It’s Friday…Be Convinced Of The Promise

The weeks prior to Resurrection Sunday is a perfect time for us to celebrate the life we have in Christ. Yet, over my lifetime, I’ve had too many believers to number ask me this question in one form or another: “If new life is ours in Christ, why does life often seem so old? Why do I struggle with sin and death when I’m united with The One who overcame both?” This is an honest question. Perhaps the answer lies within us. Perhaps it’s all a matter of perspective. Perhaps when the Bible says we’ve died and been raised up again, we haven’t really believed it. We’re reminded of the old nature often, and we let it speak louder than the promise of God.

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)

Living like Jesus begins with death and resurrection. This is foundational. If we see ourselves as people in a process of reform, trying to make the bad habits good and sinful tendencies weak, we will fail. But if we see ourselves as dead and then raised, then we have the basis for a new way of life, and, in fact, a new life that really isn’t ours. It’s Jesus’, and only He knows how to live it.

Here’s the Truth: Jesus doesn’t offer to improve us, He offers to let us die and then to inhabit our personalities with His presence. That’s why becoming like Him can hurt; there’s a cross. But it’s the key to the glory that follows. Right?

Ask yourself, “Am I living the resurrected life?” Sadly, too many believers are striving in the flesh to do the works of the Spirit, and they are frustrated and tired. Wouldn’t it be better to rest in the resurrection than try to overhaul the old nature that was – and should continually be – crucified with Jesus? New life is an eternal blessing, but it has no short-term benefit if we refuse to live in it.

So how do we get there? Not by straining for it, not by reading about it, or jumping through a gauntlet of religious hoops. So, what’s the answer? The answer lies by us simply asking Jesus to reign free in our heart. By asking? That’s it? Yes. We ask often, trust deeply, let ourselves Be Convinced Of The Promise, think about it often, and most of all, we give Jesus free reign in our heart. The power of His resurrection is available when the power of self is exhausted. Let’s live in His power today, right now. Or better yet, let’s allow His power live in us. Agree?

Have a promising weekend. Make it better by worshiping The LORD with those who are tired of self and are convinced that living like Jesus only happens when we abide in Him, always.

All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.

“He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, The King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see, to Him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.” (1 Timothy 6:15b-16)