I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Meditation:
"To receive the gospel is to receive an entirely different view of reality where Christ is the epicenter of all things. He becomes the center of our universe, the source, the purpose, the goal, and the motivation of all that we are and do. When a man receives the gospel, his entire life begins to be lived out in a different context, and that context is Christ." (Paul Washer)
There is a continual contention waging between our flesh and our spirit (in union with the Holy Spirit). This is the default for as long as we are on this side of eternity. Our bodies yet await their redemption. [Romans 8:23] If we merely exist, the default is our flesh will win. It will "make mincemeat of us" by producing "the works of the flesh." That is what is registered in our subconscious mind. That is its comfort zone. That is how it has been conditioned as a result of the fall. [Romans 3:23] That is why the Prophet Jeremiah refers to our heart as "desperately wicked." [Jeremiah 17:9-10]
If we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit we have to play an active part in the game of life. We have no other choice. The Apostle Paul pleads with us to offer our bodies "a living sacrifice." That is, one offered up on a continual basis, 24/7. We are consciously taking up our cross and following. That is how we get drunk (filled, enraptured, controlled, influenced) by the Holy Spirit. [Ephesians 5:18] "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25)
We cannot, nor are we expected to, do this in our own strength or power. There is no bravado or braggadocio about it. It is spiritual warfare, and as such requires spiritual implements. We war with our secret weapon, Christ himself. [Philippians 4:13, Colossians 1:27] And, the way to activate our weapon is maintaining an essential, intimate love relationship (koinonia) with Him. [John 15:5] Let Him carry you. You cannot carry yourself. Just the plain truth. May God give each of us understanding.
Prayer: Lord, help me see Jesus in His glory. Remind me always of my helplessness without You. Cause me to ever continually hunger and thirst for more of you.
Link to Series:
Devotional Tea 39: Keeping Your Edge
Devotional Tea 41: Being Made Perfect
Books for Further Study:
Fasting (Jentezen Franklin)
A Hunger for God (John Piper)
Christian Fasting (Kent Berghuis)
When I Don't Desire God (John Piper)
Devotional Tea 41: Being Made Perfect
Books for Further Study:
Fasting (Jentezen Franklin)
A Hunger for God (John Piper)
Christian Fasting (Kent Berghuis)
When I Don't Desire God (John Piper)
More Thoughts on Subject Matter:
"Communion with Christ—is a certain cure for every ill." (Charles H. Spurgeon)
"True spirituality consists in living moment to moment by the grace of Jesus Christ." (Francis Schaeffer)
"Relying on God has to begin all over again every day as if nothing had yet been done." (C.S. Lewis)
"When a Christian jealously guards his secret life with God, his public life will take care of itself." (Oswald Chambers)
"He Himself is the fuel our spirits were designed to burn or the food our spirits were designed to feed on. There is no other." (C. S. Lewis)
"If you want that splendid power in prayer, you must remain in loving, living, lasting, conscious, practical, abiding union with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Charles H. Spurgeon)
"Today Jesus Christ is being dispatched as the Figurehead of a Religion, a mere example. He is that, but he is infinitely more; He is salvation itself, He is the Gospel of God." (Oswald Chambers)
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