Much of our relationship with God is a mystery (Ephesians 3:17). How can the three persons of the Trinity be only one God? How did Jesus raise from the dead and return to Heaven in physical form? How can the Trinity abide within us through Christ in us? (Colossians 1:27, Galatians 2:20)
Although
these are mysteries, authentic Believers daily experience life with the actual
presence of Christ in us, who brings with Him eternal life for all who believe
in Him (Romans 8:10; Act 17:28; Galatians 2:20, 4:19; 2 Corinthians 13:5).
Trusting in anyone or anything other than Jesus Christ for salvation, now and in eternity, is useless. Accessing
His character and nature is only a prayer away. All of His love, compassion,
wisdom, mercy, strength and power reside with Him in us as well.
Salvation
comes by His name alone (Acts 4:12). Union with Christ brings the entire
Godhead into our spirit too (Colossians 2:9). Jesus redeems us, and also gives
us His righteousness in exchange for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
We
die to sin and are raised to walk in a new life (Colossians 2:12). His Spirit
sanctifies us from one stage of glory to the next (2 Corinthians 3:18), His joy
is our constant strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and His love is unconditional and
consuming.
Jesus
is the sovereign ruler, not only of the universe, but also over our life. He is
actually our whole life (Colossians 3:3-4), and nothing else ever truly satisfies
us. As we submit to His will for each moment of our day, we live in freedom
from fear and other negative emotions.
God
works out every situation in our life, both trials and blessings, for our
ultimate good (Romans 8:28). He walks in us through every minute of pain and
trauma, encouraging us by His love, joy and peace, as He rejoices over us with
singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
Prayer:
Father
God, thank You that our fellowship is with You through Your Son (1 John 1:3).
Israel is Your chosen nation, but we can never thank You enough for opening
Your heart to the rest of the world as well (John 3:16-17). We are so grateful
that You set us apart for Your glory both now and forevermore.
Your
presence in Your people is a mystery that we accept by faith in Your
faithfulness. We look forward to seeing Jesus face-to-face, and to spend
eternity serving You and building up Your Kingdom. We look forward to escaping
the confines, degradation and heartbreak of this world, and dwelling with You
in Your Paradise for eternity (Luke 23:43).
Thought
for the Day:
Focusing
our mind on Christ in us allows us to rise above the limitations of this earthly
existence, and to walk in the fullness of His divine presence every moment of
every day.
-
Ephesians 3:16-19, Amplified Bible
