WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25th 2021

TEXT: 1 PETER 1:15-16 KJV
15) But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
16) Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

KEY VERSE: HEBREWS 12:14
 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

Let the widower or widow be committed to holy living. Holy living means a life of purity, blamelessness, a sanctified life that is without stain, blemish, spots or wrinkles. Holy living involves both INWARD and OUTWARD purity. Some say God does not look at appearance but that is only for service. For holiness or going to heaven, God looks at both the inward and outward condition of a man. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (2 Corinthians 7:1).”

This scripture talks about “cleansing ourselves from ALL filthiness of the FLESH and SPIRIT, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” This shows that the purity of a believer is both INWARD and OUTWARD. God is not only concerned about the heart condition, but also the way we dress and adorn ourselves. To attain this, you must be born again and sanctified. Flee all kinds of sin and impurities that defile your soul such as fornication, lying, pride, envy, covetousness, etc. Also do not emulate the world in dressing and adornment.

Widowhood should offer you a greater opportunity to live for heaven. Widowhood gives you more freedom for service to God for the sake of your soul. 1 Corinthians 7:32-33 says, “But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:  But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.” As a widow, you don’t have to rush out of fellowship because your husband is waiting for his food. Now you have more time for prayer without distraction like Anna (Luke 2:36-37).

“Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day (1 Timothy 5:5).”  Widowhood offers the opportunity to live holy for heaven without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:34-35). Sometimes, the attempt to please your husband or wife may make you displease God. Some women dress like Jezebel to please their husbands. Sometimes, the husband or wife may obstruct his or her partner from following God. Therefore, God might have freed you from the bondage of marriage for the sake of your eternal life.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Serve God in the state in which he has called you.

SONG FOR THE DAY: Never fail me yet, never fail me yet, Jesus love never….

BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY: Psalm 124-127; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24