The indwelling and abiding presence of the Spirit of Christ in born again believers offers a life of ongoing adventure, and thus, of an enthusiasm and zest for living.
"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly" (John 10:10).
Note that I suggest "adventure" rather than "excitement." There is a difference, but the words may seem synonymous to some. By adventure, I mean that we awaken to each new day with a reason to exist and to live, regardless of what our earthly circumstance or sensibility may involve. The Apostle Paul provides such purpose in his first letter to the Corinthians:
"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (I Corinthians 10:31).
No other intention and determination compares with a life lived from, into, and for the honor of our Maker and Redeemer. Nor does any challenge offer as much opportunity to overcome adversity and adversaries. Thus, joys and difficulties await all who build within their hearts the spiritual altar whereupon we sacrifice every purpose that is not the one Christ-glorifying reason for which God made and redeemed us. "This one thing I do" declared Paul, a man who testified of a joy-filled heart in every venue and circumstance of life (Philippians 3:13; 2:17).
We will consider this life of adventure in God over the next few days. For now, allow me to suggest that the beginning of such experience involves the belief that this truth is, in fact, true. Again, we must build the aforementioned heart altar, based upon the reasoned and determined choice to believe that "to live is Christ" (Philippians 1:21). Is the Lord Jesus who the Scriptures declare Him to be, namely, the One for whom our hearts were created? Can He fill and fulfill us in any and all things, conditions, circumstances, and events? Is He our very life? Adventures in God begin when we offer upon the altar of our hearts the sacrifice of all others as the Life of our lives. Only Christ truly and effectually occupies this holy office, and only He promises the present and everlasting fulfillment for which God made our hearts…
"He is thy life."
(Deuteronomy 30:20)
"One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple."
(Psalm 27:4)
Tomorrow: Expectation
Weekly Memory Verse
All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.
(Matthew 11:27)
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