VerseSo now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
— Romans 8:1-2 nlt
ThoughtSuch a great description of identity — "[T]hose who belong to Christ Jesus." When this is my identity — our identity — God stamps his mark of authenticity in our hearts and Jesus places the empowering Comforter in our souls. The Holy Spirit's presence brings spiritual gifts, conviction, insight in God's truth, leadership for our difficult journeys, and many other blessings. But, one of the primary blessings that Romans 8 emphasizes is the gift of power — power over sin, power over death, power over the struggles of our sinful nature, and power in prayer. No wonder "there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus": we have the presence of God himself within us, empowering us, and transforming us.
PrayerFather God, you are holy and righteous. On my own, I do not have the character or the will power to be what you want me to be. In fact, dear Father, I confess that I cannot live up to all that I want me to be. Yet I can see the work of your Spirit, slowly, gradually, surely, conforming me to be more like Jesus. I am thrilled that I belong to Jesus, but I do ask today that you work mightily to make me more into what you desire me to be as I live to honor you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
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— Romans 8:1-2 nlt
ThoughtSuch a great description of identity — "[T]hose who belong to Christ Jesus." When this is my identity — our identity — God stamps his mark of authenticity in our hearts and Jesus places the empowering Comforter in our souls. The Holy Spirit's presence brings spiritual gifts, conviction, insight in God's truth, leadership for our difficult journeys, and many other blessings. But, one of the primary blessings that Romans 8 emphasizes is the gift of power — power over sin, power over death, power over the struggles of our sinful nature, and power in prayer. No wonder "there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus": we have the presence of God himself within us, empowering us, and transforming us.
PrayerFather God, you are holy and righteous. On my own, I do not have the character or the will power to be what you want me to be. In fact, dear Father, I confess that I cannot live up to all that I want me to be. Yet I can see the work of your Spirit, slowly, gradually, surely, conforming me to be more like Jesus. I am thrilled that I belong to Jesus, but I do ask today that you work mightily to make me more into what you desire me to be as I live to honor you. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
