A pure heart is the key to knowing God (Matthew
5:8). His love overwhelms us with its joy and peace. His perfect love
slowly, but surely, casts out all of our fears (1 John 4:18). When we
trust in Christ and keep God's Word, we become His dwelling place (John
14:23). He fills us through all of our being with all of His
fullness (Ephesians 3:19).
As the Temple of the Holy Spirit, we experience more and
more intimacy with the Trinity (1 Corinthians 3:16). The outer court of the temple
is our body, the inner court is our soul and the Most Holy Place is our spirit,
where the presence of God dwells and fills our soul and body. As we present our
body to God, as a living sacrifice, we die to our self and the destructive
lusts of life (Romans 12:1).
God's Spirit fills our soul with all of the characteristics
of faith, hope and love. These are the greatest traits a person can possess (1
Corinthians 13:13). The more we walk in obedience to the directives of
God's Spirit, the more our faith increases. Our obedience to Biblical standards
comes as we grow in love for God (John 14:15). Then,
our love and faith increase our hope in God.
God's love is wider, deeper and higher than any human
emotion or any created thing (Ephesians 3:18; Romans 8:31-39). God's
proven love for us, over the years of our relationship with Him, helps us to
have more love for one another (John 13:34). Surrendering to God's love opens
doors for us that we can only dream about, and brings fulfillment to our life
in this sin-cursed world.
Prayer:
Father God, faith, hope and love are intertwined throughout
our entire personality and relationship with You. They affect our lifestyle,
and are the foundation of every other fruit of Your Spirit (Galatians
5:22-23). Teach us to surrender to Your love, and to allow Your
light to shine through us, so that men will see our good works and give You the
glory (Matthew 5:16). Perfect Your love in us and help us to bring You
glory with our life (1 John 2:5).
Thought for the Day:
God is love and love is of God; everyone who loves is born
again of the Spirit of God and knows God. - 1 John 1:7-8; Luke 10:27
