“I have been crucified with Christ
and I no longer live, but Christ lives
in me.
The life I live in the body,
I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
(Galatians 2:20 NIV)
This is my very favorite Bible verse. I memorized it years ago and let myself float on the image of Jesus replacing me. I died so He can live in my body. It is a daily struggle to accept I am dead without Jesus. I surrender to His will. I hope you will, too!
“But godliness with contentment
is great gain.”
(1 Timothy 6:6 NIV)
A new month awakened today. June welcomed us with open arms. Most school classes are suspended for several months. Excitement looms in the future for families and students. Where does contentment fit in all of the whirlwind of activities? Now is the best time to practice focus. Disciplined visions and plans bring peace. When summer afternoon thunderstorms arrive, or hurricane season starts, I will cling to my Savior. I will seek godliness with contentment every month. I hope you will, too!
“So I say, live by the Spirit,
and you will not gratify
the desires of the sinful nature.”
(Galatians 5:16 NIV)
What do I think about? If I think about God and the things of the Spirit, I will not be easily tempted to displease Him. I cannot serve Him and myself at the same time. Choices must be made. What direction will I go? Jesus is with me to help me make the right choices, if I ask Him. I will walk by faith with Jesus today. I hope you will, too!
“Come near to God
and He will come near to you.
Wash your hands, you sinners,
and purify your hearts, you
double-minded.”
(James 4:8 NIV)
“Dinner is ready! Wash your hands!” My daughter called her children. Jesus calls us in the same way. “The feast is ready! Wash your hands!” I can hear Him say. I want to hurry to the Communion Table here and the Feast in Heaven. I will keep my hands clean and my heart pure so I can enjoy fellowship with my heavenly Father. I hope you will, too!
“Put on the full armor of God
so that you can take your stand
against the devil’s schemes.”
(Ephesians 6:11 NIV)
“I like to get dressed when I first get out of bed,” my granddaughter announced. My daughter and I looked at each other. We like to lounge around in our comfy clothes as long as possible. God wants us to be like Dahlia, to be ready to face the day, no matter what it brings. I will put on the full armor of God before I leave my bedroom in the morning. I hope you will, too!
“It should be that of your inner self,
the unfading beauty of a gentle and
quiet spirit,
which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
(1 Peter 3:4 NIV)
I pray, “Lord, please give me your beautiful Spirit so I can be gentle and quiet in all my comings and goings today. Make me more like Jesus so my thoughts are covered with His cleansing blood. Push my selfish ambitions out of the way and lead me on your path of righteousness for your name’s sake. That is true beauty.” I hope you will, too!
“By myself I can do nothing;
I judge only as I hear, and my judgment
is just,
for I seek not to please myself but Him
who sent me.”
(John 5:30 NIV)
Jesus had a one-track mind,
focused on the Father. Because His Spirit lives in me, I should be the same
way. He left the crowds to be alone with His heavenly Father. I should do the
same. I will seek to please my heavenly Father and not myself. I will not judge
another but lift them up to my Father in prayer. I hope you will, too!
