But, just as a picture may not always reflect the true nature of that which is portrayed, so we must recognize that what we feel does not always reflect the true nature of the Spirit. At times what we feel and express most certainly does reflect what Christ has done in us and for us, but we must be careful to judge what he promises based on what we feel about that promise.
Why is she saying this again? you wonder...because I need to hear it.
I used to be really bad about thinking that God wasn't doing His job or what He promised simply based on what was going on around me. I have learned that regardless of my situation, God is still God and His Holy Spirit is still revealing Christ to me and guiding me into all truth. Does that mean I believe God never works in situations? Shoot, I'd be a fool to say something so foolish. I'm simply saying our focus is not to be on what is around us, but Who is in us.
Single Spirit-Mindedness. Singular thought. Laser focus. Cognitive recognition of the Spirit of Jesus always working. Let me back up and paint you a picture. Well, God painted it first, but I'm going to use it.
Genesis 1. We are really backing up!
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep and the Spirit of God was hovering over the water.
That word "hovering" is more like energizing, trembling, shaking. In other words, the Holy Spirit was there bringing energy to the creation. The low sub-woofer of creation bringing deep energizing life to it. Constant. Holding it together.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17
This is Jesus in us. He who is before all things and holds us together. His Holy Spirit in us is the life-giving energy in spirit that keeps us attentive to the things of God while being able to fold laundry, wash dishes, feed children, balance a checkbook, kiss boo-boos, kiss husbands, go to work, drive to school, drink coffee and even shower, at some point in the day.
If we can learn the art of single spirit-mindedness and keep our spirit's tuned and turned to the truth of the work of the Spirit of Christ in us, we will find that we are fulfilling Paul's command of never-ceasing to pray. We can hear the low, sub-woofer energy of the Spirit all the time. Deep down we can sense His presence and hear His voice beyond the cry of the newborn, or the fights of the brothers, or the chatter of the gossip, or the noise of the traffic, or the shame, guilt, and pain. We can know the Spirit of the Lord and we can always center ourselves to Him.
Be mindful of He who is in you. Pull yourself back to that humbled position in the throne room. Picture yourself there even when you are at your busiest. Remember, it is not He who stops His power and His work. It is we who fail to humble ourselves and recognize it and honor it. Never stop learning how to humble yourself more and more. Make your single Spirit-mindedness a priority, and He will shape your life into more than you dreamed.
You'll look up....and you're different. It is indeed a mystery: Christ in us.
1 comment:
I have just recently found your blog and I had to write and tell you how much I enjoy your writing....you are very encouraging...and inspiring..and I thank you for sharing your God given gift with us !
Tamara in Missouri
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