WHO IS MANAGING YOUR LIFE?

SCRIPTURE:
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified 
the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  
(Galatians 5:24) 

MEDITATION:
We hear people tell us that when we give our life to the Lord, 
we will be changed!
Changed?
That can arouse all kinds of questions in individuals.
What exactly does it mean to be changed?

For one thing, it means that we have an entirely new attitude 
and purpose for living.
The strength and power of sin that controls us has been broken.
It doesn’t mean it has been totally obliterated, 
but it does mean that it is no longer in control of everything we do and say.
Our life is under new management.

Suddenly we view others with a completely new perspective. 
Our selfishness begins a journey toward selflessness.
We discover a new peace and an unusual joy like we’ve never felt before.
It can be difficult to adequately describe this new feeling to others, 
but when it is there, we know it!

Old habits and sinful ways will continue striving to regain control,
but we have a new power that helps us fend off the threats.
Not only that, but we discover how invigorating it is 
to get to know the Lord better, and to feel His presences and power in our lives.

He was crucified for us, and we in turn, crucify our sinful nature for Him.
He loves us, and without the clutter of our sinful nature, we learn to love Him.
He obeyed our Father, and we learn the importance of obedience.
He has a close fellowship with our Father, 
and we strive to have that same closeness with Him.

ACTION:
What about you?
Has your life been changed – really changed?
Have you crucified your sinful nature?
It’s not about how you are perceived by others, 
it is all about your relationship with the Lord.
If you have been truly changed, 
not only will others notice it in your overall countenance, but they will 
also know by the change in your attitude, focus, and all that you do and say.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan of salvation. Jesus, thank 
You for allowing Yourself to be crucified so that I can have the opportunity 
to crucify my sinful nature. Teach me how to block out the temptations 
of my sinful nature so that I can become closer to You, and fellowship with 
You and our Father. I want to fully enjoy the peace and joy I can have by 
living close to You. Help me to allow a complete change to take place in my 
life, so that I will be more selfless and less selfish. Thank You for how You 
will guide me through the changes. I depend on the strength You provide for 
continually conquering and achieving victory over the assaults of the evil one.”