From his continued journaling through the gospel of John, one morning Stan mentioned that he had been focusing on the importance of knowing who and what dominates our lives.
“Dominates our lives in what way?” I asked.
“It’s really ‘ways’ plural, rather than ‘way’ singular,” Stan replied with a smile, “but the point, as it always should be, is simply about what Jesus said.”
“Said about what?”
“Enslavement.”
“Enslavement? Enslavement to what?”
“Jesus called it enslavement to sin,” Stan replied, “but the apostle Paul called it whatever we obey. In addition, the apostle Peter called it by whatever we are overcome.”
“So,” he continued, “it seems to me that the bottomline, whether it’s called sin, what we obey, or by what we’re overcome, the pointed question concerns who and/or what is Lord in our lives. Is Jesus Lord?”
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Bible verses to consider:
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, every one who commits sin is the slave of sin.” John 8:34.
Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? Romans 6:16.
. . . by what a man is overcome, by this he is enslaved. 2 Peter 2:19.
And why do you call me, “Lord, Lord,” and do not do what I say? Luke 6:46.
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving Jesus and His finished work on the cross as the way to life eternally with you, the life that begins here and will continue forever. Even though I know I will spend eternity in your presence, I confess that too often while I remain on this side of eternity, Jesus is not Lord of my life. Please forgive the foolishness of seeking to live the new life you’ve provided without Jesus being Lord. Help me follow every step of your lead in truly making Him Lord of every part of my life. Thank you I can and do bring these prayers before you in His precious name. Amen.
Think on this: Have you accepted God’s provision of the finished work of the cross so you have life eternally with Him, the life that begins here and will continue forever? If no, why do you choose to remain separated from God both now and forever? If you are a Christian with the assurance of salvation and redemption, how are you doing with Jesus being Lord of your life while you remain on this side of eternity? If you sense the desire for change with any of this, how is that change going to happen? Is that what you truly want? Why or why not?
The need: Since God knows what we need before we ask Him (Matthew 6:8), what does He know you need for Jesus to actually be Lord of every part of your life? Spend time on this in prayer, reflection, and journaling to see what God knows you need. He will show you!
Forward: Do you know others who would or could benefit from this devotional? If so, why not forward it and open them to be part of the conversation between Stan and S. Tory Teller?
❤️🙏🏼