Christ-likeness Is Produced Through the Holy Spirit

by Rick Warren

“God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.” (Philippians 2:13 NLT)

It is the Holy Spirit’s job to produce Christ-like character in you.

The Bible says, “As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NLT). This process of changing us to be more like Jesus is called sanctification.

Where to Give Yourself First

Written by Gail Rodgers

“They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:5)

Do you ever look at the needs around you and wonder where to give yourself first? In this chapter of 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul is talking to the believers about grace and generosity. In verse seven Paul says, “see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”

This verse is particularly challenging because this past season has been quite busy in our home. There was a whole host of needs that needed to be met and I wasn’t sure how it would all work out. The needs involved people that we loved dearly, yet as I read the words “excel in this grace of giving,”  I sighed. When I get tired I often don’t feel like I am excelling much in this grace of giving.