The Reality

"And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you live because you have been made right with God."  Romans 8:10


As I sit with my father in the hospital I deeply feel the reality of the consequence of the fall.  The body does fail and it is not a lovely thing.  It is emotionally and physically painful.  The ray of light that filters through it all is the Spirit given life.  Yes, my dad has been made right with God through the saving power of Jesus blood.  Because of that, as I watch his body give way, I am assured that he has life.  That Spirit given life gives hope through this painful process.  Thank you, Jesus, for giving Your life so that we might live...live beyond these frail bodies.

Declaration

"I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow- not even the powers of hell can separate us from God's love.  No power in the sky above or in the earth below- indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8: 38-39

Who's in Charge

I use this phrase often when talking about parenting.  Romans 8:6 asks the same idea in regards to our minds.  "...letting your sinful nature control your minds leads to death.  But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."  The end results are pretty stark opposites.  It is a choice...however, it is only made possible because "God sent His own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have.  And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins." (v. 3)  Lord, may I live moment by moment in that freedom; my mind controlled by your Spirit, leading to life and peace.