February 21, 2019
Romans 8:5-7 New Living Translation
According to the Word of God, humanity has the opportunity to follow one of two paths; 1) the path of righteousness, or 2) the path of foolishness. We must make a choice for our minds to follow; our behaviors follow our thoughts. If we are focused on pleasing God, we will follow the path of righteousness (life in the Spirit). This is a new life imparted by God. When we accept Christ, we are born anew from above and we cannot remain complacent to sin. When we choose life in the Spirit, sin becomes exceedingly sinful and we never feel right or have peace about practicing what God calls sin.
Romans 8:5-7
5 Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. 6 So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. 7 For the sinful nature is always hostile to God.8 That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.
Prayer: Lord, even though I still face temptation as your follower, I know I am assured that your Spirit is raising me up in Kingdom living. Thank you for your forgiveness when I fail to please you with my choices. When I am tempted to sin, thank you for your faithfulness to show me a way of escape. In Jesus’ name. Amen.