“The devil said…”

Scripture:

Luke 4:3-4 The devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." (4) And Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone.'"

Observation:

Satan may tempt us to doubt Christ's true identity. He knows that once we begin to question whether or not Jesus is God, it's far easier to get us to do what he wants. Times of questioning can help us sort out our beliefs and strengthen our faith, but those times can also be dangerous. If you are dealing with doubt, be aware that you are especially vulnerable to temptation. Even as you search for answers, protect yourself by meditating on the unshakable truths of God's Word.

Sometimes what we are tempted to do isn't wrong in itself. Turning a stone into bread wasn't necessarily bad. The sin was not in the act but in the reason behind it. The devil was trying to get Jesus to take a shortcut, to solve Jesus' immediate problem at the expense of his long-range goals, to seek comfort at the sacrifice of his discipline. Satan often works that way-persuading us to take action, even right action, for the wrong reason or at the wrong time. The fact that something is not wrong in itself does not mean that it is good for you at a given time. Many people sin by attempting to fulfill legitimate desires outside of God's will or ahead of his timetable. First ask: Is the Holy Spirit leading me to do this or is Satan trying to get me off the track?

Often we are tempted not through our weaknesses, but through our strengths. The devil tempted Jesus where he was strong. Jesus had power over stones, the kingdoms of the world, and even angels, and Satan wanted him to use that power without regard for his mission. When we give in to the devil and wrongly use our strengths, we become proud and self-reliant. Trusting in our own powers, we feel little need of God. To avoid this trap, we must realize that all our strengths are God's gifts to us, and we must dedicate those strengths to his service.

Application:

As I read this verse yesterday, then again this morning the phrase, "the devil said to Him" jumped off of the page at me. I am very much aware that the Holy Spirit is talking:

Revelation 2:7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.'

I know that Jesus is talking:

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

But sometimes I forget that the devil is talking as well. The obvious question is "who am I listening and responding to?" Jesus responded with the Word of God, "It is written"

In our verse for today, the devil spoke to Jesus and tried to raise questions as to who Jesus really was. "If you are the really the Son of God..."

There are some today that the enemy whispers into their ears: if God loved you, you wouldn't be going through this battle; if you were special to God, things would be better in your life; if God cared, you would have already been through this storm in your life; if there really IS a God, He is too busy to worry Himself with someone like YOU.

And the lies and whispers of the devil go on and on. IF, IF, IF...

My friend, we need today to fine tune who we are listening to. We need to memorize God's Word, hide it in our heart and speak it forth when the enemy begins his speaking. I promise you he is speaking to you know. He will speak throughout today...but so will the Holy Spirit of God. Why not memorize Revelation 2:7 and John 10:27 then declare it out "it is written..." when the devil speaks into your life.

You ARE more than a conqueror. You ARE the apple of His eye. You WERE chosen by Him. You ARE His possession. You ARE declared righteous, sanctified and justified if you have accepted the blood of Jesus to cover your sins and past. You WILL make it through this valley victoriously. You CAN know the voice of Jesus. You WILL know the voice of the Holy Spirit as you develop and fine tune your ear towards Him. You ARE dead unto sin. Your life IS hidden with Christ. You ARE a new creation in Christ. You are the Sheep of HIS pasture. He WILL walk with you through whatever deep, dark valley you are in. You ARE NEVER alone, for Jesus promised to never leave you nor forsake you. You ARE NOT forgotten by the Lord. You ARE inscribed on the palms of His hands. You ARE protected against any weapon that is formed against you. You ARE more than a conqueror. God IS FOR YOU! And since God is for you, who or what can be against you?

I could go on and, but suffice it to say, the devil is talking...but so is the Spirit of God. Remember the devil always gets you to question God and His goodness and leads you FROM worship of God. The Spirit of God always reminds you of God's goodness and leads you TOWARDS worship of Him.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for reminding me that You are speaking to me. But so is the devil. I must make up my mind to hear the voice of the Spirit and rebuke and fight off the voice of the enemy. He is a liar and the father of lies. Help me to distinguish between truth and deception today. In Jesus name, amen!"

Led by the Spirit into…the Wilderness??

Scripture:

Luke 4:1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness

Observation:

Sometimes we feel that if the Holy Spirit leads us, it will always be "beside peaceful streams" (Psalm 23:2). But that is not necessarily true. He led Jesus into the wilderness for a long and difficult time of testing, and he may also lead us into difficult situations. When facing trials, first make sure you haven't brought them on yourself through sin or unwise choices. If you find no sin to confess or unwise behavior to change, then ask God to strengthen you for your test. Finally, be careful to follow faithfully wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

The devil, who tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, also tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Satan is a real being, a created but rebellious fallen angel, and not a symbol or an idea. He constantly fights against God and those who follow and obey God. Jesus was a prime target for the devil's temptations. Satan had succeeded with Adam and Eve, and he hoped to succeed with Jesus as well.

