¹² God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. ¹³ And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. ¹⁴ The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.

The Holy Spirit

I hear it all the time. In fact, I would suggest it’s the most common excuse people give for why they struggle with their spiritual journey. When the words start to come out of their mouths, I want to finish them. I know what they are about to say.

Of course Jesus lived a sinless life. I mean, he’s God! He has an advantage over us. If I were God, I could overcome any temptation too!

The excuse is right on one thing: we’re not God. I’ve driven home that point many times in this devotional, so I wont go into that today. He’s God, we’re not. Period.

But other than that, the excuse is just that … an excuse. And, there’s no foundation for it.

Did you catch what Paul says in this passage? The Holy Spirit – the Spirit of God – lives inside of you! Right now, as you sit in front of your screen, God dwells inside you. He offers you his power, his strength, his anointing. With him, all things are possible. Residing within you is the power to accomplish everything that God calls you to do in life.

Now, let me be clear on this. I’m not saying YOU have the power within yourself. This isn’t some new age – “you can do it!” – baloney. I’m talking about the God who created the universe. Who sustains every living thing. THAT God dwells inside of you. And it is his power that is available to you.

In another place, Paul put it this way: The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. (Romans 8:11)

So, let’s stop making excuses. Let’s recognize the power of God that is within us, allowing us to serve him with all we are. Today, as you go about your daily routine, take time to recognize the God who resides within. It’s an incredible thought.

My prayer: Holy Spirit, too often I neglect you. I forget that you are even there, present in me. For that I am sorry. But today, I acknowledge your presence. As I do all the things I need to do today, I understand that you are with me, ready to provide me the strength I need to resist temptation and to live fully for you. For that, I am grateful. Amen.

Until tomorrow.