A fireside chat with mom.
Romans 8:11 “If the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from death lives in you, then He who raised Christ from death will also give life to your mortal bodies by the power of His Spirit in you.”
This is quite a spectacular reality, but raises a few questions. Come join me and my mom next to the fireplace in her cozy living room as we discuss these things.
How do we sin less? (Romans 7)
As long as we are trapped in our corruptible flesh, there will be a constant battle. The demands of life are screaming at us:
“Gotta do this, gotta do that, gotta go here, gotta go there.” Make His presence a priority ((early in the morning is great). Never give up attempting to spend quiet time with the Lord, even If you are not as successful as you want to be. ” Martha, Martha you are worried and upset about many things, but only a few things are needed….- indeed only one.” (Lk 10:41). It is a shift in our perspective of what “needs” to be accomplished as opposed to what we are truly desperate for: Him. His smile, His words, His directions, His brilliant thoughts on the matter, His beauty, His comfort.
What is the difference between Christians who just make it to heaven and those who really tap into His power?
Being vulnerable with the contents of our heart. When we have poured out our broken hearts before the Lord, and the God of the universe shows up and minsters to us personally and deeply, it becomes an explosive testimony to a broken, lost and dying world.
Making it our aim to glorify God. The most dynamic worship leaders are the ones who intentionally take the focus off of self and they sort of disappear and we become enamored with the glory of God. Everyday followers of Christ can live this out too. It takes intention, because we naturally crave being liked and praised.
Living a life of integrity. When we obey Christ in the secret places of our lives, it gives us an authentic, radiant, authority of the gospel that cannot be faked.
The final aspect of power is being radical in our faith. The Holy Spirit will prompt us to do things that make us highly uncomfortable. Taking great risks that cost us something. Extravagant giving, risking rejection to share truth, speaking to a stranger a word from the Lord, start a ministry God has stirred in us beyond our “ability”, physical persecution, and much more.
The same power that rose Jesus from the dead lives in us…
*Today do we need Him desperately?
*Are we vulnerable with Him?
*Do we exalt Christ over self?
*Are we obedient in secret?
*Are we following Him radically?
Aka
Got power?????