Set Apart
By Alma Norman

Psalm 4: 2"Oh ye sons of men, how long will ye turn my glory into shame? How long will ye love vanity, and seek after leasing [sin].

Here in this verse the psalmist, David is asking those who choose to live a sinful life separate and apart from God....how long will they continueto live in sin? David was living a life that glorified God. Those who lived their lives otherwise, seem to belittle the example that he was striving to set as he lived righteously. This still holds true today.

Haven't you noticed how unpopular it is to be a Christian today? We are made fun of and unfortunately are in the minority. Of course, Christianity has always been this way and will continue to be as long as God allows the world to stand. According to the scriptures many will be lost and few will be saved.

"Enter ye in at the straight gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go there in. Because strait is the gate, andnarrow is the way, which leadeth unto life and few be that findeth it." (Matt. 7:13-14)

"But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself; theLord will hear when I call him." ("Psalm 4:3)

As Christians we are to be set apart from the world as his servants. We are not to behave as the world; but, we are to be a peculiar people. If those whom we associate cannot distinguish us from the world, then, we need to reexamine our lives.

"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purifyunto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good work." (Titus 2:14)

Unfortunately, I've heard some say, "Do you mean to tell me that so and so goes to church....and that they are Christians? Well, they sure don't act like a Christian."When I hear a remark like this said of someone whom I know, this always makes me sad. For, we must always be careful how we act and what we say; for the world is always watching, ready to share with others their opinion of us.

Also, this can label the church as a whole and this is very unfair to those who are striving to live for Christ. We are to be God's servants, patterning our lives after Christ. Allowing our lives to glorify Christ in all that we do and say. And as we strive to live our lives obedient unto the Lord, God will hear us when we pray and give us the strength and the courage that we need to carry out His work.

Your Life A Mirror
By Alma Norman

Does your life mirror Christ
when others look at you?
Do you always glorify him
In all you say and do?

God made us special
His earthen vessels to be
His instruments to share his word
Fully open and completely.

For if the gospel
be hid in you
How will others know
What they must also do?

His light must shine
Forth from our hearts
Teach others about Jesus
Before they'll someday depart

Author: Alma Norman copyrighted 2004

2 Cor. 14:15 "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost."

ISBS Ladies Daily Devotional
8/02/04

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