…and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. - Colossians 2:20
Until the will and the affections are brought under the authority of Christ, we have not begun to understand, let alone to accept, His lordship. - Elisabeth Elliot
We all have a will, and therefore, we all have a power in exercising that will. Who and what is influencing that will ... our ability or lack thereof to chose is a different matter all together. This is where the game is played and the battle fought, at the level of the heart and what “beliefs” we hold there. If Romans 9:9-10 is true ...
because if you acknowledge and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous—being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledges and confesses [his faith openly], resulting in and confirming [his] salvation.
The power of our will and the authority our beliefs have in our lives and the lives of others is immeasurable. Just a few days ago, I was setting up an appointment with my doctor for an exam. I’ve been seeing this guy for almost 30 years. He knows me and he knows his stuff. 15 years ago, with the authority of his white coat, degrees on his wall and that stethoscope he wears around his neck he made a decision, exercised his will in my life. Due to family history he made me get my first colonoscopy. This little suggestion changed my life. 15 years ago, the proctologist who performed the surgery found a few “pre-cancerous” spots on my colon. “Pre” untreated becomes RE as in real.
Jesus has the power and authority to save our lives over and over again. Not only for salvation but for Life and Life to the full. My challenge is listening. Bringing my will and authority into alignment with his. Not just with his word, though that is a very powerful place to start, but with his voice.
What if we could ask Jesus what to do, when to do, how much to do, if to do, and he would answer. He can and he does, if we can learn the option of bringing our will and authority under his. Often these days, when offering my thoughts or opinions, I think: I’ve been wrong before. But Jesus ... he is never wrong. Why not invite him in, align our wills with his, ask him which way to go, and then listen? It is one of the best ways to live, in touch, in step, and in tune with the King.
And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power]. - Colossians 2:20 (AMP)
The Daily Prayer - Paragraph 6
Jesus, I also sincerely embrace you as my authority and rule, my everlasting victory over Satan and his kingdom, and I receive all the work and triumph of your Ascension, whereby Satan has been judged and cast down,[33] his rulers and authorities disarmed,[34] all authority in heaven and on earth given to you, Jesus, [35] and I have been given fullness in you, the head over all. [36] I take my place in your Ascension, whereby I have been raised with you to the right hand of the Father and established with you in all authority.[37] I bring your authority and your kingdom rule over my life, my family, my household, and my domain.
An excerpt from The Daily Prayer Memory Verse Cards.
