January 16th
Read: Matthew 16:24-26; Romans 6:11-23; Ephesians 5:22-23
Complete surrender to Jesus, my Lord, and utter dependency upon Him allows me freedom from my self, that mortal being who, at best, might gain some recognition in this world, but could never attain God on her own recognizance. When I allow the Holy Spirit to indwell and infill my life, self is weeded out, or at least subjugated to a position unimportant to God’s plan for my life. I become His vessel and, triumphant in His power, my life becomes an outpouring of all the good which He has given from His measureless treasury of good.
Although selfish thought or action may occur, the Holy Spirit enables me to judge self and, finding self wanting, enables me to seek and to find forgiveness at Jesus’ feet.
With self no longer an impediment, I can take up my burden for others; my cross, if you will. If I am an heir with Christ to the good, then I must also share the burden of obedience. I must partake of the responsibility of the cross as well as the resurrection power found there, and that means sacrificing self in love as Jesus did for me.
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
The child of God who glorifies
Is rooted deep in love
And takes all good the Vine supplies,
Which doth his fruit improve.
By tapping love from God’s great source
And letting it flow through,
His life will be a living force
For Christ, his witness true.
By sharing all the joy and peace
The Father has in store,
God’s Word will daily show increase,
His blessings He will pour.
God’s child will suffer ill at length,
Will answer wrong with right.
His faith displays the Master’s strength.
His meekness shows God’s might.
With temperance His child doth walk.
His branch will bring forth good.
His loving ways and gentle talk
Will glorify his God.
Prayer: Dear Lord, as I yield myself to You, please open me and pour through me those things from which You want others to benefit.
