Let's keep our focus on supporting each other in prayer. "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Gal 6:2) If you need private conversation, consider direct messaging. Let's trust God's plan for Cheirfourwood. "Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer." (Rom 12:12) In Jesus' name! 
So 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
This phrase is such a great description of our identity — "those who belong to Christ Jesus." This identity ensures that God stamps his mark of authenticity on our hearts while Jesus sends the empowering Comforter and Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with us. The Spirit's presence brings us many blessings — like spiritual gifts, spiritual conviction, insight into God's truth, direction for our difficult journeys, along with many other blessings. Paul, in Romans 8, emphasized another great blessing from the Holy Spirit: the gift of power. The Holy Spirit brings us power over sin, power over death, power over the struggles of our sinful nature, and power through prayer. It is 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.
Father God, you are holy and righteous. On my own, I do not have the character or the willpower to be what you want me to be. In fact, dear Father, I confess that I cannot live up to all that I want to be. But I can see the work of your Spirit, progressively and surely, conforming me to be more and more like Jesus. I am thrilled that I belong to Jesus, but I do ask today that you work mightily to make me into what you desire me to be as I live to honor you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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—Romans 8:1-2 NLT
Key Thought
This phrase is such a great description of our identity — "those who belong to Christ Jesus." This identity ensures that God stamps his mark of authenticity on our hearts while Jesus sends the empowering Comforter and Advocate, the Holy Spirit, to be with us. The Spirit's presence brings us many blessings — like spiritual gifts, spiritual conviction, insight into God's truth, direction for our difficult journeys, along with many other blessings. Paul, in Romans 8, emphasized another great blessing from the Holy Spirit: the gift of power. The Holy Spirit brings us power over sin, power over death, power over the struggles of our sinful nature, and power through prayer. It is 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.
Today's Prayer
Father God, you are holy and righteous. On my own, I do not have the character or the willpower to be what you want me to be. In fact, dear Father, I confess that I cannot live up to all that I want to be. But I can see the work of your Spirit, progressively and surely, conforming me to be more and more like Jesus. I am thrilled that I belong to Jesus, but I do ask today that you work mightily to make me into what you desire me to be as I live to honor you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Ⓒ 1996-2021 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. The Thoughts and Prayer for God's Holy Fire are written by Phil Ware. Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Continue reading...
