Romans 8:1 – “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

Life is a fleeting thing, and the brevity of human life is never more at the forefront of our minds than when someone we know and love crosses over to the other side.  Our mortality becomes an unavoidable reality, and we think, or should, about life and eternity.

Many people live in turmoil because they face the dilemma Paul addressed in Romans 6 and 7.  They realize that in their mind and hearts, they love God and want always to do what is right, but there are times when their flesh does things that directly violate what they believe is right and good. They lament, I want to do better, so I am a terrible person, and God could never love me; I am so sinful. They allow the devil to shipwreck their faith and live in condemnation.

We are three-part beings: Spirit, Soul, and Body. God transforms us in our Spirit, and we express ourselves through our Soul (mind, will, and emotions) and live in a house of clay our Bodies.  Our bodies will die, but our spirits will live forever!  We are imperfect and have not attained spiritual perfection, but we are or should be pressing toward that goal.  With the help of the Holy Spirit and by the Grace of God, we are being transformed into His Image and moving from glory to glory.  We are not yet what we shall be, but we are not what we once were.

Romans 8:1 gives hope and comfort if we can and will receive it. Therefore, it links back to the previous verses in Chapter 7 and reminds us that Condemnation is not part of our inheritance. We are not defined by our mistakes and shortcomings but by our Faith in Jesus and our surrender of our hearts to Him. We are all flawed vessels, but through the Blood of Jesus, we are New Creations and growing in Grace! Hallelujah!

We must become able to see ourselves as transformed and rejoice in our Hearts!   We must refuse to allow actions or mistakes of the flesh to become the qualifier for receiving from God. You cannot earn favor; it is by Grace, not Works!

Therefore, since we cannot earn it and it is a Gift by Grace from God, learn to live with the expectation that He will do what He said and give you His best even if you are not your best!  His Love for you covers a multitude of sins.

Today would be a great day to declare – I am Saved, Being Saved, and will be Saved!  I am the Righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and I Overwhelmingly Conquer Through Him! That is Who I am, and Who I am is not defined by my flesh but by my spirit!

I ask that you pray this prayer: “Father, help each of me to trust You to enable us to overcome the temptations of the flesh and become who You designed me to be. Help me reject condemnation and run to Your Light and Love! It is Christ IN me that is my Hope! It is Christ THROUGH me that is my expression of life. It is Christ WITH me that enables us to be overcomers! Thank you, Father!  I receive it from you.  Amen!”

May today be filled with God’s goodness and peace!