The Secret To Spiritual Strength

There is a secret to spiritual strength in the Christian life. You need to know what it is—The strength you need to live the life you want is not found in the will you have but the Holy Spirit you have been given.
 
When a person comes to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior of their life, the Holy Spirit comes to live within. This happens the moment a person trusts in Jesus. Paul said, “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed (at that moment), you were marked in him, with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14).  This is the experience for every Christian. Paul said, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ” (Romans 8:9).
 
When we believe in Jesus Christ, we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This is important for He is the One who gives us power to live for Jesus and to be His witness. Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). Our responsibility daily is to be “filled with the Spirit” (Ephesians 5:18) so that we might be His witnesses through our lives and by our lips.
 
What should we do to assure the fresh empowering of the Spirit of God in our lives day by day? Here are some thoughts to point you toward this life of strength provided by the in-filling of the Holy Spirit:
 
·  Desire daily to be empowered by God’s Spirit. Jesus said, “Those
who hunger and thirst for righteousness…will be filled”
(Matthew 5:6).
·  Do not allow unconfessed sin to remain in your life. The Bible
says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins…” (1 John 1:9). Come to a heart-felt agreement with God
concerning your sins. There is no in-filling of the Holy Spirit apart
from absolute repentance for moral failure.
·  Seek Christ’s Lordship in every area of your life. Give Him sole
possession of every decision and direction. Jesus said, “Seek first
his kingdom and his righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33).
· Pray daily to be filled by the Holy Spirit. You can be assured that
you are praying according to God’s will and the promise of
scripture is this: “If we ask anything according to his will, he
hears us. And if we know that he hears whatever we ask—we
know that we have what we have asked of him” (1 John 5:14-15).
·  Give thanks to God daily for the strength His Spirit gives you to
live for Him. Paul said, “Always giving thanks to God the Father
for everything, in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
(Ephesians 5:20).
 
We cannot live the Christian life on our own. Fortunately, God does not expect us to do it alone. Instead, He has promised us His help and strength. Let’s resolve to seek His strength daily!
 
Devotedly yours,
Pastor Ron