Knowing and obeying God's Word is an effective weapon against temptation, the only offensive weapon provided in the Christian's "armor" (Eph_6:17). Jesus used Scripture to counter Satan's attacks, and so should we. But to use it effectively, we must have faith in God's promises because Satan also knows Scripture and is adept at twisting it to suit his purposes. Obeying the Scriptures is more important than simply having a verse to quote, so read them daily and apply them to your life. Then your "sword" will always be sharp.

Application:

Are you in a wilderness today? A dry season in your life? Have about a storm that is brewing? Then read these words from Mark 6:46-51: "the boat was in the middle of the sea; and He was alone on the land. Then He saw them straining at rowing, for the wind was against them. Now about the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed them by. And when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a ghost, and cried out… But immediately He talked with them and said to them… 'It is I; do not be afraid.' Then He went up into the boat to them, and the wind ceased".

There are four lessons here for us:

1) It's when we feel most separated from God, that He's teaching us the most.

Dave Dravecky said, "Looking back… I have learned that the wilderness is part of the landscape of faith, and every bit as essential as the mountaintop. On the mountaintop we are overwhelmed by God's presence. In the wilderness we are overwhelmed by His absence. Both places should bring us to our knees; the one, in utter awe; the other, in utter dependence."

2) God doesn't show up early. Usually He comes in the worst part of the storm when you think you can't take any more - but He will always be on time.

3) God takes us through different storms, revealing more of Himself to us in each one. Otherwise there are aspects of His character, and divine strategies we'd never understand.

4) God's presence alone should be enough for us in any storm. The moment He shows up and says, 'It is I,' our every fear should be calmed.

Prayer:

"Lord, it's difficult to believe and understand that I am often in a wilderness experience because the "Spirit led me" there. I have been reminded today that the wilderness brings me face to face with Your Word and Your sovereignty. I reaffirm my trust in you. Even though there are things I don't understand, when I can't trace Your hand, I will trust Your heart. In Jesus' name, amen!"

Transformed

Scripture:

Romans 12:2 (TM) Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Romans 12:2 (ESV) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Observation:

God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for his children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey him. Because he wants only what is best for us, and because he gave his Son to make our new life possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for his service.

Paul warned Christians: "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world" that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Wise Christians decide that much worldly behavior is off-limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than just behavior and customs; it must be firmly planted in our mind: "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think." It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. Only when the Holy Spirit renews, reeducates, and redirects our mind are we truly transformed.

Application:

The Greek word for transformed - metamorphosis - is used today to describe the amazing change a caterpillar goes through in becoming a butterfly. And it's a beautiful picture of what happens to us when we allow God to direct our thoughts. As we take on the beauty of Christ's character, we're set free to soar to new heights.

Are you wrestling with a certain problem thinking, "If I could just get beyond this, everything would be okay." Sorry to disappoint you, but when you've conquered this particular problem, God will reveal something else that needs to be dealt with. Relax, you're always going to be working on something!

Change doesn't come through human effort without God, frustration, self-rejection, guilt or the white knuckling works of the flesh. No, change comes as a result of having your mind renewed daily by the Word of God. As you agree with God, believing that what He says is true, change automatically begins. You start to think differently, then talk differently and finally act differently. Be patient with yourself: it's a process that develops in stages.

Would you think there was something wrong with your child because they couldn't walk perfectly the first few tries? No, you're delighted each time they take another step. When they fall you pick them up, comfort them, bandage them if necessary, encourage them to try again, and keep working with them. Do you think God does less for His children?

God's not angry with you because you haven't 'arrived', He's pleased that you're pressing on, trying to stay on the path. It's God's job to "cause [you] to… be governed by the Holy Spirit" (2 Corinthians 3:8 AMP). If you could do it by yourself you wouldn't need God! So instead of driving yourself harder and harder, start leaning on God more and more!

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you that you are changing me through Your Word. I am be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Thank you for that change. It isn't always comfortable, but it is always beneficial. I yield to Your Holy Spirit today, in Jesus' name, amen"

Don’t be a PORCUPINE

Scripture:

James 3:18 (TM) You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

James 3:18 (NIV) Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Observation:

Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise but who acted foolishly? True wisdom can be measured by a person's character. Just as you can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can evaluate your wisdom by the way you act. Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the fire of discord? Careful, winsome speech and wise, loving words are the seeds of peace. God loves peacemakers (Matthew 5:9).

