Philippians 1:6,  "God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion."

Think

"Jesus will take care of our trash. Our Savior is in the sanitation business!" What are you confident in? You are probably confident that when you flip the switch, the light will turn on; when you twist the handle on the kitchen sink, water will flow; when you turn the key in the ignition, the car will start; and when you get onto the highway in the morning, you will hit traffic! We are all confident in certain things, because they have shown themselves to be true and consistent. But what about your confidence in spiritual matters? Are you confident that God is doing something good in your life? Are you confident that God is transforming you? These seem less certain, don't they? But the reality is, we can be confident that God is completing a good work in us because our growth is not based on our own power, but on God's faithfulness and His power. The entire Bible is a portrait of God's faithfulness to complete His plan! God's work in our lives is more often a long process (which can be hard to see) than a quick miracle (though He can work that way). And in today's verse, the image is of a journey. When the goal of our character and behavior is to become more like Christ, it can seem like an impossible task. Running a marathon might also seem like an impossible task. But you get there by focusing on one step at a time, one day at a time, much like our spiritual journey. Trust God as He changes your life. Remember, God is in the business of dealing with our trash; be confident in His ability to do so!

Act

Have you taken the first step to put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior-heal your heart, deal with your sin, and give you a new mission in life? Then, what is one step you can take today on this journey to exchange your old trash with God's life-filled way? For a good list of what to aim for, read the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 and celebrate each small step as a major victory!

Pray

My Father in heaven, thank You for Your power that is at work in me. Help me to focus on the daily journey and not be overwhelmed by my trash. Help me experience peace, knowing that You are faithful to accomplish Your purpose in me and help me to work with You in dealing with my dysfunction! In Jesus' name, Amen.