Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, May 13, 2017

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“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” (Ephesians 4:21–24, NLT).

The righteous life is only as difficult as the controversy with self. Let that sink it…

I would be remiss were I to give the (false) impression that living for God is easy. I would likewise be remiss were I to say it’s not simple. Note the difference here: easy means there are no trials, struggles, or overwhelming difficulties. Simple is that all of those, and more, can be given to God so He can shoulder the load.

Righteous living is all about surrendering our will to God and allowing Jesus to live His will through us. Jesus already lived a successful life in the Spirit a couple of thousand years ago. If we believe that, and in the power of His grace, we can be recipients of His victory. He wants to live His success in us. That way, when trials are mounting, temptations are raging, and difficulties are looming, Jesus can guide us, strengthen us, and carry us on to victory.

The struggle against self is real. But the simplicity of surrender as a means to unity with God’s victory is also real. Give Him your life and He will give you His victory over every besetting sin.—L. David Harris (www.DavidWritesaLot.com)