Christopher Powers, Instagram, @fullofeyes
DAY 36, How can I obtain inner strength?
The foundation of religious life (reconnection with God) is shown in Ephesians 3:16,
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being.” NIV
We need strength every day. A life full of strength brings us joy. Our wonderful Lord wants us to have abundant strength in our lives. This strength for the inner person is provided by the Holy Spirit.
It is necessary to consecrate ourselves daily to Jesus and to pray daily for the Holy Spirit – praying with promises we can be sure to receive the Holy Spirit as soon as we ask.
Christ in us
What comes next, according to Ephesians 3:17?
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith” (KJV).
Are we sufficiently aware of this marvelous truth?
When we live with the Holy Spirit, then it is a fact that Jesus lives in our hearts. We can neither feel nor measure this. We have to believe it. If you believe this, then speak to Him now and again, and tell Him: “Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You dwell in my heart.” Or, “Lord, I am so glad You live in me.”
Andrew Murray says,
“In this way Jesus takes you into fellowship with Him with the objective that His life becomes part of your life.” Andrew Murray, Bleibe in Jesus (Remain in Jesus) (Leun, 2012), S.149
Ellen White adds to this idea saying that,
“The influence of the Holy Spirit is the life of Christ in the soul.” Francis D. Nichol, ed., Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p.1112
And,
“…in the plan of restoring in men the divine image, it was provided that the Holy Spirit should move upon human minds, and be as the presence of Christ, a molding agency upon human character.” Ellen G. White, Ye Shall Receive Power, February 8; p.47
And also,
“A healthy Christian is one who has Christ formed within, the hope of glory [Colossians 1:27].” Ellen G. White, Ye Shall Receive Power, February 8; February 4; p.43.
The text says that Christ dwells in our hearts by faith.
Trust is the foundation of faith.
It is a matter of entrusting our whole life to Jesus — our first basic surrender of our lives and then, consequently, the daily surrender to Jesus Christ.
QUESTIONS FOR MEDITATION & DEVOTION
How are you going to invite Jesus into your heart every day?
What is the connection in between the presence of the Holy Spirit and Christ abiding in the heart of a person? How can it be achieved?
As Jesus takes His place in our hearts, what does change?