Back To Home Page To Archives - Spring of Life - H. Roger Bothwell An Old Lion Story There is an interesting old story about a lion who in the presence of his trainer was a gentile giant. When his trainer was with him anyone was safe to pet the lion or snuggle in his giant mane. Even the smallest child was safe and would come to no harm. The problem was when the trainer was not presence the lion was as ferocious as any creature on earth. No one dared even to stick his hand in the cage lest he had a desire to have it amputated. I have thought much about this story through the years. It reminds me of my two natures. Paul speaks in Romans 5 - 8 of his two natures. He calls them his old man and his new man. He speaks of his old nature dying but resurrecting and needing to be dealt with every day. The only way he could deal with it was a daily submission of himself to the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. I like the lion story because for me it is not a once a day experience but an on going process. If I remain in the presence of Jesus by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit my “Mr. Hyde” can be so dead I am hardly aware of its presence. I want to do good and right things. I am a gentle lion. But should I neglect or severe my daily contact with God there is an awakening within me that is most unpleasant. “Mr. Hyde” lives and the resulting behavior and attitudes are most disappointing and dangerous. Paul wrote in Phil. 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Today I can be the kind of person I want to be. You can also. Together we can have victory over every and any thing we desire. But we must never think we can do it on our own. It can only be as long as “the trainer” is in the cage with us. Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Heb. 12:2. I'm Roger Bothwell and my address is hrb1@tiac.net or 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453. Thank you for your support of our faith ministry. Past devotionals can be accessed at Archives