I’m Surrounded by the Power of Christ
I woke up recently with the dream I was having on my mind. In it, I was getting a tattoo, a tiny cross on my ring finger, above my wedding band. The prevalent thought was how we wear Christ everywhere we go. Later (we’re talking days) while I was rolling over this thought, I heard a preacher talking about sin and how we get a check in our spirits before taking actions to sin.
That spiritual awareness should come from the closeness of our Savior in our every day lives. Recently, I was reminded that we become very much like who we hang out with … our attitudes, beliefs, even our mannerisms.
So I’ve determined in my heart to keep Jesus close. Closer than my husband, closer than my kids, or my coworkers. He is the third cord in my marriage, the One who holds us together.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5
Spirit Checks
I want those Holy Spirit checks when my sinful nature pushes me towards something I shouldn’t be doing (including losing my temper). I want instead to wipe a brow, share a smile, be present, follow through on a promise.
There is greatness in the small gestures in life. There is love.
Jesus commands us to love one another.
And what power we have flowing through us as children of God.
We can gain wisdom, achieve, grow, love beyond reason, forgive, and represent Christ wherever we go. There are no limits, except those we place on ourselves.
The Bible says that we can do all things in Christ who strengthens us (Phillipians 4:13). Which is good, because I am in the process of submitting an application for school.
What is a grown woman with adult children doing going back to school?
Remember, our capacity is unlimited. We have a connection to the source. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:17)
The Power of Christ
We can climb mountains, be physicians, write books, endure hardships and trials, love the most unloveable. Our capacity is unlimited.
Isaiah 43:1-2 says:
“But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.’”
The devil needs to take a backseat to his accusing and reminding us of our humanity. We’ve put on Jesus’ redeeming blood! Stay close to Him. Put Him first. Hold on to like He’s the lifeline in your life, your marriage, your relationships. Because He is.
Is God making a way for you through an impossible or hopeless situation? Or pushing you out of your comfort zone? How do you keep Jesus as your #1?
[ctt template=”2″ link=”2dCef” via=”yes” ]How do you keep Jesus as your #1? Check out these 6 tips from Laura Marshall[/ctt]
6 Ways to Keep Jesus as Your #1
These have been my steps daily:
- Reading the Word.
- Getting in to a (even short) Bible study.
- Praying every chance I get. Talking to God as a friend, talking to God as His daughter, talking to Jesus as my husband, talking to Jesus as my Savior. Showing adoration.
- Respecting the Holy Spirit checks to not offend this Gentle Comforter.
- Keeping Jesus on my mind when I have some moments of down time. Not the tv show from last night, a plot in a book, a worry to be reworked. JESUS in my thoughts.
- Showing love, faith in action
What about you? Do you have any tips for keeping God as number one in your life? How do you live by the power of Christ? Let us know in the comments below.
I LOVE this. Keeping Jesus as our number one is so important, but something we have to be intentional about.
Thank you, Heather.
We need to pay attention when the Holy Spirit gives us a hesitation. We often feel rushed to say something that doesn’t need to be said, or to do something that will not be uplifting for anyone. We need to stay connected to the Vine, and abide in Christ so that we can sense His continuous presence.
Amen! So true.
Growing our focus to new heights of awareness. Awareness of Jesus’ love, those gentle Spirit checks, is something He ebabies us both to desire and to do!
I pray for this awareness. Good observation!
I have actually been considering getting a small tattoo as a visual reminder to myself that Christ is my Lord and King, my Savior and Friend. So you dream of a tattoo on your finger may become my reality :). I also like post it notes with bible verse strategically set so I can’t miss seeing them and reading them. Thanks so much for sharing!
Awesome. I’ve seen those tattoos and they are beautiful! I do that also with verses. Great reminders.
I am currently trying to mind those gentle checks. I really love the results when I need them!
So true! Even the smallest ones. <3
This. “talking to God as His daughter.” He has been showing me what it means for Him to be a good Father… so this gets me thinking… what does it mean to talk to God like this daughter? Hmmm……
Good thing to ponder! Hmmm. I know respect is in there and not always seeking Him FOR something, but just to be close to Him.
Beginning the day with God and talking to Him throughout the day. When I do both of these, I feel like I’m more stable attached to the Truth!
True! <3
“Keeping Jesus on my mind when I have some moments of down time.” This is such a great reminder. So often people can struggle with downtime and feeling like they need to be ‘doing’ something even though the task is actually not necessary or mindless!
Yes, thank you for the comment! I struggle with this too (feeling as if I need to be DOING something constantly). God is good to show us the way.
What an inspiring post, Laura. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Debbie! <3 Blessings!
This. Right here. “There is greatness in the small gestures in life. There is love.” I’ve seen it happen. I also love that we can -freely- check it with the Holy Spirit, and be encouraged, calmed, protected, and stopped- from sinning or displeasing God! and I am learning to talk to Jesus as a friend and a brother. (from my 85 yo mother actually!)
Thanks for these wonderful reminders.
He is the Savior. He loves his children in all situations. He wants us to be surrender to him and rest is his responsibility. He want us to turn around towards him.
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord. Trust in Him, and He will act.”