Application:

Unlike creatures who travel in packs, porcupines travel solo. When they encounter other animals they respond by withdrawing, or using their quills to attack. Once their deadly quills become embedded the wounds fester, causing suffering, even death. Now porcupines don't necessarily want to be alone, they just don't know how to get close without hurting others or themselves.

Sound familiar? If so it's not surprising, because as human beings we employ attack and withdrawal strategies every day. We each have our own set of quills; things like: gossip, anger, pride, competitiveness, insensitivity, greed and control, to name just a few. By aiming them at others, we damage relationships, hurt people and end up lonely. Now, while it's not always easy, porcupines want to be able to get along together if only to ensure future generations. Their only other option is extinction. The same goes for us too!

Dr Robert Oppenheimer, the noted physicist who masterminded the first atomic bomb, was asked by a Congressional committee if there was any defence against it. Addressing a hushed audience, Oppenheimer replied, "Yes. Peace!" Now think, if peace can diffuse an atomic bomb, what can it do in the lives of the people you come in contact with? The Bible says, "Peacemakers… plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness" (James 3:18). All around you are frightened, despairing, lonely people, desperately needing 'a word of peace'. Do you have one?

If you want to experience your own miracle today, try planting a seed of encouragement in the heart of somebody who's ready to throw in the towel. Speak a word of peace to that person whose life is in turmoil because of family problems, health issues or financial hardship. Anytime you 'plant seeds of peace', you schedule a harvest of hope, love and joy in the life of that person - and your own life too!

Paul writes: "Live in harmony with each other. Don't try to act important … enjoy the company of ordinary people" (Romans 12:16). It matters to God how you get along with your family, your neighbours and your co-workers. The Bible says: "Give more honour to others than to yourselves. Do not be interested only in your own life, but be interested in the lives of others" (Philippians 2:3-4). And James writes: "Do the hard work of getting along." Come on, you've got to work at it! Pull in your quills today and ask God to help you build loving relationships with the other porcupines that share your space!

Prayer:

"Lord, I realize that I can act like a porcupine at times. Please help me today to be aware when my "quills" are out and keeping me from getting close to anyone. I want to be clothed in kindness and humility. I want to be a peace maker. To do this, I need your help. In Jesus' name, amen!"

Umbilical Cord of Unforgiveness

Scripture:

Colossians 3:12-13 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. (13) Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.

Observation:

What does it mean to put on your new nature? It means that your conduct should match your faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like it. To be a Christian means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions. This is a straightforward step that is as simple as putting on your clothes. You must rid yourself of all evil practices and immorality. Then you can commit yourself to what Christ teaches. If you have made such a commitment to Christ, are you remaining true to it? What old clothes do you need to strip off?

Every Christian is in a continuing education program. The more we know of Christ and his work, the more we are being changed to be like him. Because this process is lifelong, we must never stop learning and obeying. There is no justification for drifting along, but there is an incentive to find the rich treasures of growing in him. It takes practice, ongoing review, patience, and concentration to keep in line with his will.

Application:

Are you refusing to forgive your child for something that isn't half as bad as some of the stuff you've done? Forgive them, or you'll never be free to enjoy the relationship God wants you to have with them. Are you struggling with a parent who abandoned or abused you? Forgive them and release them; otherwise you'll spend all your emotional energy keeping them in the prison of your resentment. Think what that will do to you! Whatever you don't forgive, you're destined to repeat! When you harbour bitterness, it causes you to keep striking out at others, and in the process, robs you of the joy of loving and being loved. What a loss!

You're tied to the past through the umbilical cord of unforgiveness. When you forgive, you cut that cord. When you refuse to, you remain tied to a memory that can hurt you for the rest of your life. That's how issues pass from generation to generation. Rise up today and say, "It ends now, and it ends with me!"

Learn how to receive forgiveness from God and also from those you have hurt. Then, offer that same forgiveness to those who have hurt you. When you can do that, your heart will be tender, your spirit light, your mind free, your vision clear and your speech filled with kindness. What a way to live!

A group of doctors was asked which emotions cause the most physical illness. Their answer was "anger and unforgiveness," because over time they release deadly toxins into your body. That's why Paul says, "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Ephesians 4:26). So, when you've been treated unfairly what should you do? Take these 4 steps:

Confront. There's a right time, place and way to do this. Before you do, pray and ask God to guide your thoughts and your words. Then say what's in your heart in a low-key, non-judgmental way. After that, leave the rest to God; He'll do a better job of changing things than you will.

