God's Power

God's Power

I Cor. 4:7, "We have this treasure in earthern vessels that the excellency of the power may be of God and not of us."

Did you make any New Year's resolutions this year? If so, how are you doing with them a week and a half into 2011? What would you guess some of the most common New Year's resolutions might be? What about dieting off those extra pounds gained by eating Christmas goodies and exercising for a healthier lifestyle? Some people plan to quit smoking, and others have determined to have a quiet time each day. If you are like me, some of your resolutions may really be very familiar, left over not only from last year but from previous years as well. We all have certain areas of weakness, and these areas differ from person to person. We each struggle with our bad habits because we lack the power to change.

Would you say our good intentions generally come under the area of self-control? Is there a secret to self-control or to being able to fulfill these commitments? The Bible says there is. From Gal. 5:24-25, "When the Holy Spirit is in control of a life, He will produce.....self-control." The secret to successful living in all areas of the Christian life is to stay under the control of--and thus to experience--the power of God's Holy Spirit at all times. I have discovered that I cannot change myself as I would like, but God can, and He will if I yield completely to His control.

Father, thank You that You have not only the power but the will to change us day by day into the beautiful image of Your Son Jesus. May we yield ourselves totally to You, no holding back. Amen.