The world does not have the resources nor the will to heal all its divisions and difficulties. That’s because most of what ails us begins in the heart, and only the power of God can change us there. Today’s reading from The Kingdom Turn is found on pages 15 and 16:
“The power of the Spirit works within the followers of Christ to make us willing and able to enter and fulfill the pleasure of God. Now understand, we are not naturally inclined to such. Left to ourselves, the rip current of secularism makes us self-seeking, short-sighted, and things-oriented in every area of our lives. The Spirit of God breaks this strong tendency by showing us Jesus, capturing our passions, and engaging our minds and wills for seeking Christ and His Kingdom.
“This is real power, but it’s not automatic. The Spirit of God dwells in all who truly believe in Jesus Christ, but not everyone who believes in Jesus experiences that power in the way God intends.
“God intends His power to transform us, from self-centered, floundering sinners, into Christ-centered, glory-driven waves of truth and grace, splashing daily against the hard rocks of a weary world. The Spirit exercises this power as we seek the Lord Jesus in His Word, and walk in obedient faith to bring His Kingdom and glory to light in our lives.
“This is power that can make everything new in our lives, and through us, everything new in the world around us. This is exceeding abundant power – like you’ve never known before – and it can turn our everyday lives into a big-surf adventure of riding the waves of Kingdom progress.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How do you experience the power of God’s Spirit working in your life?
2. How would you explain the power of the Spirit to a new believer?
If we really believed that our lives can know increasing measures of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, wouldn’t we seek that eagerly and often? These are the characteristics of the Kingdom which the Spirit longs to bring forth in us, but only as we believe that His power is available to us, and only as we seek that power daily. Share today’s podcast with a friend. If you can, get together to discuss it and what it means to be people for whom such power is readily available. You can order a free copy of The Kingdom Turn by going to The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