Release it. Not only does God require us to forgive each other, He gives us the grace to do it. You may let someone off your hook but that doesn't mean they're off God's! He'll deal with them the right way and bring about the right result - something you can't do.

Remember how often God forgives you. Paul says, "Forgive… as the Lord forgave you." When you're tempted to lick your wounds or lash out, recall the price Jesus paid to take away your sins. Looking through those eyeglasses will help you to forgive anybody.

Pray for the offender. Forgiveness means refusing to let the wrongdoer keep on hurting you. God said, "Pray for those who hurt you" (Matthew 5:44). Without showing mercy, life becomes an endless cycle of resentment and retaliation. But as you walk in love, you experience freedom.

Prayer:

"Lord, thank you for reminding me of the importance of forgiveness. When I choose to forgive, I am making a decision to stop poisoning my spirit man. There are those who have wronged me, but I am so tired of being tied to my past through the "umbilical cord of unforgiveness." My prayer today is that I will 'dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. (13) Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you.' I will live this way today. In Jesus' name, amen!"

Get RID OF…

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:26-31 "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, (27) and do not give the devil a foothold. (28) He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need. (29) Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (30) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (31) Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Observation:

The Bible doesn't tell us that we shouldn't feel angry, but it points out that it is important to handle our anger properly. If vented thoughtlessly, anger can hurt others and destroy relationships. If bottled up inside, it can cause us to become bitter and destroy us from within. Paul tells us to deal with our anger immediately in a way that builds relationships rather than destroys them. If we nurse our anger, we will give the devil an opportunity to divide us. Are you angry with someone right now? What can you do to resolve your differences? Don't let the day end before you begin to work on mending your relationship.

We can bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by the way we live. Paul warns us against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, harsh words, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead of acting that way, we should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven us. Are you bringing sorrow or pleasing God with your attitudes and actions? Act in love toward your brothers and sisters in Christ, just as God acted in love by sending his Son to die for your sins.

Application:

This passage has always been very challenging to me. It deals with the three "Do Not's" of anger: Do not SIN in your anger; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry with a person; do not give the devil a foothold. Then it goes on to talk about the change that MUST come when you give your life to Jesus. When you become a new creature in Christ. You don't just "dress up" your old life, or put "lipstick on a caterpillar" (See yesterday's blog). You die to your old life and way of doing things. I act different, I talk different, the purpose of my words are different. I have a deep awareness that I can grieve the precious Holy Spirit of God.

Verse 31 spoke deeply in to my heart this morning. "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." There are some things in my life that I need to GET RID OF.

I need to get rid of anger. It will only make me a bitter, revengeful, fruitless person. Listen, "Neither give place to the devil" (Ephesians 4:27). The first territory the enemy wants to take is your home, because that's the seat of your power. Don't let him! "But I've reason to be angry," you say. So did Joseph. Yet he fed those who imprisoned him and blessed those who betrayed him. In so doing, he was set free from his anger. Later when he had two sons, he called the first Manasseh, meaning, "God has made me forget all my troubles." (Genesis 41:51). Would Joseph have become great if he'd gone back to seek revenge? No! He fulfilled his destiny and enjoyed God's favour, because he controlled his emotions. He called his second son Ephraim, meaning "God has made me fruitful in this land of my suffering" (Genesis 41:52). Your anger will subside when you start to see, that in spite of all you've been through, God has continued to bless you.

I need to get rid of unforgiveness and bitterness. If I do not forgive, I will become bitter. You see without forgiveness, bitterness is all that's left! There comes a point at which anger is no longer just an emotion - it's a driving force. Like cocaine, you need larger and more frequent doses. Once that happens, you move even further from forgiveness, because without your anger you've no source of energy at all. It's what drives hate groups like the KKK and the Skinheads. Without bitterness they've no reason to exist! If you take bigotry from the racist, revenge from the zealot and chauvinism from the sexist, what's left?

God says, "Forgive anyone who does you wrong… as Christ has forgiven you," because bitterness is fatal. It kills your soul. So how do you stop yourself from becoming bitter when you've been hurt? By looking into the face of the one who hurt you, and instead seeing the face of the One who showed you mercy when nobody else would've given you another chance!

