Beauty of His Holiness!

 Over the last few days the call to "holiness" has emerged as a theme in the Spirit of the Lord. This cry for "Holiness" seems to frighten many into the cold waters of their recalled legalistic bondages, so I want to bring a word of peace this morning.Only in God's Amazing Grace are any of us allowed to stand in the very "Presence" of God! That Grace is all that we ever need, it is "sufficient" --- more than enough!!!! And yet Grace does not merely allow us to stay the way we "are"!!!! For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:11-14NIV)Christian holiness can no longer be considered a matter purely of individual and isolated acts of virtue. It must be seen also as part of a great collaborative effort for spiritual and cultural renewal in society, to produce conditions in which all can work and enjoy the just fruits of their labor in peace. (Thomas Merton, Prayer Book, 75)The real job is to lay the groundwork for a deep change of heart on the part of the whole nation so that one day it can really go through the metanoia we need for a peaceful world.I AM CRY OUT TO GOD FOR THE "BEAUTY OF HIS HOLINESS"! This Holiness is made known and experienced in the generosity of His Grace. A Grace that teaches to say "No" to the all that is ungodly!HOLY HOLY HOLY.....