Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- July 19, 2013
Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me, for in you I take refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High, to God, who vindicates me. Psalm 57:1-2
Adversity is an avenue to Almighty God. When all spiritual trappings are stripped away the human spirit and Holy Spirit have seamless communion. Refuge in the Lord means utter dependence on His protection and reputation. He alone is good, as nothing good comes from fallen humanity. A confession of depravity shows desperation for Christ. Hard times soften hearts for oneness with God’s heart.
Have you run into a spiritual brick wall? Have your ways of relating to God lost their effectiveness? Once prayer was energizing, but now it has become boring at best, a drudgery at worst. You used to anticipate the dynamics of Bible study, but now it is a chore just to read a chapter. The Holy Spirit has often led your heart, but now He seems disinterested and distant. If you feel frustration over faith issues take heart, for a dark soul is ready for spiritual oneness.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2
Oneness with the Spirit of God moves us beyond meditation to contemplation. In meditation we relate more to God, while in contemplation God relates more to us. Like a first time driver of an automobile moves from conscious decisions to unconscious ones, once we are united with Christ we willfully execute His will, unaware. Oneness with Almighty God creates an automatic response of obedience.
Spiritual dullness is an opportunity to sharpen our understanding of His work all around us. Yes, we persevere by grace, because the Lord is doing a deep work of grace in our heart. Our goal to know Christ in the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His suffering never changes. However, how we get to know Him grows and changes over time. We become one in Christ by walking through dark days together. Refuge in God revitalizes our relationship.
I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death. Philippians 3:10
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grow me in oneness with You, so my will becomes Your will.
Related Readings: Jeremiah 32:39; John 17:21; Colossians 2:2-3; Ephesians 4:2-6
Post/Tweet today: Oneness with Almighty God creates an automatic response of obedience. #onenesswithGod
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