August 5, 2006 - Psalms 68-69 and Romans 8:1-21
It is so wonderful to be saved and to be a part of God's family. I pray that all of us will rejoice in the goodness of God today as we read these passages. There is no way we can thank God or praise Him enough for His goodness to us.
Psalms 68 and 69 emphasize the glory of God. He is awesome, and there is nothing He can't do. It is impossible to list all of the benefits of His salvation. (68:19) We receive many blessings every day, and we should worship Him out of a heart of thanksgiving. In Psalm 69 David expresses his distress again. It is like he is drowning in a sea of oppression from those around him. However, he trusts in the Mighty God, and he is delivered. The Lord hears him, and He keeps all of His promises. (69:35-36) What a blessing it is to be a child of God!
Romans 8 explains the Law of the Spirit of life. (v.2) When we come to know Christ, we are set free from the law of sin and death, which we read about yesterday. Now, we can follow the Spirit's direction, and when we do, we do not sin. Since all believers have the Spirit indwelling them, it is possible to live a righteous life and not to yield to sin. However, the problem is that we begin to listen to the flesh again, and the law of sin comes back into play even for the Christian. Therefore, we must put to death the deeds of the flesh. (v.13) That is strong language, but it is the only way. We can't tolerate the flesh or try to control it. It must be put to death by the power of the Spirit in our lives, so we can follow the Lord only. That will not happen completely until we get to heaven, but it must be our goal each day, and we should be longing for the time we will be totally free from sin in heaven. (v.19-21) Is that your heart? Do you wish to live without any sin? Then, put to death the deeds of the flesh.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 70-71 and Romans 8:22-39.
Psalms 68 and 69 emphasize the glory of God. He is awesome, and there is nothing He can't do. It is impossible to list all of the benefits of His salvation. (68:19) We receive many blessings every day, and we should worship Him out of a heart of thanksgiving. In Psalm 69 David expresses his distress again. It is like he is drowning in a sea of oppression from those around him. However, he trusts in the Mighty God, and he is delivered. The Lord hears him, and He keeps all of His promises. (69:35-36) What a blessing it is to be a child of God!
Romans 8 explains the Law of the Spirit of life. (v.2) When we come to know Christ, we are set free from the law of sin and death, which we read about yesterday. Now, we can follow the Spirit's direction, and when we do, we do not sin. Since all believers have the Spirit indwelling them, it is possible to live a righteous life and not to yield to sin. However, the problem is that we begin to listen to the flesh again, and the law of sin comes back into play even for the Christian. Therefore, we must put to death the deeds of the flesh. (v.13) That is strong language, but it is the only way. We can't tolerate the flesh or try to control it. It must be put to death by the power of the Spirit in our lives, so we can follow the Lord only. That will not happen completely until we get to heaven, but it must be our goal each day, and we should be longing for the time we will be totally free from sin in heaven. (v.19-21) Is that your heart? Do you wish to live without any sin? Then, put to death the deeds of the flesh.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Psalms 70-71 and Romans 8:22-39.