Many people argue that they do not need Christ
dwelling within them to enjoy a changed life. They use meditation, medication,
Yoga, Tai Chi, Eastern religions and pure will power to make a better life for
themselves. However, a changed life is not the only benefit of admitting we are
sinners and trusting in Christ for our salvation (Romans 3:23, 6:23).
Jesus not only reforms us, but He also renews
us by bringing our spirit to life within us. His sacrifice on the cross makes
us co-heirs with Him of the entire Kingdom of God (Romans 8:17;
Philippians 3:20-21). He comes to dwell within us by His
Spirit who sanctifies us and disciplines us until we walk in a transformed life
(Hebrews
10:10, 12:11; 2 Corinthians 3:18). He give us an exchanged life.
God forgives us of every sin - past, present
and even future sins. However, we no longer desire to sin, but seek to live a life
free of sin and its penalties (I John 1:3). Yet, if we fail, we
are not under condemnation (Romans 8:1; 1 John 1:9). We reap many
of the consequences, but none of the penalties of the mistakes we make.
God is involved in every area of our life, which
we surrender to Him. We relinquish our free will and submit our choices to Him.
We walk in victory through life, regardless of the circumstances we face. We
have the presence of Christ in our life both now an in eternity. He gives us
the fullness of the fruit of His character and His divine nature to live life
on earth to its fullest (Galatians
5:22-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8; 1 John 3:2).
Prayer:
Father
God, Your everlasting joy resides in our heart both now and forever (Psalm 16:11). Yet, we are so
focused on the material world around us, and the circumstances we face, that we
fail to notice Your love and peace, which
surround
us (Romans
8:38-39).
Nothing occurs in our life without Your express permission (Job 1:12). You promise never to
leave us or to forsake us (Hebrews
13:5). You
remain faithful to us, even when we wander from You for a season (2 Timothy 2:13).
Thought for the Day:
God promises us to the Lord Jesus Christ, who
is our husband and our whole life. – Colossians 3:4; 2 Corinthians 11:2
