Living apart from Jesus
is the most miserable existence on earth. We continually strive to obtain,
reach or acquire that one more item, experience, person, place, career
opportunity, or status symbol to make us happy on this earth (Philippians
3:1-11).
Conversely, like
Paul, I am obsessed with the idea of the Trinity living in us. Paul mentions it
more than 170 times in his epistles. Christ in us delivers us from sin and
fills us with His resurrection life (Romans 5:10). He writes His laws in our
conscience so that we will not sin against Him.
He changes our
personality, our values, our priorities and our life goals (2 Corinthians
5:17), and floods our soul with His infinite peace and wisdom (Philippians 4:6-8).
Yet, if we live apart from Jesus, we have none of these benefits (1 John 5:12).
His salvation
reaches not only to our spirit (salvation), but to our soul (sanctification) and
body (glorification) as well (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Redemption consists of these
three phases in the stages of a lifelong journey of purification and contentment.
God freely
offers everyone this gift of a personal relationship with Him. We have the
option to either embrace His friendship or to refuse to acknowledge Him. The
choice is ours.
He gives us
this opportunity to get to know Christ and to grow in our understanding of His
power, His resurrection and in what He has to offer us in eternity.
We can
experience firsthand both Christ’s sufferings and His victories as we walk
through our trials with Him within us. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John
15:5); but in Him we are
conquerors over every trial, because He loves us (Romans 8:37).
Christ suffered
rejection by the religious leaders of His day. They did not believe they were
actually crucifying the living God, because they did not recognize Him for who
He was. We do know Him, however.
We have the
opportunity every day to fellowship with Christ in us; to walk in His mercy,
power and grace; to be led by His Holy Spirit and to live with Him in eternity
in Heaven.
When we put our
trust in Christ alone, and allow Him to live in us and to work through us, His
power flows in us, through us and from us as it changes the world around us.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus,
thank You for Your death on Calvary’s cross, which paid the penalty for my sin (Romans
5:8). Thank You for Your
resurrection that gives me life in my spirit, soul and body. Thank You for Your
redemption that guarantees me a place in eternity with You. Thank You for one life
to live on this earth in Your serenity and joy. Help me to make every day count
for Your glory.
Lead us by Your
Spirit to accomplish Your works in the natural family, church family, neighborhood,
city, state and country where You have us living. Remind us that we are
missionaries for You and that You have a divine purpose for our life. Help to
fulfill Your purpose every moment of every day.
Thought for the
Day:
Jesus gives me
the opportunity to be one with Him in perfect love and acceptance, apart from
any good deeds, pious performances or imposed restrictions, which come from my
self-effort.
