Daily Devotional
Are You Holding On to Your Old Life?
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
January 18, 2023
Ponder This
Imagine there’s a wedding. The vows have been said. The cake has been cut. Tom and Susie are in the car. They’re driving off. Susie looks over to Tom and says, “Tom, would you please take me home?” He says, “Susie, I can’t take you home. We’re going on our honeymoon. And then I’ll take you home.” Susie says, “No, Tom. I don’t mean that home. I mean my home. I want you to take me back to my mother. I’m glad that you’re my husband, I know that you love me, and I want you to know I’m grateful to be your wife. I’ll try to come to see you on weekends, and if I get sick or need anything, I’ll call you, but Tom, I’m going back to my old way of life.”
That doesn’t make a lot of sense, does it? Have you ever heard anybody say, “Now, Lord Jesus, I take You as my Savior. Thank You. That’s done. Now I’m going back to my old way of life. Oh, yes, Lord, I’ll come and see you a few times on weekends. And, Lord, if I need anything or if I get sick, I’ll call on You.”? That is the kind of religion that is filling Hell. People have never really made the authentic confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.
- Have you recognized and submitted to Jesus Christ as your reigning Lord? Has that changed your life?
- What former ways of life are you tempted to hold onto?
Practice This
Think of someone you know whose life has been changed by Christ. Ask that person to share his or her testimony.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
