Stone Age or Ageless Life?

S - 2 Corinthians 3:3-6 (NLT): "Clearly, you are a letter from Christ prepared by us. It is written not with pen and ink, but with the Spirit of the living God. It is carved not on stone, but on human hearts. We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we can do anything of lasting value by ourselves. Our only power and success come from God. He is the one who has enabled us to represent his new covenant. This is a covenant, not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life."

O - The "old way" is not just the Judaism of the first century but any religious system based on rules, laws and regulations. This includes those based on the writings of New Testament as well. It seems to be in us to codify, to think we can reduce to formula and tradition that which defies them all. Jesus, God's Kingdom and God's word defy them all. This is the point of Colossians 2:23 “These rules may seem wise because they require strong devotion, humility, and severe bodily discipline. But they have no effect when it comes to conquering a person's evil thoughts and desires." Two thousand years of Christian history irrefutably confirms this conclusion. Regardless of the source of "inspiration" for such rules and traditions, ultimately they are all the same. "The old way ends in death; in the new way, the Holy Spirit gives life." The old way referenced in these verses was actually based on Scriptures … on words Moses and others received from God. Yet, this "way" not only ends in death it demanded the death of the innocent and beautiful and only true Friend of the entire human race. And this is how it ends for us all if we succumb to the temptation of human control and the pressure of culture (both religious and secular).

A - What "covenant" am I really attempting to live by? Am I recreating an old covenant existence using New Testament words? Am I living in the Stone Age (the carved on stone type) or in the reality of Spirit life (that which is written on human hearts)? All Scripture promises are true. All Kingdom are principles eternal. There is no formula. Real life and God's Kingdom always require the immediate and intimate person of Jesus. He is heaven's last word and he is life; vibrant, refreshing, irrepressible and eternal. I choose Jesus and the covenant he offers to me and to all.

P - Sovereign Strong and Only True Friend of the Whole World,

I praise you for your relentless love and defiant mercy; for your tender patience and powerful grace; for wanting us at our worst and for giving us your very self to love, follow and trust. Today I want you (actually need you) to write on my heart according to all that you are and all you desire. I want your spirit pouring into me and out of me … not just at my assigned post this morning but all day and every day while it is called today. This is beyond me and any rigorous activities I might engage. I can't earn it or prove worthy of it. Only you can give it and this is exactly what you desire to do. I don't just want to come near I want to stay near … to have your life coming into me and splashing, maybe even pouring, out of me. Thank you for loving me and for refusing to change your mind.

I love you back,

Steve