Guiding Scripture: Ezekiel 11:19 “And I will give them singleness of heart and put a new spirit within them. I will take away their stony, stubborn heart and give them a tender, responsive heart.”
Being the Light
By contributing writer Christina Price
I am a first-generation American born into a Caribbean Hindu family and the youngest of seven children. I was saved as a teenager after being introduced to Christ by my Mother, who was saved a few years before passing away from cancer. As of now, I am the only one who has accepted Jesus Christ. I say as of now because I know all things are possible with God and salvation is near for my entire family. Can I get an amen?!
Being the only one who is saved and submitting my life to God has been a huge adjustment for my family.
I share this experience in my recent book called “Saved by Choice”. “Once I received the love of God for myself, it filled me to my core and exuded through me. Not only did I feel different, but everyone around me saw it. And once the light turned on in my life, it pushed me into another stage of development that I was unprepared for- being a walking spotlight. Actually, it was more like a flood light, one that is one hundred percent noticeable.
My family and friends did not know how to react to me once I began living in the light, and they were convinced I had drunk the proverbial Kool-Aid. After all, it wasn’t like I had eased them into it. Within a year of my recommitment, I changed drastically. I wasn’t a perfect human being, of course, but I did make the conscious choice to take inventory of what I spent my time on, what I engaged in, and the people I allowed into my inner circle. I weighed the cost of each area as I aligned myself more with the principles of Jesus.
All I wanted to do was study the Bible, learn, and grow.
Unfortunately, my family and friends weren’t having it. They loved their witty, potty-mouthed, quick-to-clap-back, petty-filled, always-down-for-a-good-time girl Christina, and they wanted her back immediately! They didn’t want to hear about what I had read in the Bible, or the generational cycles I had uncovered through prayer, or the upcoming events at the church where I served. They wanted no parts of my “epiphany,” as they referred to it” (Saved by Choice, 2020, pgs. 27-28)
The Scripture in today’s devotional is what helps me in my faith as I stay the course.
I love the message translation of this verse: “I’ll give you a new heart. I’ll put a new spirit in you. I’ll cut out your stone heart and replace it with a red-blooded, firm-muscled heart. Then you’ll obey my statutes and be careful to obey my commands. You’ll be my people! I’ll be your God!” This reminds me of who ultimately was in charge, and that is God. He will put a new spirit in them, my job is to focus on myself and my relationship with God, pray, and submit the rest to Him.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for calling me out of darkness and into your marvelous light. I ask for the strength to go the distance in my journey with you. Father, I lift in prayer those around me who have stony, stubborn hearts, and I ask that you fill them with a new spirit and a responsive heart. Help me to love them the way you love me and help me to glorify you so that they will be inspired to know you for themselves. I pray that my life reflects you in all that I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen
The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Friday, November 4, 2022
Ezekiel 10:1-11:25, Hebrews 6:1-20, Psalm 105:16-36, Proverbs 27:1-2
Connect with Christina Price on Instagram and visit www.amazon.com to purchase her devotional memoir Saved By Choice
Christina Price was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a Hindu household. She accepted Jesus as a teenager after being introduced to Christianity by her mother, who became saved herself just a few years before passing away from cancer. After walking away from her faith for years, Christina recommitted her life to Christ as an adult and is now passionate about the Lord and serving others. She believes sharing her experiences will encourage readers to stretch past the superficial trappings of life, and embrace the sovereignty of God’s purpose in their lives.
