When I was a child, I use to love playing outside all the time. In fact, we only came inside to eat and sleep during the summer months. I remember when I was in third grade, my teacher sent a note home to my parents stating that I was not paying attention in class, and I often times would just look out the window, not doing my work. When my mother questioned me about the note, I told her “I just want to be outside playing.” When I became an adult, my desire to play outside changed. I no longer stare out the window longing for outside, especially in this freezing weather.

As as Believer in Christ Jesus, people see that I follow Jesus by the way I act, and often times more telling, is how I react. My life, my words, my actions changed when I accepted Christ into my heart, just like my desires as a child changed when I became an adult.

Jesus is our example of everything God wants us to be. Yes, He came to save us from our sins, but He also came to live out before a watching world how to be holy, forgiving, compassionate, humble, and blameless. He didn’t just talk about His salvation, He displayed for us a life of holiness so we would know how to be all the things He was and is. Therefore, my life really is not my own anymore, I belong to His Holy Spirit who now lives in me.

Pray:

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.

Supplication: Petition God for spiritual insight and understanding of His Word. Ask Him to help you know what is His direction and purpose for your life. Intercede for other believers, personal friends, those in ministry and those who are oppressed and in need. Offer prayers for your activities for this day and any special concerns you might have.