During
these End Times, there are more false teachers than ever before. Their
unorthodox teachings are cutting through the fabric of mainline denominations,
who are abandoning the Truth of God's Word in favor of political correctness,
seducing spirits, doctrines of demons, and humanistic fables (1 Timothy 4:1).
This
gives Pastors and church leaders the responsibility of teaching the
conservative truth of Biblical Christianity. New Believers do not instantly
walk in their potential as sanctified Saints who are a new creation (2
Corinthians 5:17). The Holy Spirit perfects us over the years by renewing our
mind with the mind of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
We
commence this process by repenting of our sins, and accepting Jesus as our only
way of salvation, and our only means of attaining eternal life. We gradually
mature spiritually and become complete in Christ (Colossians 2:10).
There
is nothing that can happen to us during our lifetime that does not first go through
God's gracious hands. Even if we cause some mishap to occur by the lusts of our
flesh, the deceitfulness of riches, or the philosophy of this world, God will
still work through it to perfect us.
Every
task that God calls us to perform is our opportunity to allow Christ to work in
us and through us. He gives us His supernatural power to accomplish His will
for our life (Colossains 1:29). We are inspired and invigorated by God's Spirit
within us (1 Corinthians 3:16; Philippians 2:12-13).
God's
Spirit conforms us to the image of Jesus - free of blame, and holy and
unblemished - bringing many adopted children from glory to glory (Zechariah
4:6; Ephesians 3:7; Philippians 4:13, 19). We are filled with Christ, under His
guidance, and willingly submitted to His control each moment of our day.
Prayer:
Father
God, we are controlled in this life by circumstances, or by the will of our
flesh and the devil, or by Your Holy Spirit, or by all three at various times
and places. Remind us that this is our choice. Fill us so full of Your Holy
Spirit that we exhibit the life of Christ to the world around us (Galatians
2:20). We want to walk in Your spiritual fruit, guided and directed by Your
perfect plans for our life.
Help
us to decrease, so that Christ in us can increase. We want Him to serve as our
eyes, hands, feet, thoughts, emotions and behavior, as we conduct the ministry
of reconciliation of sinners to Christ. We willingly submit our life to Your
control. Teach us how to lift Jesus up, so He can draw everyone to Himself
(John 12:32). Use us as You desire, and allow us to see the spiritual fruit of
our labors.
Thought
for the Day:
Christ
in us inspires us to encourage our fellow Saints in times of stress, to comfort
each other through times of grief, and to instruct one another in Biblical
Truth through His love, power, wisdom, compassion, and inspiration within us.
-
Galatians 5:22-23
