Tag: gudiance

What does it mean, “I’m indwelt”?

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Have you ever considered how and why you are able to live successfully and faithfully for Jesus? We are not perfect this side of heaven but we have the desire to live for Him once we come to know Him. God did a very special thing for each and every believer when He sent His Holy Spirit to live inside of us. His indwelling spirit gives us the commitment and power to set aside sin and look to Him. He helps us to live for Jesus. He is why we can be successful.

Because Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, I am indwelt by the Holy Spirit when I step out in faith to believe. This fact permeates the life of every believer. Thus, we are all His and belong to one another. Paul sated in 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” Because we have God’s Holy spirit inside of us, guiding and directing our hearts, we are can be loving and united in faith and purpose. Romans 5:1-5 explains this in more detail. “ Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” We know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love. Paul makes it clear that we are made right with God through Jesus and that He loved us so much He gave us His Spirit to indwell us. His Holy Spirit works from within- guiding, encouraging, molding and shaping our character thus giving us the power to live for Him each day.

What a wonderous provision we have in the indwelling Holy Spirit. Study the graphic below- prayerfully thank God for His Holy Spirit’s work in your life.

Linda

Advent Day 9, Waiting in Peace

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How do you know that you can trust God in all situations? King David penned Psalm 27 as a song to God that is filled with reassurances, hope and faith for anyone in difficult circumstances. You might say, I’m Okay now, no worries. And yet, each day comes with its own troubles and life has its ups and downs. Christmas is often a time of the greatest joy and greatest depression. People are overwhelmed with the demands of the season at work, home and among friends and family. What can we take from Psalm 27 to bring us hope and peace in this busy season?

David begins by reminding himself that God is the source of all hope and rescue. He was David’s salvation just as Jesus is to each one of us. Is he your light? Do you see Him as greater than your enemies? If you do, then you can conclude with the same affirmation as David- I will remain confident!

The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    so why should I be afraid?
The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger,
    so why should I tremble?
2 When evil people come to devour me,
    when my enemies and foes attack me,
    they will stumble and fall.
3 Though a mighty army surrounds me,
    my heart will not be afraid.
Even if I am attacked,
    I will remain confident.

David then reveals to the Lord that being with Him, delighting in his Lord is his primary goal. He longs to be with God. He knows that God will protect and conceal him from his enemies and David will gladly worship Him. What delight do you receive from worship? Do you feel the Lord is with you?

The one thing I ask of the Lord—
    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.
5 For he will conceal me there when troubles come;
    he will hide me in his sanctuary.
    He will place me out of reach on a high rock.
6 Then I will hold my head high
    above my enemies who surround me.
At his sanctuary I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy,
    singing and praising the Lord with music.

David then reassures himself of God’s character and the things he knows and loves about God. Hear me as I pray, O Lord.
    Be merciful and answer me!
8 My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.”
    And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” God is accessible.

Do not turn your back on me.
    Do not reject your servant in anger.
    You have always been my helper.
Don’t leave me now; don’t abandon me,
    O God of my salvation! God is his Savior and will not leave him or forsake him!
10 Even if my father and mother abandon me,
    the Lord will hold me close. Unlike human friends and family, God is with us eternally!

11 Teach me how to live, O Lord.
    Lead me along the right path, God is his guide and teacher.
    for my enemies are waiting for me.
12 Do not let me fall into their hands.
    For they accuse me of things I’ve never done;
    with every breath they threaten me with violence. God is greater than his accusers
13 Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness
    while I am here in the land of the living. His goodness will triumph.

David’s response was affirmation and patience. He trusted God to provide all the courage and patience he needed as he waited upon the Lord for guidance and help. Wait patiently for the Lord.
    Be brave and courageous.
    Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

How about you? Will you seek Jesus in this busy season? Looking to Him for joy and peace.

Linda