“But now I [Jesus] come to You [Father], and these things I speak in the world, that they may have My joy fulfilled in themselves. I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. ~ John 17:13-17, NKJV
“With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against Him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.
“But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from Him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.” ~ Ephesians 4:17-24, NLT
“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” ~ Romans 12:2, NKJV
Keep Me From the Evil One … And From Myself!
Father, Your Kingdom is not of this world. It is built in the heavenly places far from the painful effects of sin and shame. Yet, here I am. This is not my home, I’m just passing through. I’m in this world, but I’m not of it because You have redeemed me and made me Your own.
Keep me from the evil one … and from myself! Goodness gracious. The more I want to be like You, the more I realize my self needs to be harnessed. The things I don’t want to do, I do. And the things I do want to do, I don’t do. Renew my thoughts and attitudes, Lord. Help me put on my new nature — the one like You, righteous and holy.
Your Word sanctifies me. Your Word is truth — the truth that sets me free from the chains of sin. Oh, how I love Your Word! It is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword that divides bone and marrow.
I Am In This World, but Thank Goodness, I’m Not Of It
Your Word reveals the intents of my heart. Your Word gives me discernment and instruction, it is a lamp to my feet to keep me on the straight and narrow paths of righteousness. But do I truly hunger and thirst after it?
I need Your help, Lord. Help me hunger after Your Word more. I am transformed through the renewing of my mind through Your Word so that, even though I am in this world, I am not of it. Your Word sustains Your righteousness within me. I want to throw off my old sinful nature every day, not just when I think about it.
I want to put on Your breastplate of righteousness every day. It guards me against the influence of the world, against the temptations of the evil one, and against myself because Your righteousness guards my heart — the very core of my being. My thoughts align with Yours. My emotions become more Christlike. My will and moral compass reflect Your holiness and preserve me while I am in this world, but not of it.
I’m Thankful to Be Your Daughter, Lord
I want to be more like You — to represent You well. Help me glorify You in all that I do, to be an effective light-bearer in this darkness permeating our world. Yes, Lord, I am in this world, but because of You, I am not of it. I’m so thankful to be Your daughter.
In the Name of Jesus, I pray,
Amen ~ let it be so
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Please don’t carry your burdens alone. I would be honored to pray for you. You may contact me directly at nan@nanjones.com
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Thank you so much for stopping by. I would love for you to share what’s on your heart in the comments below. Scroll a little farther down and you’ll see where you can leave your comments. Together, we can find the nearness of God in our darkest moments.
Sweet blessings to you,
