Daily Devotion, May 11, 2022

 

Devotion:

Read Romans 8:6-11, 23.

How do we live as Easter people?

This rich and powerful chapter of Romans 8 begins with “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you[a] free from the law of sin and death.” And it concludes with “…nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

These bookends give, from God to those who are in Christ Jesus: hope, life, freedom from the guilt and the bondage of sin, freedom from the fear of death, confidence and security of belonging to God forever! By the power of the Holy Spirit, our minds are re-set to live new lives as Easter people!

Verses 6-11 and 23 give us the assurance that God’s gift to us in Christ, through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, can re-set our minds to not follow in the ways of our sinful nature, but to follow in the ways of Christ, who leads us in God’s ways. This is completely God’s gift offered to all of creation. We cannot earn, achieve or merit it! It is God’s gift with the same power which raised Jesus to resurrected life!

As Easter people we are free to discover this new life! Our new granddaughter is discovering her hands and fingers with a look of awe and wonder! New life brings us new discoveries each day of all of God’s gifts! Each new day of life, we can pause in awe and wonder to give God thanks and to remain open for new discoveries!

Discovering this new life, we must remain steadfast that it is not for self-centered gain. The Holy Spirit is constantly moving us beyond ourselves to love and serve others. God is able to work with us as individuals, and God also has a vision for all of creation to know the glory of being the children of God.

Personal Worship Option:

With open hands, we thank you, God, for this magnificent gift of our hands. We thank you, God for life, new life and life eternal! Lead us to new discoveries as Easter people! “In His freedom I am free, For the love of Jesus Christ, Who has resurrected me.” Amen. Words and Music by Ingram, Ligertwood & Ligertwood. Hillsong, 2019.