be in a relationship with Him (purpose).  That is a choice though.  That means some will not choose that option, so that requires more from you (responsibility).  God uses YOU to bring people to Him with your words, actions, and relationships.  When this is in motion, there is blessing (promise).

But some of us get caught in a fog of our "to do list" doing and forget that we are SET APART.  We forget what that means and the power behind that! 

"Do this because you are a people SET APART as holy to God.  God, your God, chose you out of all the people on Earth for himself as a cherished, personal treasure."
Deut. 7:6

We know this verse is to the Israelites, His chosen people, but if you read further it confirms this is also for us, for those "who love Him".

vs.9
"Know, recognize, and understand therefore that the Lord your God, the faithful God, Who keeps covenant and steadfast love and mercy with those who love Him and keep His commandments, to a thousand generations."

Things get messy when we aren't being used for our set apart purpose.  When we get too close to the thinking and doing of this world, we are not "set apart".....just "part". 

God has put inside each of us gifts and talents but not to use for our benefit or for us to brag how good we are.  The gifting and talents are merely an avenue to reach a certain group that only you could connect with.  That's why it is so important to be responsible.  Be responsible with your words, your thoughts, your actions, your duties, your time, and even your social media.  

Let's put it in elementary terms:
A vacuum was created to clean up dirt. period.  Not to dust or do the dishes.  It's purpose is powerful.  If you don't believe me, try being without one for while....you feel NASTY! 

A flower was created to reflect the beauty of its creator and yet it is set apart for a greater purpose of pollination. 

Now, what happens when something that was created with purpose, set apart for a righteous purpose is not responsible or veers away from what it was called to do?  The answer is destruction.  A fire was created for warmth or a source of energy to keep things in motion but when used irresponsibly can cause destruction and even death. 

I am reminding all of you that are second guessing where you are at or what use you have.....YOU ARE SET APART!   Maybe you got a little side tracked and it became about you.  Maybe you started looking and thinking exactly like the world.  Things got messy and confusing and now you see the destruction in that.  Your responsibility is to keep it about Him.  This will be difficult in the culture we live in today.  We are surrounded by "self" promoters, hostile issues and people, lovers of pleasure, rebellious to authority, haters, easily offended, and paint followers of Christ as the "evil one".  This seems impossible, right?   BUT WITH GOD....all things are possible.

Your focus is not on all that.  Your focus is the job at hand that God has given YOU.  A purpose set apart for Him.  He is big enough to handle all "that".  You be responsible with what He's given you. 

I leave you with this blessing: (promises straight for His word in Deut. 7-8)
As you are watchful to follow His word, may you live and multiply and go in and possess the land which the Lord swore to give to your Fathers!  As you are being used for His purpose may your land be plentiful where you eat food without shortage and lack nothing in it.  May you see how God is using you and call it "good".  When you veer away and start to look too much like the world rather than His image may you receive His correction.  May you know in your mind and heart that as a man disciplines and instructs his son, the Lord your God disciplines and instructs you. 

I love His word!
The Mrs. Pastor