January 8 Giving New Life
scripture reading:
Romans 6:1–7
key verse:
Romans 6:7
He who has died has been freed from sin.
When the Holy Spirit imparts the gift of eternal life to you, far more has transpired than the mere possession of unending spiritual life. That is because the Holy Spirit brings to every Christian an entirely new quality of life that is divine, supernatural, and godlike.
Through the Holy Spirit, the born–again man or woman can enjoy a new way of living. Since the Holy Spirit allows you to share in the life of Christ, He opens up a radical new lifestyle that is conformed to God’s commands and ways, not to culture.
You must remember that much of worldly behavior and methodology is based on wisdom that is flawed and tainted by sin. The Spirit of God reprograms your mind and transforms your attitude with His wisdom, dramatically altering your habits, rearranging your priorities, and establishing new standards.
At the same time, the Holy Spirit gives you a new power for living; the new lifestyle comes with the power to succeed. You are no longer limited to fighting your problems with your resources. You have God and the fullness of His Spirit to help you and deliver you.
Thank You, Lord, that I am living a new lifestyle. I am not bound by the culture, behavior, or methodology of this world. I do not have to conform, but I can be transformed by Your power!
Charles F. Stanley, Enter His Gates : A Daily Devotional, January 8 (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1998).