Changes in Holiness

See I am doing a new thing…Isaiah 43:19
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October is so full of changes and new things.  Everything from the temperature to the color to the things we eat and wear and do changes!  October is the month we watched the Detroit Tigers surprise us as they changed from a struggling team to the one that fought their way to the Post Season and then we changed our focus to the Detroit Lions who after decades of struggle have become such a powerful and fun team to watch.  October reminds me that things are supposed to evolve and change and march forward including our walk with the Lord.  We are reminded that our mission on earth is heaven and that requires growing in holiness.

Holiness doesn’t mean perfection, that’s for God alone and we aren’t him.  Holiness doesn’t mean we don’t sin and never turn away from the Father’s love.  Holiness means moving forward…toward God’s perfect plan for our life.  We don’t have to save a country, feed a village or build an orphanage to be holy, we have to seek God, love God and trust God a little more today than we did yesterday.  Here is a little list of things we can do to help us grow in holiness each day.

*Before you even get out of bed, tell God thank you for something.
*Look people in the eye…really see them in such a way they know they’ve been seen, and they matter.  As you look at them, ask Jesus to help you see them with his eyes.
*Listen more than you talk.
*Don’t be afraid to say great, powerful things like; I don’t know and I’m sorry, please forgive me and how can I pray for you.
*When you wake up, ask God for the plan of the day before you map it all out yourself.
*Say a prayer for every person, event and circumstance that bugs you and then tell God thank you for it. Do these two things before you speak or respond so mercy and gratitude have a chance to swoop into your heart and take the place of criticism or negative responses.
*Don’t brag or point things out that will shine the light on you and the things you’ve done.  When we are humble God brings the acknowledgement and appreciation that truly touches our heart in the way no human praise can.
*Show love and respect to at least one person each day you find difficult to love or to someone who can offer nothing in return. Doing it anonymously adds a fun twist.
*At the end of the day chat with God about the days blessings, sorrows and point out to him at least one place you saw him working in your life.
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Doing even a few of these things will create a beautiful change in us.  It might not be as evident at first as the changes we saw as the Lions beat the Cowboys last Sunday but the change is so much more profound and essential than the silly things we focus on from day to day.  Go ahead…change some of this stuff and watch your holiness grow.
 
A Seed To Plant:  Pray with the list and pick a couple to focus on in the days and weeks ahead.  When you’ve mastered one, add another because growing in holiness requires a constant change and forward motion.

Blessings on your day!