The Holy Spirit dwells in us

 January 12

Scripture Reading

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 6:19-20 and reflect on the passages.

Our Scriptures for today tell us that we were bought with a price. Bought? Bought from what? The metaphor is that we were totally trapped in slavery. Just what kind of slavery was that? It was slavery to pursue every whim and passion of our body and being. We were stuck following everything our body has to do with—food, sex, sleep, pleasure, play, work, and the list could go on and on.

The amazing news is that we were bought out of slavery for an incredible purpose—to become the temple of the Holy Spirit. That is, we are set free from ourselves to have the Holy Spirit dwell within us. Why? It is because our God wants to live, reside, and have intimate fellowship with you.

Is this a life-changing revelation or what? Could any truth possibly be more powerful and transforming? I believe the apostle Paul is telling us that if we understand this, we will naturally glorify God in our bodies. We will become the people we were created to be—creatures created to glorify God in our bodies and subsequently find body, mind, and soul fulfillment beyond our wildest imagination.

Questions

1.      How might consciously being aware that you live life in the presence of God change your behavior?

2.      List some practical things might you do to remember that you are to live in the reality of the presence of God.

Prayer

Give us grace Lord to remember that at all times we live in Your presence and may we glorify You Lord in all we do.

—Lee Miller

The Shepherd rescues His sheep

14 December 

Scripture Reading

Read Ezekiel 34:11-16 and reflect on the passage.

Ezekiel tells us the Lord was a shepherd to Israel. The shepherd imagery is pervasive throughout Scripture. Jesus clearly takes the shepherd mantle and twice in John chapter 10 declares, “I am the Good Shepherd.”

What makes this imagery so fitting? First, sheep are not known for their ferocity, foresight, and intellect. They need constant help. Second, the shepherd provides all the sheep need. A lot of people can see themselves as a sheep. They are determined as the old song says gloriously, “I did it my way.” (Two-year-olds say that sort of thing too. More like an emphatic, “I do it.”) But, there is a fundamental problem for even the greatest and seemingly most self-sufficient—mortality seems to get in the way. Sooner or later when that inevitable last day comes, I’ve heard it said that no one has ever had a U-haul hitched to their hearse to take it all with them. Neither will anyone stand at the “pearly gates” declaring their greatness and demand a golden penthouse.

Can you see the foolishness in believing in your self-sufficiency? The shepherd is right there calling you to come—follow Him. Only He can provide you all you need now and forever.

Questions

1.      The good shepherd will call out to you. What are things you can do to more clearly hear His voice?

2.      Are there any areas where you try to fill a need in your own power or turn to an idol to fill the need?

  

Prayer

Lord, You provide for all our needs. Let us trust You for our needs and not try to fill our needs in any illegitimate way.

—Lee Miller