Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, July 23:
Sanctification is not drawing from Jesus the power to be holy; it is drawing from Jesus that holiness that was manifested in Him, and He manifests in me. Sanctification is an impartation, not an imitation.
-So when I’m like Jesus, it’s not of my own power. I can see this. There are few times that I can be as loving as I am on my own–I know how hard my heart is and how stiff-necked I can be. And there are times when I don’t know how it happens, but I’m actually nice, kind, and show mercy to someone who–if I did what I thought I should do–would have got completely opposite treatment.
HUGE truth bomb coming up. Ready?
Hosea 14:9
Let whoever is wise understand these things,
and whoever is insightful recognize them.
For the ways of the Lord are right,
and the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.
The secret of life, thank You, Lord!
This is one of the verses that should be taught first thing, reiterated over and over. This is a key to everything! Why do we hear so little of Hosea! The insight of the words given him were amazing, helpful, and direct! Everyone should read Hosea!
P.S. There are a few verses that I have “The Secret of Life” title attached to. Hosea 14:9 is a great overview, summary, whatever of the way to live: If you want to walk upright, walk in the ways of the Lord–follow Jesus’s commands–otherwise you will stumble.