I have a power in my life that once was not present. I have had some ability to resist certain temptations all my life. For whatever reason, I don’t tend to have an addictive personality. I realized some people are wired up with a proclivity to certain addictive patterns. I get it. Me, not so much. I am more even keeled in temperament and the reward cycle in my brain is not so needy. But, for my early and teen years, sin was certainly able to have its way in me. Only when I received the Holy Spirit of God did I discover a new found power to say no to sin and yes to God. Now, I have to make a conscious decision to avoid temptation and not present myself (eyes, ears, body, mind, thoughts) as instruments of wickedness. In other words, I can’t seek out sinful temptations and expect to resist simply because God is in my life. Rather, I must offer “every part” of myself to God as an instrument of righteousness. I am such a simple creature. Only able to do one thing at a time. Either its offering myself to God, or to sin. When its God, I prove the power of His wonderful grace. That’s my choice today! Its not Will Power, its His Power!
In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness. For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace. Romans 6:11-14 NASB
What choices will I make today? How will I offer all of me to God for righteousness sake?
God, as this day begins- I offer to you all I am for righteousness sake. Work within me to accomplish Your will in Your ways. Thank you for the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. I give You full control. Fill me anew with the power to desire and choose what is good, right, lovely, and godly. Lord, I do pray for the families of Uvalde. Please meet their deepest needs and join them in their immeasurable loss and grief. May others nearby silently be present in this season of despair.
