July 30, 2015

When do you feel physically strongest? At the top of that hill that you didn't think was possible to reach? At the finish/victory line of a race?

What about spiritually? I don't usually feel very strong spiritually - there's always a "secret sin" popping up and tripping me up:  a short fuse with my kids, a self-righteous thought at work, things that I feel like I face and struggle with, over and over again.

But, Romans 8:1-2 emphasizes our ability - through Christ Jesus - to live a strong, victorious life.  "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." How liberating!  Yes, we are sinful; but yes, through Jesus' death on the cross and faith in Him, we can be - in fact, we are - victorious.

However, as Pastor Charles shared recently, we must get personal and specific about sin if we're going to live this victorious life. Immediately, after confessing specific sins and asking for God's guidance and power to be victorious, I feel stronger spiritually than ever before.

The Lord is at work strengthening His Church for today and the days ahead!