An Exchanged Life

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 

Transformed Life

We often measure our success by our accomplishments. We crave the affirmation of our parents and peers. When we do not receive this validation, or when we fail to succeed in life, we lose all hope of a meaningful existence. We often change venues and attempt to receive recognition and triumph in some other area. We may enjoy fame for a while, but soon even that is hollow and vain.

There is only one way to truly succeed in this world. Once we surrender our entire life to God, He will direct our steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). We grow in ways we never thought possible. Our hard heart is softened (Ezekiel 36:26), our knowledge increases concerning eternal conquests, our emotions level out, and our relationships deepen.

The Word of God penetrates into the most private areas of our life and transforms our mind and enlightens our soul (2 Timothy 3:14-16). God blesses us with His love in more abundant measures than we could ever imagine or deserve (2 Corinthians 9:8). All of God's Saints receive the power to understand the width and height and depth of His love, and we realize that nothing in this world can ever equal to or take that away from us (Ephesians 3:18; Romans 8:38-39). 

Our appreciation and adoration of God increases daily. We submit more willingly to His cleansing power in our life. God starts a work in our soul - our thoughts, choices and emotions, which lasts a lifetime. We see changes every day in small increments in every area of our life (Romans 12:2). God molds us like a Potter with a hunk of clay, and makes us into vessels for His service (Isaiah 64:8).

Prayer:

Father God, once we are totally broken, subdued, weak and humbled, we are ready for Your transforming power in our life. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, so that we will walk on Your straight and narrow way according to Your precepts (Psalm 119:105 Psalm 119:105; Matthew 7:13-14). You take our broken, useless lives and turn them into priceless works of art for Your glory. Remind us not to rely on the thoughts and intents of our heart, but to submit to Your Spirit's transformation in our life (Proverbs 27:3; Hebrews 4:12; 1 Corinthians 2:16).

Thought for the Day:

We are broken for God's glory and then raised to walk in New Life with Him. - Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12