God's Holy Fire: 'How Are You Going to Finish?'

When we come to Christ, the Holy Spirit is Jesus' gift to us. The Spirit cleanses us, fills us, and empowers us. The Spirit transforms us to be like Christ, puts to death the evil desires that enslave us to sin, produces the fruit of the Spirit in our character, comforts us in times of struggle, and gives us gifts to serve the body of Christ and others. The Spirit blesses us with the strength to do what no law or regulation could ever do. So as we approach the end of the year, make resolutions, and set goals for the New Year, we must commit to live for Jesus. However, we must also realize that the strength to live for him will never come primarily from our own willpower and our own efforts. While our commitment to live for Jesus is necessary, the ultimate power we need comes from God's grace and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Let's finish this year by asking for the Spirit to take control so we will live for God's glory!