Prior to salvation, we followed the leading of our father
the devil and exhibited his sin nature in and through our life. As Born Again
Believers, we are privileged to take part in God’s divine nature (2 Peter
1:4). The Holy Spirit transforms us in every area of our life until we
express only the character of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). We no
longer personify satanic beliefs or carry out his plans or behavior, but we
mirror the image of Christ instead (Romans 8:29). We are
filled with the fruit of God’s Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Daily,
we have the great privilege of God’s Spirit working in and through us.
God puts us in the right place at the right time to be an
instrument in His hands. I went to the pool yesterday and a woman, who often swims
at the same time that I do, started asking me about God and the Bible. I have
seen her several times a month for over a year, and I invited her to church and
offered to pray for her requests this whole time. This week, however, she got a
book from the library about the words of Jesus and she was full of questions.
We walked up and down the pool chatting away about the things of God for the
first time.
Philip is one of my favorite Bible characters. He had this
same experience. He was preaching a revival in Samaria, doing miraculous works
and leading people to Christ (Acts 8:5-8). Then the Spirit translated him to a
deserted road where he met an Ethiopian Eunuch. This was another divine
appointment, because Philip led him to the Lord and baptized him. Philip could
have resented God for taking him away from the great outpouring of God’s Spirit
on the Samarian crowds; but instead, he quickly adapted and allowed God to use
him in the life of this one honest seeker.
God wants to live His life through us too. We start by
spending time alone (all-one) with God in our secret place. We praise and pray
and read His Word. Then we follow the Spirit’s direction for each moment of our
day, just like Philip did. Regardless
of the results, we obey the leading of God’s Spirit in our own life, and He
will use our body, soul and spirit to do His work in the earth. Before this can
happen, however, we have to listen to His direction. God will live His life
through us in our home, work, church and community. Do not be surprised if He
even uses you while you are at play!
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we often take for granted the multitude of
blessings You provide for us every day. Air to breathe, sunshine and rain, the
earth’s exact rotation around the sun, and even clothes, food and shelter. Keep
me focused on Your blessings in my life. Help me to appreciate everything You
do for me each day. Use me to help others and to bless their life with
abundance as well.
Thought for the Day:
As partakers of God’s nature, we are conformed
to the image of Christ and no longer exhibit behavior conducive to the flesh,
the world or Satan.
