Every person ever born inherits a sin nature from the
first Adam, which results in our fall from God's grace (1 Corinthians 15:45). That is why God
gives us both the desire and the power to walk in His salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). He
purifies us in order to present us holy, blameless and beyond criticism.
Holiness unites us with the Trinity of God (John 17:21).
Holiness does not involve legalism, stoicism or an angry
God. There is nothing we could ever do, which is too hard for God to forgive.
He knew we were going to commit sins before He ever created the world (2 Timothy 1:9). He
sent Jesus to pay the debt for each sin we commit, as well as those things,
which He led us to do and we failed to obey (John 1:29).
When we come to Christ in repentance, Jesus makes us a
brand new creation (2
Corinthians 5:17). He moves in and gradually removes every area, which
stands in opposition to God. Then He remodels and restores us from the inside
out (Romans 2:4,
12:1-2; Acts 11:18). God changes our will and our intentions. He is
purifying for Himself a people who are passionate about obeying Him (2 Corinthians 5:15).
God helps us to stand firmly on the Rock of Christ, to
remain steadfast in our devotion to Him and to cling to the hope He gives us
through the Gospel of Christ (Psalm 18:2; Colossians 1:22-23). The entire Godhead is found in
Jesus, and He and His divine nature abide in each of us (Colossians 2:9; 2 Peter 1: 2-4). I
heard it said, "God cares about every aspect of our life, from the nursery
to the nursing home."
Prayer:
Father God, by Your Holy Spirit and with Christ in us, we
contain the fullness of Your power, authority, fruit and gifts (Galatians 5:22-23; 1
Corinthians 12; Acts 1:8; Ephesians 3:19). You call us to be light and
salt in the earth so that people will see You in us (Matthew 5:13-16; Colossians 1:27).
Remind us to cooperate with Your Spirit as He transforms us into the image of
Christ (2 Corinthians
3:18). Thank You for loving us enough to send Jesus to die in our place (Romans 4:25).
Thought for the Day:
God has good plans for our future; and He always gives
us hope, regardless of our circumstances in life. - Jeremiah 29:11
