Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Read Leviticus 7-9. In Lev. 8:10, Moses took olive oil and anointed the Tabernacle and everything in it. This was to “consecrate” it. Some translations read “make it holy” (NLT). Others read “dedicate it” (GW). Still another uses the word “sanctify” (KJV).
No matter what the definition, the meaning is the same. God sets us apart for His use and purposes. That’s HIS part in our sanctification. Our part has to do with our thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Our mind is our intellect and reveals our thinking. Our thoughts need to be pure and fixed on the things of God. Next, our emotions reveal how we feel. We can’t let our emotions get the best of us. Lashing out in anger or saying something hurtful to someone before stopping to think about it is sinful. Last, our will has to do with choice and action. How we think and feel about God will always be reflected in our actions and words. Do we help others? Do we say only things that are uplifting and beneficial to others? Do we make sure our plans and actions are aligned with God’s?
Genuine sanctification is to align those three parts of our spirits so that God is glorified in our thoughts, feelings, and actions. We must separate ourselves from evil and any influences that would rival our affection for God. When we work together with Him, He will empower and enable us to accomplish what He wants us to do. Jehovah M’Kaddesh = the Lord Who sanctifies.
In your journal, write every instance when you said something you shouldn’t have, thought about something you shouldn’t have, or acted against God’s will.
Next, write an apology to God and ask for His forgiveness. Last, pray for His sanctification.
Pray: Jehovah M’Kaddesh (me-kah-desh), the Lord Who Sanctifies, help me to bring my thoughts and feelings under the control of the Holy Spirit so that I might take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Help me to remember always that my feelings can mislead and to bring them under Your control as well. Lord, may the way that live my life, my thoughts, my words, and my actions bring You glory. Sanctify me for Your purposes today.
