There are scenes in at least two spy movies, that I know of, showing the main character sneaking into someplace wearing a wet suit then once inside, taking off the wet suit revealing a tuxedo underneath, and the spy proceeds to blend into the fancy event.

Though farfetched, this is the image that comes to mind when I read the passage from Colossians 3:9-10 where Paul writes, “since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

I like to envision that we take off our sinful self, and underneath lies our new self, that God sees as righteous because of the sacrifice made by Jesus to pay for our sins.

Dear Lord, It is only a result of the grace we receive through Jesus Christ that we are able to be seen as acceptable to God. Like peeling off an old outer layer, we can leave our sinful self behind and be made new. Lord we thank you for this grace. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I remember when my children were toddlers, my wife and I seemed to have an extra sense, and could tell what my children were up to even without watching everything they were doing. It was a combination of caring and awareness. We would intervene sometimes to prevent them from getting into trouble or sometimes let them experience challenges to help them learn.

Though at a much different level, these memories came to mind when I was reading Psalm 139:1-6, “O Lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too great for me to understand!”

God is completely aware of our every action, thought, and feeling, and He cares about each of us.

Dear Lord, what a joy it is to know that you are aware of our every situation and concern, and care for us with your “hand of blessing.” Help us remember this so we can overcome our fears with trust in you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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Why do we do what we do? Sometimes, it is a reflex, a learned response that becomes somewhat automatic, sometimes it is an emotional reaction that we don’t control, and sometimes we do things because we think through our reason’s and consciously take actions. Regardless of why we do what we do, as adults we are responsible for those actions. I think most would also agree that in the absence of a disability, adults should be able to control their actions with their thoughts.

There is competition for our thoughts. Our human nature is regularly trying to get us to focus on satisfying our short term desires, pleasures, and greed. As Christians, the Holy Spirit in us is encouraging us to focus on the things of the Spirit, Love, Joy, Peace, and Salvation.

Paul writes in Romans 8:5-8, “Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.”

What we let control our minds, also controls our actions. Letting our human nature control our thoughts interferes with and possibly destroys our relationship with God.

Dear Lord, by your grace we are saved and are given the Holy Spirit to live in us. Help us give control of our minds to your Spirit’s guidance, and have the courage and will to turn away from the evil and immoral behaviors that often pass for “normal” in our sinful nature. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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You may have heard this one before, but the message is worth hearing again.

A man is is late for an important meeting and arrives at his destination to find the parking lot completely full. He drives around a parking lot looking for a place to park and cannot find one. He finally decides to ask God for help and prays, “Dear lord please help me find a parking spot, and I will go to church every Sunday.” Just as he says “Amen,” a car pulls out opening a parking space right in front of him. Then he says. “Never mind God, I found one myself.”

How often does something similar happen to us. It may not be us specifically asking for help, but we may be experiencing success in our life, or things are just going well. Do we stop and thank God for these things, or do we credit ourselves for our intelligence, discipline, business savvy, or skill with people.

In the old testament, Moses told the Israelites before they entered the “Promised Land.” In Deuteronomy 8:14, “Do not become proud at that time and forget the Lord your God, who rescued you from slavery in the land of Egypt.” then in verses 17-18 “He did all this so you would never say to yourself, ‘I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.’ Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful, in order to fulfill the covenant he confirmed to your ancestors with an oath.”

Dear Lord, We thank you for the good things you have done in our lives, and we also thank you that you have given us challenges that make us stronger. Mostly we thank you that you have saved us, through Jesus Christ, and we have nothing to fear. You are always there for us. Help us remember to give You the glory for the success and joy in our lives. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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One thing that will cause frustration in our lives is comparing ourselves to others. God made us all so unique, in our skills, circumstances, relationships, and so many other ways that there truly is no way to make an accurate comparison. We can often fall into the trap of comparing individual aspects of our lives to other people’s. The trouble occurs when we believe we are “better,” than others, or when we believe we are “inferior,” to others. Both of these situations cause trouble.

God made each of us uniquely for his purpose. In Galatians 6:4,5 Paul writes, “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”

He also wrote in Romans 8:28, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

We need to focus on where God is leading us, and be happy for others why do the same in their lives.

Dear Lord, You made amazing plans for each of us, but we must trust you to see where they lead. Help us do that, by just taking each step forward in the direction we hear you calling, and not compare ourselves to others who are on their own paths. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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