Practical Holiness

Today we just got back from the memorial service of Michael Alan Stevens...He received the Lord weeks before his death...but he exemplified genuine faith. He no longer had the time to exercise any of the virtues of holiness for any length of time...but he left a legacy for his children that will be remembered...a legacy of grace!

Lois was reading from a book by J.C. Ryle...and when I picked it up...I started reading chapter 8

"By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with hte people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward." (Hebrews 11:24-26)

selected excerpts:


I will speak of what Moses gave up and refused.

1. He gave up rank and greatness
2. He refused pleasure
3. He refused riches

I will speak of what Moses chose.

1. He chose suffering and affliction.
2. He chose the company of a despised people.
3. He chose reproach and scorn.

He was not obliged to choose as he did. None compelled him to take such a course. The things he took up did not force themselves upon himagainst his will. He went after them; they did not come after him. All that he did, he did of his own free choice--voluntarily, and of his own accord.

Let me speak of the principle which moved Moses, and made him do as he did.

1. He believed that God would keep His promises.
2. He believed that with God nothing was impossible.
3. He believed that God was all wise.
4. He believed that God was all merciful.
5. Faith was a telescope to Moses. It made him see the land afar off--rest,peace, and victory, when dim-sighted reason could only see trial and bareness, storm and tempest, weariness and pain.
6. Faith was an interpreter to Moses.

Some practical lessons

"What has all this to do with us?" some men will say. "We do not live in Egypt, we have seen no miracles, we are not Israelites, we are weary of the subject."

• If you would ever be saved, you must make the choice that Moses made--you must choose God before the world.
• Nothing will ever enable you to choose God before the world, except faith.
• The true reason why so many are worldly and ungodly persons is that they have no faith.
• The true secret of doing great things for God is to have great faith.

If you...desire to be a thoroughly holy man, begin to act on your belief. Take Moses for your example. Walk in his steps. Go and do likewise.