Monthly Word April 2023

It’s  a Matter of Choice ~ Rom. 8:1 There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

Ever feel like you don’t know yourself? Someone cuts you off in traffic and words come out of your mouth that you’d never use in prayer. Did I actually say that? Then you’re at a funeral and feel tears well up as you hug the widow and pray for her. The tears are real. You ask, who am I, who’s in there?

Well, if you’ve ever been saved, then you have split personality. In addition to your personality, there is another one living inside of you; the Holy Spirit. It’s that other voice you hear, the one urging you to be humble and kind to be patient and forgive.

Jesus followers have two personalities. Two voices speaking in our heads. When we listen to our own voice, we are critical of people, hold grudges, stereotype and judge. That voice of our flesh reminds us of who we were. However, the voice of God is also speaking, almost whispering, suggesting, “forgive them, like I forgave you!” Trust me, I’m with you. Everything is going to be alright. Drop that thought, it’s not taking you to a good place.

The key to the quality of your life depends on which voice you listen to and obey. You don’t talk your way into righteous living: You have to behave your way therefore obeying the voice of God in you. All followers of Jesus have two voices. It’s which voice you obey that determines the quality of our lives and our usefulness to the Lord.

~ Pastor Jim Turner