THE INNER LIFE

Good Evening to All!

The Holy Spirit points out that the way into the [true Holy of ] Holies is not yet thrown open as long as the former [the outer portion of the]tabernacle remains a recognized institution and is still standing. (Hebrews 9:8)

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I'm doing this a little backward tonight. I am doing my little commentary before the devotion. I read this devotion and my mind started going a mile a minute, so I thought I would say my piece (or is it peace?) first. Hope you don't mind.

As long as we care more about our outer appearance and the "world" around us rather than our inner self, our values, our morals and our faith, we cannot enter into the true presence of God.

We must realize that God is at enmity with the "world". The reason I say this is not just because it is Biblical, but because there is no way God can be at ease with the world. It is made up of carnality, and flesh, Neither which can co-exist with the spirit, or (Spirit). God says that His children are in the world not of the world. In other words we have to live in this world with all of its immoral acts, profanity,and all of the other problems which the god of this world (Satan) has brought in here, but that is why God says to separate ourselves from the world. It is impossible to literally separate ourselves, but we don't have to act like "the world", we don't have to condone all of the immorality, greed, sexual games (people seem so casual about sex now, it's scary) whereas it used to be sacred. Something special between a man and woman. A "wedding gift" to each other per say. Now it's more like well I'm going to Joe's house for my exercise session. I won't be surprised if they legalize prostitution nation-wide before long. I've heard parents of 12 and 13 year old girls talking about getting their daughters birth control pills "just in case". This sickens me. Thinking about this brings to mind the "snactity of marriage, or the non-sanctity of it. People go into it with the idea oh well, if it doesn't work we can always get a divorce. WELL, DUH! It's like they expect it to fail, so why do it in the first place? Oh! so they won't be judged about the inimacy business without being married. Oops! Sorry! I didn't mean to get on my soapbox. What's bad is before I began my relationship with God, and started reading about what He expected from me and wanted FOR me, I was no angel. God Changed ME. Now, Back to the subject... if we plan to go to heaven, we need to do an inner search. We must take an inventory of our inner being. How liberal are we? I understand that some doctrines are more strict than others, but we all should look at ourselves and ask "if Jesus comes tonight" what will He see? Will He see a modestly dressed person, or a person with very short shorts? Will He see cleavage or a top that is cut high enough not to show what is not meant to be flaunted? What will He hear? Clean and respectful language coming out of ours and our children's mouths? I include our children because they learn what we live. We are their examples. If a mother wears loads of make-up, than her daughter more than likely watches her put it on and will learn to do it the same way. Same way with the dads and sons. We must be vigilant and be careful because we are not only responsible for our actions and souls, but if our children mimic us than by all rights we morally are responsible for their souls also. I know that each person will be accountable for their own actions when God judges us, but don't think for a minute that He doesn't notice why our children do what they do. I am sure He will take that into account as well.

Thank y'all for letting me vent. I just see so much carnage going on, and even though I know in my heart God is in control of our lives (if we're Christians), I also know it is also our choice how we choose to live. God Will Not Interfere unless we ask Him for help, and if we don't know His Word, or His wishes, how will we know what is right or wrong in His eyes? Thank you again.

Let's all take time to look at ourselves and do what is need to be welcomed into the "Holy of Holies, or in other words into the presence of God.

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Devotional:

The Old Testament tabernacle has three compartments. It consisted of an outer court, a second compartment called the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies, which was the interior chamber. Only the high priest could go into the Holy of Holies, for it contained the presence of God.

As humans we are tri-part beings with three compartments. We have a body, we have a soul, and we have a spirit. The Verse for tonight states that as long as we continue recognizing the outer portion, which is an analogy of our body and soul, then the way into the Holy of Holies, an analogy of our spirit, is not opened. In simple terms, this means that if we obey and cater to our flesh, we will never enjoy and dwell in the presence of God. for example, if I am angry I will not enjoy the presence of God.

Our fleshly parts will always make demands because the flesh is selfish and wants its own way, but we do not have to give in to those demands. We can simply say, "I do not recognize you any long; you have no authority over me." As we take this stand against giving in to the demands of the fleshly life, we are honoring God and made able to enjoy His presence. The message for today is easy: "Say no to self and yes to God." The bible says that we are dead to sin. Sin is not dead; it will always try to draw us in, but we can say no!

God's Word For You Tonight: Don't live the life of the flesh by catering to the appetites and impulses of your carnal nature.

Devotional taken from Joyce Meyer's "Hearing form God Each Morning".

Good Night and May God Bless!