Devotion for Friday, July 23, 2021

“Put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him – a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:10-11).

If it helps, think of these things in this way: begin the journey of behaving the way the Lord says to behave by pretending that you actually believe.  It will not be long before you actually love the one you did not love, or do what you would never have done before.  This, in part, is putting off the old Adam and putting on Christ.  In these things, you begin by giving it your best and then the Lord does the real heavy lifting.

Lord, I often want a miracle where what I do not feel like doing is instantly replaced with a desire to do it.  You have made it such that I must first try before You step in to do what needs to be done.  Lead me to be willing to step into faith and give it my best shot knowing that You are the only One who can bring things to pass.  You have set me free along with all who turn to You regardless of what we were before.

Christ Jesus, You give me hope because in You all things are possible.  Lead me this day to step beyond myself and into the life You have given me through grace.  Guide me so that it is You and no one else who is leading me. Grant that the desire of my heart becomes what You have intended for my heart to desire.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of truth in order that I may humbly walk with You always.  Amen.