Monday Morning Encouragement -- Sanctified

 

"Sanctify them in the truth, Your word is truth." John 17:17


Before Jesus fulfilled His earthly mission by dying for our sins on the cross, He lifted up a prayer to the Father for His disciples and for those who would follow, namely ourselves. We find His prayer in John 17.


This is a beautiful, moving prayer, and of it Pastor David Guzik writes:

"Genuine prayer often reveals a person’s innermost being. John 17 is an unique opportunity to see the nature and heart of Jesus. In this prayer, Jesus will touch on many of themes developed in this Gospel: glory, glorify, sent, believe, world, love."


We find in verse 17 of this chapter that Jesus had a great concern for His followers, and a desire to see them "sanctified." That word "sanctified" means "set apart for God's service." And how would they and we be sanctified? By the truth of God's word; the truth of the Bible. 


"The more truth you believe, the more sanctified you will be. The operation of truth upon the mind is to separate a man from the world unto the service of God." (Charles Spurgeon)


We are living in a world that is very confused. These times are so much like what we find in the Book of Judges, "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes."  There is a great deception taking place, and if we aren't careful we will be deceived, too. Now more than ever we need the truth of God's word to guide us and transform us, for God's glory and for our good.


I pray today that each of us will open the scriptures daily and allow God's truth to penetrate our hearts and minds.


Today's music video Speak O Lord by Keith and Kristyn Getty is so beautiful, and it affirms what this devotional is about. May it minister to you, as it has to me.




I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.





21 comments

  1. We do that, don't we. Do what is right in our mind and not God's knowledge. It happens every day for me when I think I know better than others around me. I really know nothing. God is all knowing and loving and I must put my total faith in him.

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  2. Good morning Nancy! These thoughts are so true, that in order to really know and love the Lord, we must know and love His Word. How comforting to know that Jesus loves us so much that He cares about how we live! I know that things are falling into place, that God is in complete control as we live in this corrupt world. Personally, I find it kind of exciting because I know where my citizenship really lies. I will be meditating on this prayer today!

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    1. Knowing that God is in control allows me to sleep peacefully, Karen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!♥

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  3. Thank you for posting this scripture. I look forward to starting my week off with your posts.

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  4. "Everyone did what was right in his own eyes." If that is not a picture of what is going on in the world today I don't know what is . . . It just goes to show that sinfulness and be deceived is nothing new, but something we need to pray about and be on guard by knowing the truth through God's word. Thank you for another lovely eye opening Monday post.

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    1. Love it when you share your thoughts, Connie. Always blessed by your visits.♥

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  5. Thank you for this beautiful devotional. You are so right that the world is being deceived. It makes me so sad. What will our grandchildren know in the future. The Word of the Lord is being shouted down by the masses. I keep thinking of Jesus' words, "They know not what they do."
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Isn't it amazing that even as Jesus was suffering on the cross, He still cared enough for the lost to intercede with the Father on their behalf.♥

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  6. Good Tuesday morning! Thank you for the encouraging words. "Thy Word is truth"...let us not be like Pilate saying, 'what is truth?'

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  7. Thank you for lifting me up each Monday! Have a great week! Hugs....Marilyn

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  8. Oh My the words to that song are so meaningful. I've always loved it.

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  9. Grateful for sanctification. Love that song. Blessings!

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  10. Wonderful words of truth shared Nancy! May the Lord continue to guide us in all His truth, and not just the parts of it that we like. May we have faith to remain committed to the gospel and His kingdom despite the wickedness around us. What a beautiful study you share each Monday, so thankful for you! Blessings and hugs :)

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    1. Yes, we need the "whole counsel of the Word of God." Well said, Marilyn. xo

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  11. Beautiful words. Much needed words! I'm a musician and music speaks deep into my soul. Thank you for sharing this marvelous prayer-song. It is a prayer that I need to pray daily.
    ~Adrienne~

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