I can’t think of a better way to wrap up a month of sharing new books to feed our hearts and souls by turning our attention to God’s holiness. Author Kathy Howard is a partner in ministry, and I share her resources with confidence they are carefully and prayerfully researched and written. We’ve been writing online Bible study material together for 4 years next week! To close this month of good reads, I invited Kathy to share about her newest title, Embraced by Holiness. It will be available for purchase on June 2nd (THIS Monday!), so you’re getting a sneak peek!
Me being EMBRACED by Kathy! 😉
How relevant is holiness? It isn’t exactly a topic you hear about from the booth behind you at Panera. What difference does it make if we leave holiness to the church staff of embrace it personally? Kathy answers with an illustration close to home … actually, close to HER home. Welcome Kathy!
Embraced by Holiness
Our neighbors are building a fence. They moved in several months ago, but until recently the property line between our driveway and their backyard was wide-open. I knew when the dad played catch with his three sons and I could enjoy the beautiful landscaping around their patio.
But all that began to change when I left town for a quick trip. The first thing I noticed when I returned was the sturdy wooden posts firmly planted in the ground every few feet along the property line. Within days, cedar fencing replaced the unobstructed view into my neighbors’ yard.
I’m not against suburban fences. This one will benefit them and us. But watching that physical fence go up reminded me of other kind of fences we tend to build, particularly between ourselves and God. Our heavenly Father longs for intimate fellowship with us. He invites us to know Him fully and deeply. Yet a lack of holiness in our lives erects a barrier.
“Holy” defines God’s divine nature. In His holiness, He remains separate from everything sinful. Therefore, to experience deep intimacy with God we must share in His holiness. God longs to draw us close, so He calls us to live holy lives. Because God is holy, He calls His children to holiness. This call to holiness is also an invitation to draw close to the Holy One.
“LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous” (Psalm 15:1-2a)
Do you long for deeper intimacy with your heavenly Father? According to Scripture, a close connection exist
s between living a holy life and experiencing God’s presence. Sin builds barriers and creates distance between each of us and God. Holiness breaks down barriers and moves us ever closer.
Sweet believer, let’s tear down that fence!
Do you long to be embraced by the Holy One? A pursuit of holiness is a pursuit of God Himself. Embraced by Holiness: The Path to God’s Daily Presence, by Kathy Howard, can help you on this journey. This new 6-week, interactive study practically explores why believers should pursue holiness and how living a holy life will draw us into the circle of our holy God’s loving embrace. AVAILABLE June 2nd!
About Kathy:
Kathy Howard writes to have something to do while drinking coffee and eating chocolate. The author of 6 books, Kathy helps women live an unshakeable faith for life by encouraging them to stand firm on our rock-solid God no matter the circumstances. Find out about her Bible studies and get discipleship and leader helps at her website: www.kathyhoward.org
Julie, thank you for sharing about “Embraced by Holiness” on your blog today. I am honored to be a guest here today and I treasure our friendship!
I’m excited to read and share EH! Thank you so much for sharing.
Kathy, I am so looking forward to receiving and reading, Embraced by Holiness. Love your idea of fences, they can be used to keep things out or keep things in. Rejection or protection. Thanks for the challenge to re-exam the spiritual barriers I have put into place.
Well said, Lori. I like this visual too, and it’s a great prompt for examination.