Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I am now living in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Dear Heavenly Father,
As believers, we are called to live by faith in Jesus, Your Son and our Savior. Each day brings a struggle between our sinful desires—temptations to pursue worldly pleasures and satisfy our pride—and our renewed nature in faith, which clings to You and to Jesus. While faith in Jesus has freed us from the sins that condemn us to hell, it does not eliminate the temptations that pursue and torment us.
In our lives of faith, we can see and recognize the temptations of sin as they confront us. When we live by faith in Christ through Your Word, Jesus empowers us to resist those worldly and selfish enticements. When we stumble and fall, we acknowledge our sins and turn to Jesus for His forgiveness, which He earned for us on the cross; there, Jesus demonstrated His love for us by sacrificing His life in our place so that we may have eternal life through faith in Him. We are not alone when we trust in Jesus.
Lord, please guide us and send Your Holy Spirit as we confront today’s temptations. May Christ dwell in us through our faith in Him. Help us remain vigilant against the sins that may distract us from You, and forgive us for Jesus’ sake when we fall short, especially for those sins we commit unknowingly. Let us share the good news of our new life with Christ living in us, along with the forgiveness, peace, joy, and hope that are ours through Jesus. Let us also share our hope through faith in Him with those who do not believe. Please grant them faith so they may receive forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life. Also, let them know they are never alone; they can be with us and live as part of Your family—the family of believers. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Allowing Christ to live within us does not mean we will stop sinning. Instead, we recognize and confront temptations while experiencing the peace of forgiveness when we stumble. By placing our trust in Jesus and His forgiveness, we are reconciled with God and assured of eternal life.