The Holy Spirit-Filled Life.....Where God Has Dominion In the Hearts Of Those He Has Saved!

The Apostle Paul reminds the Christ follower that the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power (1 Cor. 4:20), and that the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in (or "by" pointing to the means) the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Paul's reminder to us is that the message of the Gospel brings the awesome power of God into every Christ follower's life through the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit! Far too many Christ followers, however, are not living through the enabling power of God. For these Christ followers it's simply a matter of doing the best THEY CAN to conform to certain expected standards. On the surface, some appear to be more successful at conforming to the standards than others, but if they are honest with themselves, and this is not easy due to our bent for self-deception, there's the always present awareness that something is not right! In our attempt to justify, we seek to find comfort in thoughts like: "No one is perfect, we all have our weaknesses," or "I'm doing the best I can, and I'm sure God understands." Of course, none is perfect, and certainly God does understand! But, let's assume we are doing our best, but this does not change the fact that unless we're walking by faith in the Lord and in His exceedingly great and precious promises, we are missing the abundant life Jesus offered! We're not living life the way life was meant to be lived! The question becomes, "Is OUR BEST what the Lord wants?" The answer is a resounding no! Our best is not good enough to live life as a Christ follower! God wants faith in HIS BEST, the person of the Holy Spirit whom God has sent to indwell and empower us so we can live through the power which God supplies! Paul said these words to the Christ followers at Colossae, "Toward this goal I also labor, struggling according to His power that powerfully works in me" (Col. 1:29). If we could live the Christian life without God's enablement, why do you suppose God would promise the Holy Spirit to indwell the church (John 7:37-39; 14:17)? Why would the Lord call the Holy Spirit the title of "Helper" (John 14:16, 26)? Let's become God inside minded and look to the Holy Spirit to live the Christ followers life. This is faith in HIS BEST! This is the Holy Spirit-filled life! As Christ followers, this is God's life for you! Your move. Be encouraged!