Who Are You Really?

Daily Scripture Readings

Monday           Colossians 3:1-4

Tuesday         Colossians 3:5-11

Wednesday   Colossians 3:12-17

Thursday       Colossians 3:18-20

Friday            Colossians 3:21-25

Saturday        Titus 2:11-14

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, let me live as a holy and faithful brother or sister In Christ.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

Reading

We must spend another day on: “I can do all things in him who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). I prefer this translation from Moffatt: “in him who strengthens me, I am able for anything.” This verse has sung its way through my mind and heart for years, until it has become a part of me. I have passed it on to many a troubled, seeking soul. I ask them to repeat it just before they drop off to sleep so that it will work in the subconscious mind as they sleep, replacing the old negative thinking. Then I urge them to say it the first thing when they open their eyes in the morning—their salutation to the dawn. I ask them to keep saying it to themselves again and again throughout the day. It creates a climate of peace and victory around the soul.

An Indian woman spoke to me of “those who are problem conscious and those who are power conscious.” You could see the difference in her face. She was power conscious—adequate for anything.

Trying to analyze this verse is like picking a rose to pieces to find its beauty. It is beautiful and perfect as it is. Note the following, however: (1) “In him”—not through Him, an outside helper, but in Him. Since I am in Him, and He possesses me, then I possess all His resources. (2) “Who strengthens me”—note the “who.” He directly and immediately strengthens me. There is nothing between—Soul upon soul, Life upon life. (3) “Who strengthens me”—this is present continuous. “As thy days”—and hours and minutes—“so shall thy strength be” (Deut. 33:25 KJV). (4) “Who strengthens me”—the total me: body, mind, and spirit. He doesn’t do everything, weakening my personality. He, the Strong, makes a strong me. (5) “I am able for anything.” Healed at the heart, I can say, “Let the world come on.” Let anything come, for I can use everything; not bear it, use it!--

In Christ by E, Stanley Jones