Apart from Christ

Prior to coming to Christ, we determined our daily routine by our priorities. We valued, worked toward and pursued anything that would assist us in reaching our goals. We developed this habit, day in and day out, living by our human reasoning and working to please our self and to secure our future.

Our flesh formed habits as we trained our thoughts, attitudes, words and actions to respond and react in certain ways to the challenges and trials of life. We are used to living independently of any restraints or parameters for our behavior (Romans 8:7-8). We serve our self and make sure we come out on top (Romans 1:25; 2 Corinthians 5:15). We do good deeds for others, but we want the praise.

When the Spirit of God moves in, He encourages is to shift our mind-set entirely. This sets up a dichotomy in our life, which causes a tug-of-war within our soul. God wants us to put to death the carnal deeds of our flesh, so that we can live an abundant spiritual existence in Him (Romans 8:13-14). Yet, our flesh wants to maintain the status quo and control our own life.

The tie-breaker is God’s Spirit, who rebirths our spirit, which was formerly dead in sin (Ephesians 2:5). At salvation, our old nature died and we were Born Again by God’s Spirit (Colossians 3:3). Spiritually alive, we now partake in the divine nature of Christ (2 Peter 1:4). The fruit of the Spirit replaces our formal carnal character (Galatians 5:22-23). We no longer live apart from Christ, but in dependence on God’s love and will.

Some of our former traits, alien to God’s ways, still influence our thoughts, words and behavior. However, we can crucify our independent and willful tendencies on a daily basis (Matthew 16:24-26), and obey the will of God instead. Each day, no longer apart from Christ, we walk in more victory over the flesh by dwelling in the Spirit and following God’s desires for our life (Ephesians 2:10; Galatians 5:16-26).

Prayer:

Father God, by Your saving faith, a gift to us from Your mercy and love, we willingly submit our old fleshly habits to the work of Your Spirit within us (Romans 8:12-13). He influences and transforms us. He draws us to Your heart and renovates every aspect of our life. This free gift is priceless and we thank You for the sacrifice Jesus paid for our eternal life (Ephesians 2:8).

Thought for the Day:

The Holy Spirit exchanges the deeds of our flesh by renewing our mind as we surrender our life to Christ. - Romans 12:2; Mark 10:28-29

Spiritually Alive

 

What is revival? Why are people always praying for revival? How does revival occur? Revival is a movement of holiness in the church brought on by the Spirit of God. The Spirit will inspire an individual to call out to God in prayer, or to attend a church service or to respond to the gospel message shared by one individual to another. The Spirit moves in the hearts of the people to desire more of God. It is up to us to respond to His gentle nudging.

Only those devoid of their own agenda and living in submission to the Spirit will experience revival. Only people who are spiritually alive can comprehend the truth of Spiritual concepts. Spirit-filled preachers and teachers explain God’s Word in such a way that everyone can understand it and receive it with open and repentant hearts. Then, when these new Believers read the Word, the Spirit quickens it to them as well.

Preaching opens up the Word of God by using Biblical references to explain each point. Those under conviction by the Holy Spirit may feel remorse for their ungodly behavior; however, they also feel the joy of God’s healing deep within their soul. Resentment and anger fall away. An abiding peace envelops them. We come to appreciate the conviction of our sin, because it proves that God loves us and is working to perfect us.

Jesus’ work on the cross is bigger than any sin we could ever commit. He is waiting with open arms to absolve us of the penalty of our sin, and to fill us with His Spirit; so we will have our own personal, daily revival. We obey God’s Word rather than the traditions and dictates of men. He becomes our stronghold in times of trouble. Even in our affliction, we take refuge in Him, because He delivers us out of them all (Psalm 34:18-19; 37:39-40).

Prayer:

Father God, we wait patiently for You, because we know You will always turn and hear our cries. You lifted us out the pit of despair, from the mud and the mire of life in this world. You set our feet on the Rock of Christ. Many in today’s environment will see the conditions of this world and put their trust in You for their salvation (Psalm 40:1-3). You will never disappoint them.

Thought for the Day:

Jesus Christ puts a new song in our heart. – Psalm 40:3