“A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things, but the unfaithful have an appetite for violence. Those who guard their lips preserve their lives, but those who speak rashly will come to ruin.” Proverbs 13:1-3

Lord God, I pray that you would help me to crucify my sinful nature this morning. It wants to control me. It wants to kill me. It wants to lead me astray. It wants to lead me to lose control of my tongue, to lose control of my thoughts, to lose control of my actions so that I serve sin and not you. God, this would kill me. So I pray this morning, Father, crucify my sinful nature in me by the blood of your son Jesus, and raise up in me a new man, a new person who is eager and willing to serve you. Holy Spirit, control me, live inside me and work powerfully by the resurrection of Jesus so that I might live for you all day long. Lord, I’m yours. Lead me, guide me, and control me so that everything I think, say and do is moved and worked by you. Amen.

Who is ruling you? Today is a new day to wake up and crucify the sinful nature that lives in you. To kill the sinful desires that rule in your heart. To repent. And then to rise up in the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus. I am ruled by Christ. I am powered by the Holy Spirit.