Devotion's by Deborah

Devotion 12-12-23- ". . .so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:10 Have you died to self? The Apostle Paul states, in multiple places, that we are to die to self and then live to and be in Christ. If Christ lives in me, through salvation, then, Jesus's life in me must transcend all else. He died that we may live; He was buried, therefore we are buried; He arose, resurrected, therefore, we arise, a new person, in Christ. That is our new life; but, it is a process. We learn to live out Jesus' life in us. Each situation is an opportunity to manifest Jesus; each situation, good or bad, easy or difficult, becomes an opportunity to exercise my spiritual muscles. It is not "natural" to be spiritual. It is not "natural" to display Jesus to the world. It is unusual to do that and it requires ongoing, lifelong practice. Which is most likely to show what is in us - an easy situation or a difficult situation? God allows our spiritual strength to grow in difficult situations. If we can maintain Jesus' love and life in us, in difficulty, we begin to manifest the life of Jesus in our bodies. That is the test. What do you choose? There is always a choice. There is always another opportunity to display our sinful self or Jesus in us. Each time we choose Jesus, it becomes slightly easier the next time. We choose Jesus because Jesus lives in us through the Holy Spirit. We choose Jesus, because we love Him and desire to be obedient to Him. We choose Jesus, because of all He did in choosing us. We choose Jesus– first, last, and always; and, we live that choice so others may see Jesus, too!