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MEDITATION:

Written by Bobby Schuller, a contemporary Presbyterian pastor, author, and televangelist.

To have authority, we must live under authority. The Centurion didn’t have authority because he was tough, he had authority because he knelt to Caesar. Similarly, we have authority because we kneel before the throne of God. If we are not submitted to the authority of His Kingdom in our lives, we can’t act in His authority. This doesn’t mean that we have to be perfect; we live by grace, right? But we still should strive to live humble and holy lives in light of Jesus’ goodness to us. We should not live in blatant iniquity and pretend that everything is fine. Instead, we should really desire to do things God’s way!  Here’s an example. Imagine you were traveling internationally and you lost your ATM card. You have a bank account, conceivably with some money in it, but since you lost your card, you lost access to your money. It’s not that the funds were stolen or disappeared, it’s just that you couldn’t retrieve them. I think this is what happens when we are living in rebellion against God: when He presses something onto our heart to change and we continue to resist His truth, it’s like losing that ATM card. Jesus isn’t going to take all your cash, but you are going to lose access to it until you get your card back. Friend, I encourage you to “get your card back” and take told hold of your authority in the Kingdom of Heaven! Submit to Jesus and remember that His ways are not harmful, but helpful; they are designed to empower you to live your best life. God is a good Father and He loves you, so activate His strength in you by letting Him have your life — body, mind and spirit!

PRAYER:

Written by William Temple (1881-1944), a bishop in the Church of England and Archbishop of Canterbury.

O Almighty God,

the Father of all humanity,

turn, we pray, the hearts of all peoples and their rulers,

that by the power of your Holy Spirit

peace may be established among the nations

on the foundation of justice, righteousness and truth;

through him who was lifted up on the cross

to draw all people to himself,

your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.