WEEK 28 – DAY 5

July 16, 2021

WAKE UP!

And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Romans 13:11-14

We cannot decide or dictate how another adult will live. Each person is responsible for his or her own deeds. We really cannot even determine for certain how we will behave. However, we can decide to clothe ourselves with Christ and pray that our lives have a positive influence on others around us. What do you do to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ…”? You begin each morning in prayer asking Him to live through you each moment of the day. You take your thoughts captive by following Paul’s directions: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, – think about such things” (Philippians 4:8 NIV). You allow God to “renew your mind” (Romans 12:2) by reading and meditating on His Word. You make a habit of praying the moment you realize your thought life is wandering into darkness. What do you choose not to do in order to be obedient to the verses above? You do not read the type of books that create unfulfilled lust in your mind. You do not watch movies that portray the very temptations you are trying to overcome. You do not associate closely with those who are entrenched in the sin with which you are currently struggling.

Lord Jesus, let Your Holy Spirit be our closest companion. You are our most faithful friend; and we know that as we choose to spend more time with You, the Holy Spirit will continue the work of molding us into Your image. Let others see You in us today.