Holy Father,
I know that I am should come to You in great confidence, as You promised never to leave me (Hebrews 13:5-6). However Father, there are times that my emotions waiver and stumble. Indeed, You have authority over all my fleshliness (John 17:2) which includes my emotions. Yet, I also know there to be many days that my confidence wants to rely on what I have achieved rather than in Who You are.
Today I bring my variable emotions and tendency to judge before You. Surely, these are no more difficult for You to calm than wind and waves (Luke 8:24). Grant me an extra measure of faith as I press on (Romans 12:3). Open my heart to respond to You despite the squall of my feelings (Acts 16:14).
For a time, I have managed to continue to live by law even after You gave me Your Spirit. I’m ashamed to admit this, but You had done so much for me that I felt I had to do something for You in return. Thank you for revealing that neither flesh or emotions can be perfected by adhering to religious rules (Romans 3:20).
Honestly, religion (and the church at times) has increased transgression within me (Romans 5:20). I followed rules to look impressive. I’m glad that admitting this doesn’t surprise You, but simply reveals another reason why I need Your Grace (Romans 5:21). The ways of my religion (or Christian group or church) has led me to the feet of Your Son (Galatians 3:24). Hallelujah. I see clearly now that religion won’t give me satisfying life (Galatians 3:21). Rules can never make worshippers perfect (Hebrews 10:1-2). So what can?
When Your Son walked on earth, I notice His personality had particular emotions and desires. Evidently, Your will and His initial emotion were not always the same (Matthew 26:39). Yet, the Spirit within Him kept Him from sinning moment by moment. This purity of action wasn’t based on rules that He kept, but by relationship that He lived with You. He was kept in Your will, not by pre-deciding His course of action in His Mind, but by submitting His will to Yours, moment by moment (Hebrews 10:5-7).
Now, this very same Spirit lives within me (John 14:17). This is the Spirit that told Jesus when to rebuke the Pharisees with anger and when to receive the children with gentleness. The Spirit’s intent has not changed. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yes and forever” (Hebrews 13:5).
So, I can say boldly that the same power that kept Jesus walking in submission can keep me, too (Romans 8:11; Ephesians 1:9-11). As He is, so also am I in this world (1 John 4:17). The significance is mind-boggling. Teach me how to hear and obey Your still, quiet prompting (1 Kings 19:12).
Since I have mostly lived by obeying rules, letting go to the prescribed order is very scary for me. Reveal what it’s like to have Your power mightily working within me instead of expectations (Colossians 1:29). This released kind of life causes me fear and trembling, so I ask that Your power flow through me as I remain weak (Philippians 2:12-13; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Thank You Jesus, not only for being crucified because of weakness, but for now living because of power. Remind me that when I am weak. power is the promised result (2 Corinthians 13:4-5). Remind me that legalism is not of faith (Galatians 3:12). Trying to please others can’t possibly please You (Hebrews 11:6). In fact, if I keep trying to please other, I can’t be Your bond-servant (Galatians 1:10). And whatever is not of faith is just plain ole sin (Romans 14:23).
I used to think that my “job” was to faith. But, You reveal that is merely shifting the emphasis from works to faith. Hallelujah. Faith too is Your job (Romans 10:17; Philippians 1:27). Thank You for not only making me right through faith, but for faithing the faith for me (Ephesians 2:8-9). Even the trusting isn’t something I can do myself! You do it all (Romans 8:2-4).
Thanks for putting an end to the Law, in whatever form I had translated it to be (Romans 10:4). Do that for my friends that struggle with this as well. Thank You that our lives no longer have to be based on pleasing someone in a church or in an administrative position over us Thank You that instead, we are now under Your grace (Romans 11:6). You have set us free from the religious law and into the large free space of Your Spirit (Romans 8;1). Hallelujah! The requirement is already completed. You’ve completed it (Romans 8:4). You were really serious when saying that it was for freedom that You have set us free (Galatians 5:1). Minister Truth today, so that we may live in Your freedom (John 8:32). We take our hands off the old pump of effort and stand cleansed in Your fountain of Living Water (John 7:38.)
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
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