God is looking for authentic
worshippers who will live for Him by His Spirit and in His Truth (John
4:23). When we come to truly understand
that we are dead, and that our life is hidden with Christ in God, we live in God’s power, which works in and through
us (Colossians 3:3; Galatians 2:20).
God will use our body, soul and spirit by His Spirit to work in the lives of
people we encounter each day. He will give us words to speak to them that we
cannot possibly know in our human capacity. This opens doors for us to witness
to people and to bring Christ into their life, so that He can change their
circumstances for their good.
Sinful mankind, lost in
pride, arrogance and the exploitation of others, consider their own needs more
frequently than anyone else’s (Romans 12:3).
However, God brings everyone down to the same level through the grave (Isaiah
14:15). Our eternal destination is
determined by our earthly beliefs. If we live for self, we reap corruption; if
we live for Christ, we reap eternal life (John 3:16-18). As we allow the nature of Christ in us to
infiltrate every area of our life, we decrease so that He may increase (John 3:30).
It is not difficult to sustain a constant relationship with our living Lord. Every moment of our day is worship to Him. We serve God by the Spirit moving within us and through us. We put no confidence in our fleshly abilities; and we do not boast in our own accomplishments, because we accomplish all things through Christ in us (Philippians 3:3; 2:12-13). Living with honor and respect for the Lord gives us a secure life with protection from lasting harm (Proverbs 19:23). Even negative circumstances turn around for our good (Romans 8:28). He gives us everything we need to live in contentment through a Godly life (1 Timothy 6:6).
Christ in us gives us joy in
tribulation (Romans 5:3), hope in
devastating trials and loss (Romans 15:13)
and a bright vision for the future (Jeremiah 29:11). He is our strength and shield. We can trust in Him
with all of our heart. He fills our heart so full of joy that we spontaneously
burst forth into songs of praise and thanksgiving (Psalm
28:7). Our faith in His faithfulness is
never disappointed. He will not give us the lusts of our flesh, but He always
abundantly provides for more than our needs (Ephesians 3:20). If we pray anything according to His will, he hears
us and supplies (1 John 5:14).
We cannot fully live without
Christ living within us. Paul realized this truth in his life (1
Corinthians 4:7). Jesus’ disciples knew
the truth of this statement (John 15:5).
Joseph exemplified this when he interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams (Genesis
41:16). Rebellious Jonah learned to
trust the Lord, as the God of heaven who made the sea and earth (Jonah 1:9). God is always ready to listen to those who devotedly worship
Him and are willing to live in His will for their life (John
9:31). Blessed and happy is everyone who
worships the Lord and walks in His ways (Psalm 128:1)
Prayer:
Father God, King David put it best, "O God, You are my God, earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for You, my body longs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. I have seen You in the sanctuary and beheld Your power and Your glory. Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise You as long as I live, and in Your name I will lift up my hands" (Psalm 63:1-4).
Thought for the Day:
True disciples long for God
more than life itself and seek His love and grace as we glorify Him in all that
we say and do.Thank you, Southern Sweet Tea, for the use of your photo.
