Written by Matt Lange
Read I Timothy 1, Psalm 51
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has
given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his
service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent
man....." 1Timothy 1:12 – 13
Paul talks about his
past but he is not stuck in it. He doesn't stay where he came from or remain what
he was like. As a matter of fact he found purpose in his past. Purpose in how
he grew up, where he came from. He recognized that he was now "crucified
with Christ..." Galatians 2:20. "Yet nevertheless I
live..."
What does it mean to
live in Christ? I have a past that is not glamorous or worthy of the freedom given
to us as Believers. Yet I am free to walk around and be a part of this daily
life as we know it. What if I chose to be stuck on or in my past? Would I to
remain defeated, where would I be today?
"Not I but Christ
lives in me..." When we realize we have a spirit within that is given by
the Lord Jesus we can live in the power of a risen Lord. To be used in service
for a calling worthy of the gospel. To remain defeated by sin as a child of
God, we give Satan the glory for which he is always striving.
We are soon approaching
the celebration of a risen Lord Jesus. He took death as a payment for our sins,
willingly put to death on our behalf. Did the grave defeat Him? Did He say this
is too hard? He didn't whine about the circumstances he was in and He did not
fear what the future held for Him. So the question for us is are we living a
defeated Christian life or do we claim our salvation and live a life worthy of
the calling of Christ?
We all have good days
and bad days. We all encounter things that are hard. Our struggles are very
personal and will control us if we let them. No one is immune to this. However
claiming the power of the cross will make our day, struggle, even our attitude
better. Are we willing to put to death our own self and let the resurrection of
Christ rule our hearts?
Have an enjoyable Easter
remembering the Lord Jesus!
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