Today’s Scripture: Ephesians 4:21-24
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word… I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. – Psalm 119:9,11
The people who were instrumental in my coming to Christ didn’t find their pleasure in the usual places or the usual ways. For instance, I was a gambler, and every Sunday afternoon a few of us would gather to play poker. They didn’t gamble. When something upset me, my usual response was a string of swear words that would peel the hide off a donkey. They would pray and commit the matter to the Lord. I enjoyed hanging out in bars. They enjoyed going to church. And frankly, I was intrigued.
It was through the lives of these people that God put it in my heart to buy a Bible and investigate the person of Jesus Christ for myself. After I turned to Christ in repentance and faith, I wanted my life to reflect the life of Christ as theirs did. Fellowship with God on a daily basis was foundational, and I learned that morning prayer and Bible reading were a solid way to start the day. My wife and I began attending church services and participating in a young couples’ Sunday school class.
After a year or so, the Lord called us to serve Him on a full-time basis. We moved to Minneapolis and attended Northwestern College, where we met up with The Navigators. They reinforced my Bible reading and church attendance with practical instruction in Scripture memory, personal Bible study, and the consistent practice of meditation on the Word of God.
This combination had a profound effect on my life. Old habits began to melt away under the spotlight of God’s Word as I learned to apply the Word to my life. Sin was replaced with a desire for a holy life.
Prayer
Lord, I rejoice that the old me is gone and that You have made me a new creation, empowered to follow Your will as a true disciple. Amen.
To Ponder
The Lord Jesus Christ is revealed in all His truth and beauty through yielded and caring disciples.
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 