For the last couple days we've been emphasizing that eliminating the negatives from our lives including the abuse of alcohol and other drugs, is not enough to bring us wholeness.  In fact, as we've seen through Jesus' parable of the man possessed by a demon, emptying our lives of evil only opens us up for more evil, if we leave the "space" created empty.  That space must be filled with God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit in order for us to be all He created us to be.

Take a moment right now and ask this question:  Who or what is in control of my heart?  Is it God?  Is it a person?  Is it you?  Is it some THING?  Is it a drug?  Only one of those answers provides a future filled with life and hope.  We know the answer is God.  Yet, how easy it is to let the space fill up with other things, other "gods."  If Jesus is in control right now, thank Him.  Praise Him for who He is and for all He does to bring meaning and purpose to your life.  If He isn't in control, know that you will never enjoy the peace, joy, love and hope God intends for you until He is.  I'm so grateful that Jesus fills my space--the space reserved for Him.  When the temptation comes from something or someone else to yield that space to it or them, I'm grateful for the Holy Spirit's power that keeps me focused, or brings me back to Jesus when I stumble.  I pray that each of us will live into the reality of a life controlled by Jesus today!

Let's pray:  Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are and for being the one, true and living God.  Thank You for sending Jesus to save us from ourselves and from the tricks and tests of the devil.  Fill us anew with Your Holy Spirit that we may glorify You in all we are and do.  This I pray in Jesus' name.  Amen.