Today’s Scripture: Romans 7:25, NIV- “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.”
We must take our first step in anything. In Step One of Celebrate Recovery we first admit we are powerless over our addictions and compulsive behaviors, that our lives had become unmanageable. If there is one scripture most of us can relate to it is Romans 7:18, which is the scriptural basis for Step One, “For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.” (NIV)
I can certainly relate with Paul as he wrote in Romans 7:15 “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” (NIV) I do not understand what I do. I do understand that Jesus Christ is my only hope and deliverer.
Although I have been sober for more than seventeen years, I am still no more able to manage my life, on my own strength. Sometimes life seems more unmanageable now than when I was drinking. However, I have learned to trust the management of God. My sinful nature is why I am constantly reminded to turn to God and His Son Jesus Christ.
We have no other hope. I am thankful for Romans 8:1 which states “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,” (NIV). God, I am thankful that You understand our sinful nature. I am grateful that You have not given us the condemnation we deserve. I welcome Your Spirit that draws us to Your promise to deliver us through Jesus.
I cannot understand. However I can accept Romans 8:2 that promises “because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (NIV) I pray to live according to the Spirit of God. Since I cannot manage on my own, I am asking the Spirit of God to live in me. LORD please fill me with the Spirit of Christ. I cannot fill myself with good.
I am asking for the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead to live in me. Lead me Spirit of God so I live as a child of God as You promised in Romans 8:14. I am crying Abba, Father. Please testify with my spirit of Your Spirit. Thank you for bringing us into Your freedom and glory as Your children. Our hope remains in You.
Can you ask Jesus to intercede and deliver you now?
Today’s Prayer: Thank You God for loving us and delivering us through Your Son Jesus Christ. Thank You Jesus for giving us the freedom to live in Your Spirit. Only through You LORD are we conquerors over our flesh. I am convinced that You Jesus are our deliverer, and nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in You, Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
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