Scripture: Romans 6.  

OBSERVATION
(What is God saying here?)

Romans 6:12-14 (NLT)

12 Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires.

13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.

14 Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.

APPLICATION
(How Can I apply what God is saying here to my circumstances today?)

This chapter has really been an eye-opening reminder that made me think of my physical body. If I was diagnosed with high cholesterol and placed on medication to improve it and told to adjust my diet so that I could resume a healthy lifestyle, chances are that I will make every effort to adjust my lifestyle. Yet in our Christian walk we surrender our hearts to the Lord and often return to sinning, or our old sinful character. Paul reminds us here in this chapter that we should not allow any part of our bodies to become an instrument to sin and that we are not to give in to the sinful desires, but rather we are to live in the freedom of God’s grace! With all the pressures of this world and everything around us, we might tend to say that this sounds good on paper, but really we could never be that perfect. Friends, let’s remember that ALL things are possible through God and with the strength, help and direction of the God who saved us. The big challenge for us today is to adjust our minds to believe that with God’s help we can accomplish His will, and we can live holy lives in the strength that He offers. I have given myself to God, and with the help of Jesus, His Son, I will live a life pleasing to Him and for His glory. I believe that this would be the greatest gift we all could ever give to Him this Christmas season, a total dedication to Him and His kingdom work. Won’t you join me in this commitment?

PRAYER
(With God’s help, what am I going to do differently today because He said it?)

Father, thank You for drawing to my attention the source of my strength, and the worldly desires that so easily distract me from my walk with You. Please forgive me where I have failed You and give me strength this Christmas season to walk uprightly, and boldly representing You, the reason for this season, in everything that I do or say. Please touch the lives of my friends that may read this devotional today and grant them similar strength and/or direction as they come before you with similar commitments and requests. May we experience the joy that was first felt at Your birth!

 

àWords underlined may be a hyperlink to a song that God laid on my heart while sharing this devotional this morning. Click it and be blessed by the song, like I was when I listened to it! …… I would be overjoyed to have the opportunity to pray with you about a need in your life that may, or may not have been highlighted by this Nugget today. Why not drop me a note and tell me about it? You may email me at:
nuggetsfromgodsword@yahoo.com.
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