To live a Christian life is not hard work, it is impossible. That is why you need the Holy Spirit.
I meet so many Christians who struggle and strive each day, trying desperately to live in all God has for them. They think that if they just try that little bit harder they will somehow manage to attain a life pleasing to God and be worthy of serving his purposes.
To live a life like this is to reject the truth of what has been achieved through the work of Christ. God did not save you to live a life of trying, he saved you to live a life of victory.
You see, in my own strength I am helpless: it is impossible for me to live a life free from sin, for me to work signs and miracles, to see the restoration of all things, to love as Christ loves, or to live everyday in complete fullness of joy. So stop trying! It will only prove to dissapoint.
Jesus new it would be impossible for me to live this supernatural life and this is why he baptised me with his Spirit, that I might be empowered to do all things, living by the Spirit of God.
To attempt to live even one day in all God has for me without the Holy Spirit is like trying to drive a car without an engine.
Just for today, I’ll enjoy each moment to the full and try not to tackle my whole life’s problems at once. Just for today, I’ll try to improve my mind by learning more than I know; I’ll read my Bible because it’s my source of wisdom and strength. I’ll be open to those Scriptures that require obedience, action and commitment.
Just for today, I’ll be agreeable, wear a smile and make sure my words are seasoned with grace. Just for today, I’ll have a plan and a goal which I’ll reach towards and chase after. Just for today I’ll develop my character. I’ll do a random act of kindness and keep it secret; if anyone finds out it won’t count. Just for today, I’ll do something I don’t naturally want to do, which will train my spirit to rule my flesh and my faith to rule my emotions. Just for today, I won’t be afraid to love or to risk; I’ll take steps of faith that stretch me beyond my comfort zone. I’ll enjoy all God’s blessings and believe that every seed I sow in His kingdom will be multiplied back to me many times over. This is how I’ll live – just for today – and when tomorrow comes, I’ll do it again.(UCB – the Word 4U 2day, Feb-Mar-Apr 06)
Epic colonial architecture, libidinous young salsa dancers, Che Guevara murals, white-powder sandy beaches, swaying fields of sugar cane - the images of Cuba are as transfixing as they are timeless. This is an island of unique historical heritage floating amid a sea of encroaching globalisation.(Yahoo Travel Guide)
This describes the experience I had when travelling around Cuba several years ago. But last week I encountered something very different, something far more beautiful.
I met with a people.
A people overflowing with a love so strong, it could only have come from God Himself.
A people whose hunger for God to move, has changed the way in which I look at my daily circumstance.
A people who live in a Kingdom that breaks beyond the shores of an island.
A people who belong to a family that covers the world, and continues from generation to generation.
Despite being so distant from the familiar, I was home - and it was beautiful.
To live a Christian life is not hard work, it is impossible. That is why you need the Holy Spirit.
