Sunday, February 28 Read
Many followers of Jesus have a “life verse.” This is a verse from Scripture they turn to as the overarching truth or principle by which they live their lives in the power of the Holy Spirit. Colossians 3:17 is mine: And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. The key word in the verse is “do.” Some form of it occurs three times in this brief statement. All my life, since I was twelve and committed my life to Jesus, my goal has been to DO what He wants of me, to become more like Him in thought, word and action. Sometimes I have failed miserably---I mean MISERABLY. Sometimes God has used me in powerful ways in other people’s lives. The determining factor in whether what I do, in word or deed, IS done in the name of the Lord Jesus has very little to do with me. The determining factor is the Holy Spirit. When I give Him reign in my life, then I can succeed at doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. When I give the Holy Spirit control my thoughts, words, and actions reflect Jesus. The decision I have in every situation and in every moment of my life is whether to live in/by the Spirit (in which case I'm not under the Law, as we read in Galatians) or in my own power. The times when I have failed miserably have been when I have been in charge of my life. As I have matured in Jesus (and I still am maturing in Jesus!), I have been learning that if I want to live out Colossians 3:17 it’s simple—not easy, but simple. Just turn over control to God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit and it happens. My prayer for you and me today is that we will take the simple step of deciding to let God live through us, so others will see Him in us and be drawn to Him, too!
Heavenly Father, Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to live in us so we may, indeed, think, speak and act in ways that glorify You, and demonstrate our thanks for Your presence in us. Use us today in every way to draw people to Yourself. This I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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