Weekly Word of Faith 08 | Turning Back To Holiness
This week’s scripture: Nehemiah 9:1-3 – “On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth and putting dust on their heads. Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. They stood where they were and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for a quarter of the day and spent another quarter in confession and in worshiping the Lord their God.”
Holiness is a calling that requires intentionality. It is not merely about avoiding sin but living a life set apart for God, fully surrendered to His will. The Israelites in Nehemiah 9:1-3 demonstrated this beautifully by humbling themselves in fasting, confession, and worship, returning to God with repentant hearts. Turning back to holiness is about realigning our lives with God’s standard, allowing His Spirit to transform us from the inside out.
The Call to Holiness
Holiness means being consecrated—set apart for God’s purposes. In a world filled with distractions and compromises, it’s easy to drift away from this calling. The Israelites recognized this in their lives and took deliberate steps to return to God. They humbled themselves before Him, acknowledging their sins and the sins of their ancestors. Their actions remind us that turning back to holiness begins with humility and repentance.
Steps to Returning to Holiness
1.Confession: The Israelites openly confessed their sins and acknowledged how they had fallen short of God’s standard. Confession is an act of honesty before God that paves the way for restoration. As 1 John 1:9 assures us, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness.”
2.Separation: They separated themselves from influences that did not honor God. Similarly, we must examine our lives and remove anything that hinders our walk with Him (Hebrews 12:1).
3.Immersion in God’s Word: By dedicating themselves to the reading of the Law, the Israelites allowed God’s Word to renew their minds and guide their actions. Psalm 119:105 reminds us that His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.
4.Worship: Their time of confession culminated in worship, focusing their hearts on God’s greatness and grace. Worship reminds us of God’s holiness and our dependence on Him.
The Power of Repentance
Repentance is not just about feeling sorry for our sins; it’s about turning away from them and turning back to God. The Israelites’ fasting, sackcloth, and dust symbolized their deep sorrow for sin and desire to change. True repentance leads to transformation, as it restores our relationship with God and empowers us to walk in holiness.
Biblical Examples of Turning Back to Holiness
•David: After his sin with Bathsheba, David humbled himself in repentance, crying out to God for a clean heart and renewed spirit (Psalm 51:10).
•The Prodigal Son: The prodigal son’s return to his father represents the heart of repentance—leaving behind a life of sin to embrace the love and grace of God (Luke 15:17-24).
•Josiah: King Josiah led the nation of Judah back to holiness by rediscovering and obeying God’s Word, tearing down idols, and renewing the covenant with God (2 Kings 23:1-3).
Practical Ways to Turn Back to Holiness
1.Examine Your Heart: Regularly reflect on your life, asking God to reveal any areas where you’ve drifted from Him (Psalm 139:23-24).
2.Prioritize Prayer and Fasting: Like the Israelites, dedicate intentional time to seek God through prayer and fasting, inviting Him to renew your spirit.
3.Stay Grounded in Scripture: Spend time in God’s Word daily, allowing it to shape your thoughts and actions.
4.Embrace Accountability: Surround yourself with godly friends and mentors who will encourage and challenge you in your pursuit of holiness.
5.Commit to Obedience: Holiness is a daily decision to align your actions with God’s will. Commit to obeying Him even when it’s difficult or countercultural.
Reflection
Are there areas in your life where you need to return to holiness? What steps can you take this week to confess, separate yourself from distractions, and draw closer to God? Let this be a season of spiritual renewal as you surrender fully to Him.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, confessing the ways we have fallen short of Your standard. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that call us back to holiness. Help us to turn away from anything that hinders our walk with You and to align our lives with Your Word. Transform us from the inside out, and may our lives reflect Your holiness and love. We surrender to Your will and ask for Your strength to walk in obedience each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.