It is Finished! 

     On Monday, we wrote from Romans chapter 8 the law of sin and death, and the law of the Spirit. While still alive on the cross, Jesus said, "It is finished." What was finished? His life? Yes, but he rose again and spent 40 days witnessing to his disciples, his half-brother, and many others.

     Ten days later, the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples and other God-fearing Jews in Jerusalem. Read Acts chapters 1 and 2 for the thrilling account. 

     The sacrifice of the Son of God himself sets us free from the law of sin and death...if...Jews and Gentiles alike, believe, confess and turn from our sinful ways, be they small or great.

     God sent the Holy Spirit - all over the world - to connect with our spirits, setting us on the narrow road of growth and obedience until he takes us home (to heaven). 

     Sounds easy enough. But God allows Satan (see Genesis chapter 3) to lie and deceive). While we seek freedom through the law of the Spirit of life, this war continues. We are on one side or the other. 

     John the Baptist (Jesus said, "he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he") baptized people in water, but baptism in the Spirit results in power to follow, trust, obey and witness. It is the Great Commission. 

     What to pray for? The Holy Spirit intercedes for us in accord with God's will. As Christ became an "heir of God," we become "co-heirs" with him. Amazing. We don't have to be beautiful or highly skilled or rich. In fact, the humbler we are, the more we will conform to his likeness.

     If God is for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31

Friday: 

      We are sheep to be slaughtered, yet more than conquerors.