21 Days of Encounter D12

DAY twelve I would recommend a book by Gene Edwards entitled, The Tale of Three Kings.
Especially for a pastor or others whose work is to serve people. You might think you're
their boss or over them in the Lord, but your service determines your leadership.

The book by Edwards illustrates portions of life from Saul, David, and Absalom. Two
men who were King, and one who made himself King. This book came to mind as I thought
about the statement I am about to make, not because I read it there. Reading the Edwards book
may provide insight into a bit of all three of these men you will see in yourself as you serve.

Saul wanted David to slay the giants and chase the demons away but never wanted David to be
King. I am wondering this morning if that is how we look at Jesus. We ask him to chase the
demons and slay all our giants, but we do not want Him to rule how we behave.

When we come to Jesus, we experience a life makeover. We are "a new creation" and "all things
have become new." He refers to our sins, experiences, hang-ups, and old personality traits. We
are changed, not the same. We are becoming more like Jesus every day.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; old things have passed away; behold,

all things have become new" (2 Corinthians
5:17, NKJV).

The following verse tells us everything is of
God.

"Now all things are of God, who has
reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ"

(2 Corinthians 5:18, NKJV).

What I am saying to us today is that what is truly gone is gone, but what is not we allow it
creep back in. The way we keep that from occurring is as Paul said, "As you therefore have

received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him" (Colossians 2:6, NKJV).

How did I receive Christ? I said, "I can't do this alone, Jesus; I need you today!" So, every day I
cry out, I need you, Jesus!

Cry out today. I need Jesus. Identify areas where God is revealing Himself to you and spend
some time meditating on how He expresses His love to you. Now, ask Him to show you who you
might pray for today.

E quipping pastors to equip leaders for life 13 | P a g e