SEPTEMBER 10 - Straight Talk and Sacred Living
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 23:13–14; Leviticus 20–22
3-Year Bible Devotional Book Available on Amazon.
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“Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.” — Proverbs 23:13–14
“Consecrate yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God.” — Leviticus 20:7
“You shall not profane my holy name, that I may be sanctified among the people of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you.” — Leviticus 22:32
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Let’s be honest—discipline and holiness aren’t exactly the most exciting topics. In fact, they can feel a little... intense. When someone talks about rules or correction, it's easy to zone out or push back. But God doesn’t call us to a boring or restrictive life—He calls us to something greater. In Proverbs 23:13–14, discipline is seen not as punishment, but as protection.
And in Leviticus 20–22, God lays out what it means to be set apart—holy—because He is holy. That’s not about being perfect, but about belonging to Him and living differently in a way that reflects His character.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Discipline is love: When has a hard truth or correction actually helped you? God uses correction not to shame us, but to shape us—because He cares too much to leave us stuck in harmful habits.
2. Holy means set apart: God isn’t calling you to fit in—He’s calling you to stand out. What’s one way your choices, words, or actions can reflect God’s holiness today?
3. God does the sanctifying: Leviticus reminds us that it’s God who makes us holy. You don’t have to “earn” your way to being enough. Trust that He’s working in you, even when you feel like you fall short.
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BOTTOM LINE
God’s correction and His call to holiness are acts of love. He disciplines to protect us and sets us apart for a greater purpose—so we can live in a way that honors Him and draws others to His goodness.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me enough to correct me when I need it and for calling me to a life that’s set apart. Help me to see discipline as Your care, not condemnation, and to trust that You are making me holy through Your Spirit. Teach me to live in a way that reflects who You are. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
