I have wonderful news!  I want you to be!  If you focus on doing, you may forget it takes my power to make a real difference.  As you abide in me, I will live through you.  I will “do” through you.  I will produce lasting fruit.  One quick note: the deceiver is still around.  He will tell you to focus on doing and then he will tell you that you can do it all on your own.  This produces frustration and weariness.  Remember, we were not created to be able to handle the things this earth throws at us.

This is not a list of to do’s but a list of things I will do through you as you yield to me.  After you trust me, I want you to renew your mind with the truth that is in my word. (Romans 12:1-2). I want you to spend time with me and talk to me. (Philippians 4:6) I want you to love others as I have loved you. (John 13:34) I want you to forgive those who hurt you. (Colossians 3:13) I want you to share my life with others. (Matthew 28:19) I want you to remember it is me doing my works through you. (Philippians 2:13).  I want you to own it when you fail and thank me for my forgiveness. (I John 1:9)  I want you to guard your heart and be on guard that the evil one wants to deceive you. (Proverbs 4:23, I Peter 5:8). I want you to be confident in the fact that you have authority over the evil one through my name. (Matt. 9:8)   I want you to relax and enjoy my peace and freedom that I bring to you. (Romans 5:1, John 8:36) I want you to know that I delight in you. (Zeph. 3:17). I will never leave you or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5). You are chosen!  (Col. 3:12, II Thes. 2:13). I will complete the work I have started inside you.  (Philippians 1:6). I want you to know that you are deeply loved. (Rom. 8:38-39). I want you to know that you are fully qualified to minister and be used by God. (2 Cor. 3:6)  Here’s a great one to remember.  You are united to me and one spirit with me and my Father.  (Rom. 6:5, I Cor. 6:17, John 14:20)     Focus on our union and the doing will naturally flow.

Now this one will blow your mind!  I John 4:17 says, “This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world, we are like Jesus.”  What!?!?!  That’s right, you are like ME in your spirit.  I reside in your spirit and made you righteous, holy, loving, forgiving, and more.  But you must choose to live out of your spirit and not walk after the flesh.  Of course, this is a lifelong journey of learning and growing.  When you realize you are not acting like the person you truly are on the inside, you can repent (change your mind) and make a different choice.  When you become deceived and walk consistently in the flesh you will experience conflict and frustration.  A good reminder to wake up.  You don’t have to beat up on yourselves.  You can simply own it, confess it (Agree with God)  and walk in the right direction. What a gift Jesus is to us!

Col. 2:6 – So, then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, (by faith), continue to live your lives in him.  II Cor. 5:7 – For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Matt 28:19 – Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  After receiving Christ as your Savior, Jesus ask us to make a public profession of our faith through baptism.  This is a time of celebration for what has already taken place in your heart when you believed.  It is a picture of your death, burial and ressurection with Jesus and His union with you.