I need to get rid of becoming easily offended. You can change the course of a day Satan has negative plans for, by spending time with the Lord, especially when you sense any attitude or behaviour in yourself that's not Christ-like. Jesus said, 'without Me you can do nothing.' (John 15:5). On the other hand, 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me' (Philippians 4:13). Negative feelings are like unwelcome house guests: the worst thing you can do is to invite them in. You may not be able to override them in your own strength, but if you seek God's help He will enable you to walk according to His ways, not by your negative emotions and perspective. 'But what if someone offends me?' The Bible says we're not to be oversensitive or easily offended. Actually we are commanded to forgive those who hurt us, not letting things fester. Sometimes we want to forgive and do what's right, but we find doing it difficult. More often than not, the right thing is the hard thing to do, not the easy thing. That's when you need to pray and allow God to talk to you through His Word. Only then will you find the strength to do the right thing.

Why don't you take a moment and ask the Holy Spirit, "What do I need to get rid of today?" When you ask Him, take a moment to listen. He will let you know, then ask the Lord to help you get rid of that thing(s) that comes to your mind.

Prayer:

"Lord, search my heart today. See if there be any wicked way within me. Help me to see things that I need to get rid of. As You bring them to my mind, I will repent of it and put it under the blood. Thank you Lord, for what you are doing within me. In Jesus name, amen!"

“Lipstick on a Caterpillar”

Scripture:

Ephesians 4:22-24 Since, then, we do not have the excuse of ignorance, everything--and I do mean everything--connected with that old way of life has to go. It's rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life--a God-fashioned life, (23) a life renewed from the inside (24) and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you.

Observation:

For too long, the difference between the Christian and the non-Christian has been almost indistinguishable. But my friend, people should be able to see a difference between Christians and non-Christians because of the way Christians live. We are to live full of light (Ephesians 5:8). Paul told the Ephesians to leave behind the old life of sin, since they were followers of Christ. Living the Christian life is a process. Although we have a new nature, we don't automatically think all good thoughts and express all right attitudes when we become new people in Christ. But if we keep listening to God, we will be changing all the time. As you look back over last year, do you see a process of change for the better in your thoughts, attitudes, and actions? Although change may be slow, it comes as you trust God to change you.

Our old way of life before we believed in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. When we decide to accept Christ's gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10), it is both a one time decision, as well as a daily conscious commitment. We are not to be driven by desire and impulse. We must put on the new nature, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.

Romans 6:6 Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the Cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life--no longer at sin's every beck and call! What we believe is this:

Colossians 3:3 Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life--even though invisible to spectators--is with Christ in God. He is your life.

Application:

Too many of us are busy trying to repair our old nature and make it look good, when God's in the business of throwing out the old and crafting something brand new. When your car's been declared a loss in an accident, if you're insured, you receive a new car. But if it isn't totalled, you get it repaired and hope it runs well.

God has declared our old nature a total loss. He wants you to concentrate on the new nature He has given you. If you've spent years trying to fix up what God says cannot be fixed up, allow the truth of God's Word to liberate you from a very frustrating way of life.

To understand this, think of caterpillars and butterflies. Caterpillars are not very pretty. But once they break free from the cocoon of their old nature and become butterflies, the transformation is incredible. What was once ugly is now beautiful. A creature that could only crawl can now soar.

But this transformation requires a growth process, and it isn't always easy. There's a lot of struggle involved. But the result is worth the effort. How crazy would it be to take a nasty, ugly, smelly caterpillar and put lipstick on it? To attempt to make it look pretty and acceptable. I don't care how much you put lipstick on a caterpillar, it is still a caterpillar. Lipstick, makeup, teaching it good habits...will never make the caterpillar a butterfly. A butterfly is not just a fixed up caterpillar, but a new creature with a new capacity for life. A metamorphosis has to take place. The good news is, we don't become butterflies in our own strength. The transformation is from God.

From God's perspective, willpower is no power. Paul writes, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose" (Philippians 2:13 NIV). Our job is just to draw close to, submit to, and cooperate with God in this work.

I love Philippians 1:27 in the Message translation, "Meanwhile, live in such a way that you are a credit to the Message of Christ."

Today, I choose to die to my old nature (caterpillar) and become a new creature in Christ (butterfly). I'm not just going to put lipstick on my old way of life. I'm not just going to "turn over a new leaf." That very seldom works. I need a metamorphosis to take place in my life. I need God to reproduce His character in me. I want to live in such a way that I am a credit to the message of Jesus Christ. How about you?

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful that I am a new creature in Christ. For several years I tried to put "lipstick on a caterpillar" and that didn't work. I tried to "turn over a new leaf" with my decisions. I lived a frustrated, ineffective life until I allowed You to change me from the inside out. I am now a new creature (butterfly) because of you. The old is dead, and the new is being reproduced in me daily. I still have a ways to go, but You are still working on me and in me. In Jesus name, amen!"