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Alright, this is the last post from my 3-part series on “God is Calling You to Holiness…Pick Up.” I hope and pray that by now, you’ve picked up. I know for some of you, this was not an easy pill or two to swallow. However, I can assure you that if you have received it all well, you and others will see the amazing results in the days, weeks, and months to come. Most importantly, God will be pleased. Now, with that being said, let’s dive right into the last segment which deals with holiness as it relates to our bodies and our mindset.

Before we get started, let’s keep in mind that God is the One who is calling us to holiness (not me). First Peter 1:16 says, “For he himself has said, “You must be holy because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16- NLT) Got it? Okay…good. Now let’s get started.

Okay, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get right down into it. NEWS FLASH!!! Temptation will come. I admit that there have been plenty of times when temptation has knocked at my door. Yet, I will also tell you that I am the one who decides whether I’m going to answer it. Point of fact…I’m a sucker for a good love story! BUT…I have to be very careful of the sexual content, language, and the actual storyline. The reason why I have to be mindful of this stuff is simply because if I’m not careful, unwanted desires will suddenly creep into my spirit and could potentially cause issues later on down the line. And I don’t want that, so I choose my movies wisely and they’re guarded (Check out www.clearplay.com to filter your movies or stop by your local Christian bookstore for good films too).

That’s me! But let me pause here for a minute and ask you this question. What is your problem area? Is it overeating, not exercising, poor diet, sexy or questionable attire, fornication (sex without marriage), adultery, pornography, homosexuality, abortion, or overwhelming lustful thoughts that are approaching a destructive action? You know where you are or where you’re headed. We all know where we are. But I want to warn you, just as I was warned with God’s Word in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “…don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”

Wow! Pretty real huh? We are NOT our own. We’ve been bought with a HIGH price…Jesus Christ. He died for us so that we could be delivered from our sin-loving nature. That’s what salvation means “deliverance and rescued.” Many people don’t know that. But now, you’ve been informed. So whatever the hang-up or issue as it relates to your temple, I encourage you to surrender it to God, today. He can help you, once you reach out to Him.

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I’m aware that we all face temptation of some sort. Jesus did as well. But the key here is to fight it with the Word. Our deliverance is through Jesus Christ, God’s holy Word, and the power of the Holy Spirit. On top of that, we have to remember that God will never put more on us than we can bear. The Bible says so in 1 Corinthians 10:13, “But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” (NLT) The next step is to make the right choice when he shows us the way out. This requires being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Let me close by saying this. Being holy in our bodies requires getting our minds and hearts right and under subjection to the Word of God. No doubt, it’s not as easy as it sounds. But it can definitely be accomplished, because God’s Word proclaims it. So, the next time you face temptation in your problem area, find a Scripture for it and speak the Word over it. Know that you are more than a conqueror through Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Word! And listen, if you’ve already messed up, quickly repent and ask God’s forgiveness. He’s faithful to forgive you. Just keep in mind, from here on out that God is calling you to holiness. I pray you’ve picked up!

Remember, Jesus is coming back soon! And those who endure unto the end shall be saved. So let’s get ready from the Inside Out!

~Courtnaye

P.S.

I encourage you to search the Scriptures on a more in-depth study on holiness and I’ve even referenced a book entitled, “Time Out for Holiness at Home” by Julie Baker. Check it out here…http://www.amazon.com/Time-Holiness-Home-Book-Series/dp/0781434610. And don’t forget to check out www.clearplay.com for clean movies and your local Christian bookstore.

*Thanks for reading! I hope and pray that you’ve enjoyed and received this 3-Part series well! Feel absolutely free to ask a question or leave a comment. Tune in every Monday at 7:30am for new posts! And don’t forget to “Like” my Facebook page and share this blog with friends, family, co-workers, or your women’s group or ministry. I’d love to stay connected and help more women grow in the Lord! Thanks again and may God be with you![/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]