Online Devotions: January 12 (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Sunday, January 12, 2014

January 12 (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. (ESV)

“You have to do what is right for you.” I hear that all the time, and it drives me crazy. It is not surprising that this would become a rallying cry for those who do not have the Holy Spirit living within them, but it has no place in the mouth of a Christian. The world has an odd understanding of freedom, one that demands each individual gets to do whatever he or she wants at the moment he or she wants to do it. This places an unbearable burden on people to know what is best for them.

Those who have been born again and live with God Himself dwelling inside them experience true freedom. Because I am not my own man, I do not have to figure out on my own what is best for me. I can talk with God, reason with Him, and benefit from His wise counsel. I do not have to be a slave to the temptations that call me this way and that but can live fully from desires rightly ordered by the One Who loves me.

I long for the guidance of my Father. I yearn for and savor His good wisdom. It makes my life infinitely better.

Father, what do You want from me this day? You have blessed me with so many gifts and so many opportunities to live a rich and full life in and for You. I want nothing more than to take each step in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Who, thanks to Jesus, lives within me. Amen.

Copyright © 2014 by Steven R. Perkins

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History of Online Devotions

In January of 1999, I began the Online Devotions with the teens of the church we were attending. Each week they would receive a verse of Scripture, a short reflection, and a prayer. Over the years others subscribed to this email list, and soon the Online Devotions were going out to people across the country and beyond.

In 2007 I published in book format a collection called Desert Days: Forty Devotions for Men.

After suggestions from several readers, I launched in 2010 the Online Devotions blog. Devotions are still available each week by email, and if you would like to subscribe, please indicate so in the comment box.

As I have always said, if one of these devotions touches you, you can be sure it was from God. If one leaves you flat, then there was too much of me in it.