The Highway of Holiness

"A highway will be there, a roadway, And it will be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean will not travel on it, But it will be for him who walks that way, And fools will not wander on it."

- Isaiah 35:8

God said "You must be holy because I am holy" - Leviticus 11:44. I believe Christians have lost their influence in the world because they represent Jesus poorly. Most Christians don't move in the power and authority that Christ gave because they don't walk in holiness. Holiness is rarely being taught as "the way" to live. Instead, Christians abuse the freedom they have in Christ making it difficult to distinguish the believer from the non-believer. If you walk, talk, and act like the world - you're not going to win anybody to Christ. Christians are supposed to be salt and light in this dark world. We should be setting a standard of living on the earth that makes non-believers envious and desire the joy and hope we have in Christ.

In my opinion, the churches today are partially responsible for the people of God lacking holiness. My husband says most churches look and act like a circus. It's all entertainment. The churches are trying to appeal to the non-believer by incorporating "things" that will attract them. I don't have a problem with getting a little creative. It becomes a problem when churches compromise on the ways of God and the message of the bible gets watered down so that people are not offended or turned off. People are leaving church services pumped up from the entertainment, but they're lacking a Holy Spirit conviction and a challenge to change or Come Up Higher in the things of God. In other words, they leave the same way they came - broken, powerless or stagnant in their walk with God.

As a Christian, YOU are responsible for "Walking out your salvation with fear and trembling" -Philippians 2:12. You should know what pleases God and what He requires of you. What places are you frequenting that promote a godless atmosphere? What inappropriate television programs are you watching that consume your time? What kind of relationships are you nurturing that are unhealthy and displeasing to God? Stop tolerating and accepting the sins the world promotes. Stop being a part of it. Stop saying, "A little bit of this is ok" or "As long as I don't do too much of that it'll be fine because I have freedom in Christ." Yes, the bible says "All things are permissible. It also adds, "But not everything is beneficial." - 1 Corinthians 10:23.

Very few men and women of God today operate in the power of the Almighty God. Don't you want to see answered prayer, people delivered from demonic oppression, people healed from terminal illnesses, nations turning their hearts back to God? These difficult requests require God's involvement. The key to seeing a phenomenal mighty move of God is holiness. Holiness is striving to have clean hands and a pure heart. Holiness is walking in obedience to God's commands. Holiness is how you live your life for God in the public eye and behind closed doors. It's not easy walking the narrow highway of holiness, but it can be rewarding.

It starts with a decision to do it! Then it takes discipline. You will mess up, you will fall down, but you must quickly get up and keep pressing forward. We are living in dark times. Our country is falling apart and our families are experiencing demonic attacks. As the people of God we have to get back to holiness, which is a standard of living that pleases God. When we do, He will heal our land and He will move on your behalf in ways you cannot imagine. Read the bible and know the word of God for yourself. Start walking on The Highway of Holiness.

Blessings,
Tytenisha

What is Wisdom?

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding". Proverbs 4:7

"Get understanding" is a powerful word of wisdom. In order to get understanding you have to ask God for it and then seek after it. "But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you" Matthew 6:33. We seek "His kingdom" by reading the bible and learning the ways of God. When we learn the ways of God, we receive understanding.

So what is Wisdom?

"Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom" Psalm 111:10

Did you know Wisdom is one of the 9 Spiritual Gifts found in 1 Corinthians 12?  Unfortunately, not everyone is chosen to be gifted with wisdom. Most people need to seek after it. The word wisdom is used over 200 times in the bible. Clearly, we need wisdom and understanding in order to make right choices and decisions in our lives. Every day we are confronted with choices that may or may not be beneficial to us. Many of us are heavily influenced by friends and family who may unintentionally lead us into trouble if they don't possess wisdom. Sometimes our own personal desires will dictate the choices that we make.

When you study the bible, the choices you make will be a result of God's influence in your life. You won't marry the first dude that comes along (who doesn't share the same faith and beliefs as you do) because you're tired of being alone. You won't frequent psychic hotlines hoping to hear something great is in store for your future. You won't ink 10 thousand silly tattoos all across your body and then regret getting them when you're 50 years old. When you know the ways of God it affects your conduct. You'll think twice about plotting revenge on people, sleeping with someone's spouse, or dabbling in addictive narcotics. A wise person puts bright ideas into action which results in a positive outcome. Wisdom is truly divine! "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere" James 3:17. As you can see, wisdom has wonderful characteristics as well.

Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom:

"Give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong" 1 Kings 3:9 By age 20 or so, Solomon was named king of Israel. In a dream, God told Solomon to ask for anything he wanted. Solomon asked for wisdom so that as the king he would make right decisions for the people. God was extremely pleased with Solomon's request and granted his wish. God also blessed him with unbelievable wealth and honor when he didn't even ask for those things.

King Solomon is a great example of someone asking God for wisdom and receiving it. This is a request I know God will grant every single person that asks lol! Check out this scripture, "If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking" James 1:5. Most of the time we don't ask God for the right things. We want money, vehicles, wardrobes and we struggle to obtain these things because we don't make wise choices. It's not enough to just have earthly intellect. The bible says, "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom" 1 Corinthians 1:25. So true. God's way is the best way even when it seems foolish. 

Let's pray and ask God for Wisdom!

Heavenly Father I ask for a discerning heart so I can make wise choices in my life. Give me an understanding of your Holy Word so that your influence will affect every decision I make. Surround me with people who are full of your wisdom to strengthen and encourage me in this area. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer, in Jesus' name. Amen!!

 

 

Blessings,
Tytenisha