Today's Verse - Romans 8:3-4

For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

—Romans 8:3-4

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

We shouldn't need a law to guide us when the Spirit lives in us. God had promised that under his new covenant, he would put his law in the minds and write it on the hearts of his people (Jeremiah 31:31-33). The Holy Spirit does this in us. The Spirit produces the character God desires in us, well beyond what any law would require (Galatians 5:22-23). The law can teach us God's will and reveal what is sinful and righteous. However, the law can't fix our sinful inclinations nor empower us to live according to God's will. On the other hand, the Holy Spirit can! The Spirit cleanses, transforms, empowers, and inspires us to be what God calls us to be in ways no law can (Romans 8:1-4; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18). Let's thank God for his loving sacrifice in Jesus and empowering presence in us through the Holy Spirit!

My Prayer...

O God, create a pure heart in me and renew me by dwelling within me through your Holy Spirit. Please empower me through your Spirit to have the character you desire, as the Spirit transforms me to be more like Jesus daily. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - John 14:23

If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.

—John 14:23

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

This chapter, John 14, begins with Jesus' promise to return to heaven and prepare a place for us with God (John 14:1-3). In our verse, however, the LORD wants us to know that we don't have to wait until heaven to be in the presence of God or have his presence in us. As we love God and obey Jesus' teaching, God comes and makes his home with us. What a fantastic and gracious promise! God, the Creator of the Universe, the Holy One of Israel, comes and makes his home in each of us.

My Prayer...

I thank and praise you for your abiding presence within me, O God. May my life reflect the holiness and grace of your presence in all that I think, say, and do. My heart shouts for joy as you come to me, and I say to you, dear Father, "Welcome to your home in me!" In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Acts 5:32

We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.

—Acts 5:32

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Of all the many gifts God gives us, the gift of his presence in us through his Holy Spirit is among the most precious.

• The Spirit's presence makes us God's temple (1 Corinthians 6:19).
• The Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God when we pray (Romans 8:26-27).
• The Spirit helps us overcome the pull of our flesh (Romans 8:13-14).
• The Spirit gives us strength in our inner being (Ephesians 3:16).
• The Spirit transforms us to become more and more like Jesus (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).

The Holy Spirit is heaven's living witness within us, given to us to help us live for God. Oh, what a great gift!

Video Commentary...

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My Prayer...

Father, thank you so much for your Holy Spirit, who is now interceding for me as I pray. Please strengthen me through your Spirit as I seek to live a holy life dedicated to you. Dear Father, I yearn for the Holy Spirit to transform me daily to be more like your Son in character, compassion, righteousness, and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.