Because of the Father’s Love, because of the sacrificial work of Christ, and because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you and I have the ability to live this New Life, more and more consistently, as we grow spiritually. This is the truth of the Good News: in Christ, we can have, enjoy and share this life to the full. Yet if we do not know this truth, or if we know it but don’t believe this truth, then even though we HAVE Everlasting Life within us, no one will benefit from it here on this planet. God will not be glorified through our lives. Others will not come to know God because of our lives. And our experience of this life will continue to waver, sometimes joyous but more often than not, it will be a huge struggle. God certainly does not desire our New Life in Christ to be miserable! Yet I know this is what I experience every time I refuse to live by the truth I said above. Again, this is one of the reasons growth is so vital. The more we grow spiritually with the Holy Spirit, the more we will act like Jesus, and the less misery we will experience. Our lives will become more consistently filled with joy. This means we have to be aware of the truth and then apply it to our lives with His help.
Dr Stanley says, “…our spiritual pilgrimage is undertaken first by way of acknowledgment, then by application.” (p71) But if I do not accept something is true, why would I act on it? So how do we acknowledge what God says is truth? We choose to trust Him. This is what Faith is all about, isn’t it? For instance, when I sit on a chair, I am choosing to believe it is strong enough to bear my weight. I believe it then I act accordingly. This is placing my faith in that chair and sitting on it. We use faith all day long, yet that is not a saving faith. It is only momentary and does not lead to any everlasting, permanent change. But when we choose to place our Faith in God and what He says…now we are cooking with fire! Having, enjoying and being able to share the Abundant Life starts with acknowledging God and believing that His Word is Truth.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
<>< Peace, Diane
