The Nineteenth Day of Advent

Thursday, December 19, 2019

The Wonder of What God Has Done Through His Son:

An Advent Devotional Guide

For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:6-8

Are you ever “hard on yourself?” Wallace used to tell me that I was my own worst enemy. I want to do things well, and when I don’t I am so tempted to berate myself for not taking more time, or planning further ahead, or seeking God’s help. I let Satan enter my thoughts and accuse me, even though I remember that the Scripture warns that Satan is “the accuser of the brethren.”

The above Scripture from a section in which Paul instructs us, “There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus,” reminds us how prone we are to fleshly or human thinking. I believe that means to want things our own way! In other words, we say we are “entitled to be angry” or “have the right” to something or “deserve better treatment.” That’s “flesh” talking! Those are not the thought of someone whose mind is set on the Spirit.

When my children were little, when one of them was angry, I’d often say, “Honey, you don’t want to be mad.” Sometimes one of them would reply, “Yes, I do!” Flesh!

We miss a great promise if we persist in having it our own way! This Scripture reminds us that setting our mind on spiritual things brings freedom and peace. That’s the abundant life Jesus talked about, that huge inner peace that is beyond understanding.

Father, Cause us to set our minds on you so that you may impart your holy freedom and peace to us. Amen

The Wonder of What God Has Done Through His Son:

An Advent Devotional Guide
prepared for First United Methodist Church of Homosassa, Florida
Winter 2009
by Patience Nave, Christian Education Coordinator