The Anvil not the Pillow
To 'share in the holiness' of Jesus is our life's plan.
When was your name written in the Book of Life? I suspect at creation's 6th day there were treks mapped for all.
From one man He made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from any one of us. (Acts 17:26-27)
When He is attempting to gain my attention He in fact is 'steering' me - meshing His input through a variety of ways.
I have discovered over too many years, God works in a regular pattern. This pattern I imagine as 'Life -Texts'.
Divine 'visitation' occurs when your thoughts meet with your Bible studies, devotions, fellowship, feelings and through Christian events where the fresh knowledge appears identical.
But, come too the days where the vagabond, the vandal and the ne-er-do-well speak volumes to you, without a word.
These all arise as the conduit for guidance is requested and/or holiness is desired. Holiness is wrought on the 'anvil' far more than the 'pillow'.
When His 'life-texts' counsel intersects with our many paths we are being drawn further into His Way - on His highway of righteousness/holiness. It:
- affirms
- explains
- forgives
- convicts
- shapes - all bend the knees ... it is true delights that are gained. Not carnal, not academic, not common or not of earth; such unutterable 'wealth' can not be shared. Nor can it be explained by words, let it be shown in living.
These are sure evidence that the Holy Spirit resides within, not just visits.
Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:10 -11).
To share in holiness is to harvest righteousness. It becomes the ache of the soul for it's Lord, and His paths.