“But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.”—Romans 7:8 NKJV

The power of suggestion is an ingrained part of human nature. One recent study discovered how suggestions can influence what people do, what they remember, and even what products they prefer. The Bible confirms this pattern, showing the powerful way our minds influence our actions. When we hear an idea, that thought can become fixed in our minds. This domination can distract us and prevent us from thinking about other things. This is a reason so much attention is given to advertising and promotion, which seek to plant thoughts in our minds by encouraging us to think about specific products and attitudes. As the Bible suggests, the Law has this kind of impact. The Law gives us ideas of what not to do. As a result, ideas become planted in our minds. When the Law says, “Do not covet,” we become aware of coveting, and begin thinking about it. When the Law says, “Do not lie,” we immediately start thinking about lying. And so forth. Paul says we must appreciate how the Law makes us aware of our sinful nature. But rather than focusing on the things we are not to do, we now are to live by grace through the Spirit. Seek to move beyond anything that gives you an impulse to sin. Follow the leading of the Spirit. Live in accordance with God’s Word.

Reflection Question: Write out a verse or two to memorize this week.

“When they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left.”—Luke 23:33 NKJV

Avis Burgeson, encouraged by her grandmother, began writing poems when she was just ten. Born in Chicago on this day in 1895, she married Ernest Christiansen who later became a vice president of Moody Bible Institute. Avis kept writing throughout her lifetime. Before she died in 1985, she had written many hymns and published two books of poetry. One day while listening to a sermon on the subject of Christ’s atonement entitled “Blessed Redeemer,” Harry Dixon Loes, a well-known hymn writer, was inspired to compose a tune that felt appropriate. But the tune needed words. He turned to Avis, sending her the melody with the suggested title, asking her to write lyrics. She accepted the challenge, and the resulting hymn proved a great blessing. Worshipers have been moved by the hymn’s heart-felt sincerity since then. Avis described the scene as Jesus walked up Calvary. Ahead was the horror of the cross that He faced for sinners “that He might save them from endless loss.” Amazingly, even as He was dying, Jesus prayed, “Father, forgive them!” Avis sensed He was motivated by love. She could only respond, “Oh, how I love Him, Savior and Friend, how can my praises ever find end!” For her this was personal. Jesus was her “Blessèd Redeemer! Precious Redeemer!” He wasn’t just dying for sinners in general. He was “dying for me!” Yes, He was dying for you too!

Reflection Question:Write your own prayer of thanksgiving for what Jesus has done for you.