“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.”Philippians 2:13 (NLT)
It’s the Holy Spirit’s job to produce Christlike character in you.
The Bible says, “The Lord . . . makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT). This process of changing you to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.
You can’t reproduce the character of Jesus in your own strength. New Year’s resolutions, willpower, and best intentions aren’t enough.
Only the Holy Spirit has the power to make the changes God wants to make in your life. The Bible says, “God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him” (Philippians 2:13 NLT).
Mention the power of the Holy Spirit, and many people think of miraculous demonstrations or intense emotions. But usually the Holy Spirit releases his power in your life in quiet, unassuming ways that you aren’t even aware of. He often nudges you with “a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12 NIV).
Christlikeness is not produced by imitation but by inhabitation—by allowing Christ to live in and through you. The Bible says, “This is the secret: Christ lives in you” (Colossians 1:27 NLT).
But how does this happen in real life? Through the choices you make.
Choose to do the right thing; then trust God’s Spirit to give you the power, love, faith, and wisdom to follow through. Since God’s Spirit lives inside you, these things are always available for the asking.
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What’s the best way to cope with stress? Rebound from failure? Defeat depression? Or have peace of mind?
Pastor Rick shares the answers to these tough questions and much more in his book God’s Answers to Life’s Difficult Questions.
In it, Pastor Rick takes you to God’s Word for answers to twelve of life’s toughest questions, drawing from the examples of people in the Bible who faced the same challenges we face today.
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