2020 Daily Devotion - Day 266

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One day, Martin Luther, the great 16th century reformer, heard a knock at the door and answered. “Does Dr. Martin Luther live here?” he was asked. “No,” Luther answered, “he died, Christ lives here now.”

This is one of the great lessons of Advent, along with its cousin, Lent. It is meant to be a time of self-reflection and transformation. So, during this period, we need to ask about the death of our pride and self-will. Who is still in charge of my life? Whose agenda am I living out? Whose plan am I fulfilling? Am I wanting to be served by others, or am I striving to serve them? This is our great struggle; wanting to live according to my plan and desires. And yet God is calling me to “die to self and for Christ to live within me”.

Galatians 2:19-20 NRSV
For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Take a moment and write down the answer to the questions above, and then pray and ask God to change this within you. Ask Him to empower you to die to self so Christ can live out His plan in you. Before you make your next decision, stop and ask, “Lord is this what you want for me to do?” To find His answer, consult the scriptures and a Christian mentor.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, because of our sinful condition, we spend a great deal of time living for ourselves. This is not pleasing to You and You have a better plan. Give us a hunger for Your plan. Give us an open heart to change and die to ourselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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