***Listen To Audio Version: Set Apart Audio 611
Today’s Devotional Scripture: “But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when he calleth unto him.”
Psalm 4:3 KJV
The Message For Today (August 9, 2026):
***Listen To Audio Version: Set Apart Audio 611
In a recent dream, Jesus spoke two words to me, then He showed me a piece of paper with the same two words written in all capital letters.
SET APART
That was it. There was no long explanation, just a clear instruction that carried the weight, not just of His voice, but the command or decree of a King.
When a King says or declares something, it is not a suggestion; it is a command and it is expected that the people will carry out the command.
Even more weight is given when the King writes it.
Once written, it is now considered a “Royal Decree” which means it is established and firmly decided as an official order or command that must be carried out.
Jesus declared and decreed in writing two words: SET APART.
What does it mean to be set apart?
To be set apart means to be consecrated, dedicated, marked for a specific purpose, and reserved for God.
This is something that shows up throughout the Bible. God sets apart times and seasons. He sets apart places, and He sets apart people.
Leviticus 23:4 says, “These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.” (KJV)
God placed appointed (or set apart) times on His calendar and called them holy.
These seasons were intentionally set apart to remind His people of who He is, what He has done, and how they were called to live in relationship with Him.
Right now, we are standing at the threshold of one of those significant times…. a specific set of dates that God has set apart for a specific purpose.
A Set Apart Time Is Here
In just a few days from this writing, on August 13, 2026, the Hebrew month of Elul begins. Elul is the last month on the Hebrew calendar, a 29-day period leading up to the 10 Days of Awe.
This 10-day period between Rosh Hashanah (the new year) through Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement) is considered to be the holiest time of the year.
It’s a time God (The King) has set apart to be most attentive and closest to His people.
In Hebrew tradition, the month of Elul is set aside to prepare the heart for these High Holy days, by doing a spiritual audit…much like a business would do an annual audit of their books.
This is a whole month dedicated to deep self-reflection, prayer, and repentance, and deep heart work. A time to examine the heart, restore what has been neglected, and return to God.
What Does This Have To Do With Christians?
Now, as Christians, we are under no obligation biblically to do this. There is no command in the New Testament requiring the observance of Elul.
We have been atoned for already through the blood of Jesus.
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Hebrews 10:10 KJV
So we do not “have to” do this in order to gain forgiveness, love, or acceptance from God. This is not a religious act or Christian duty. Through Christ, we have already been redeemed and accepted.
There is, however, great value to be found in having awareness around the biblically appointed times and seasons on God’s calendar, so we can partner with God in what He is doing now in the Spirit.
In many ways, this is something we as Christians should already be practicing on a regular basis anyway…
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 KJV
A healthier perspective then is, we don’t “have to,” rather we “get to.” Partnering with God in this season that He has already set apart as sacred opens us up for a new and expanded connection with Him.
These “set apart times” have a different level of grace and intimacy on them. Elul is a season where God is calling us into a deeper and more intimate setting with Him.
The King Is In The Field
Elul has traditionally been associated with the phrase, “The King is in the field.”
The idea presented here paints a beautiful picture of the king leaving the palace and making himself accessible to the people in the fields where they live and work.
In the palace, things are formal and official. In the fields, they are more personal and intimate.
For followers of Jesus, this serves as a reminder for us. Through Christ, we have already been invited to draw near to our King. He meets us in the ordinary fields of our lives every day.
But during this season, just as in my dream, He is asking us to set apart time to come closer, to draw nearer (James 4:8).
He is inviting us to slow down and listen, to look honestly at our hearts, relationships, stewardship, and our assignments with Him.
He has set apart time on His calendar for us, and He is calling us to set apart time with Him on ours.
Elul gives us an opportunity to put everything on the table and ask:
“Okay, God, what do we need to fix here? What do we need to do more of? What do we need to let go? Who do we need to forgive? What do we need to make right?”
It’s a time to search our hearts with Him and get things in order. Balancing the books, so we are properly positioned for the new blessings and assignments He wants to bring us in the new year.
It’s a time to get rid of what no longer serves us and let go of old things so we can step into new things.
This is not a search for reasons to step into condemnation, guilt, or shame. It is an invitation to notice where we are flourishing, where we may have drifted, and where greater alignment is needed.
“If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21
That is the heart of this invitation.
God is asking us to be set apart during this special season because He wants to prepare us for what comes next.
When Jesus spoke the words SET APART, they had a multi-dimensional meaning. Set apart from and set apart for.
God sets us apart FROM something so He can set us apart FOR something.
What is God asking you to set yourself apart from in this season?
And, what is he setting you apart for in the season ahead?
The King is in the field. He wants to meet with you. Will you respond to His invitation?
Here’s how you can respond:
Ask:
What would it look like to intentionally be set apart this season to meet with God? What areas of your life need to be evaluated?
Decide:
Everything is on the table; nothing is off limits for God to talk with you about in this special season. Be prepared and willing to respond to what He shows you.
Set Apart Time:
Choose a consistent time and place during this special season to meet with God. Put away the distractions, slow down, and create room to hear what He is saying.
Closing Devotional Prayer
My Prayer For You:
Father, thank You for setting apart this time and inviting us to meet with You. Reveal where there has been drift, neglect, or misalignment in our lives. Give us grace to slow down, lean in, and partner with what You are doing right now. Search our hearts and show us any areas that need attention. Help us balance the books of our lives in this season. Cleanse our hearts, restore what has been neglected, and prepare us for every good work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by our Sunday Writer Dr Krista Abbott
P.S. If this invitation is stirring something in your heart, the free Meet the King Challenge will help you intentionally set apart this season to meet with God, complete a spiritual audit, and prepare for where He wants to take you next. Tap the image below or tap this link to learn more: MeetTheKingChallenge.com.
