For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 NKJV

Do you wake up exhausted from tossing and turning all night? The day greets you with dread because of all the things you must do, and you’ve got to figure out how to fit all the other things around it. You turn on the news. Big mistake! The world outside is as chaotic as your own personal world.

What’s wrong with this picture? It didn’t include prayer, unless you count the words you mumbled while getting dressed. When we create time for prayer, we need to schedule a crucifixion. It’s not only our bodies we need to present as a living sacrifice (Rom. 12:1). Our hijacked minds need to be continually renewed. I’ve discovered peace pursues me throughout the day when my morning begins with nailing my flesh to the cross.

Let’s revisit the cross of Christ. Our verse says there is power at the cross for those who are being saved. The Greek word for power connotes a miraculous power from God. This power saves us daily from sin and spiritual attack. (Strongs).

In his commentary, Dr. Tony Evans explains that the Corinthians, as well as believers today, short circuit that power.

The cross guarantees us heaven, but it gives us much needed power to get through today, but only when we crucify our flesh.

When I rush through prayer, I am depending in the flesh and not the Spirit. I have cheated myself of God’s wisdom and discernment. I didn’t crucify my flesh. I didn’t seek transformation for my mind, and now Lucifer and company are living in my mind for free.

Christ didn’t just pay for our sins on the cross. He conquered Satan. Why does he still attack us?

Sin interferes with our fellowship with God. Sin infects the fertile soil of our minds with negativity.

We also have two other enemies: the world and the flesh.

Romans 12:2

When we crucify our flesh each morning in a protected time of prayer, our day looks promising for peace and not panic. Crucifying the flesh turns chaos into calm.

Friend, you understand that the answer to a mind centered on Christ comes through the Spirit and never the flesh. You have the power available to conquer sin and reclaim your mind. The power of the cross will deliver us from emotional bondage, and it will improve our mood. Ready to nail that flesh to the cross now?