"He has put His brand upon us - His mark of ownership - and given us His Holy Spirit in our hearts as guarantee that we belong to Him, and as the first installment of all that He is going to give us" (2 Corinthians 1:22).
Some time ago, a young Christian came to share his problems. He was very frustrated and confused, and he spoke of the constant defeat and fruitlessness which he experienced in the Christian life.
"You don't have to live in defeat," I said to him.
The young man registered surprise.
"You can live a life of victory, a life of joy, a life of fruitfulness," I assured him. "In fact, by the grace of God - and to Him alone be the glory - for more than 25 years as a Christian I do not recall a single hour of broken fellowship with the Lord Jesus."
He was really shocked at that.
"Do you mean you haven't sinned in 25 years?" he asked.
"No, that's not what I mean, I replied. "I have sinned regrettably, I have grieved and quenched the Spirit at times with impatience, anger or some other expression of the flesh. But when I grieve the Spirit, I know exactly what to do. I breathe spiritually. I confess my sin to God and immediately receive His forgiveness and cleansing, and by faith I continue to walk in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit."
TODAY'S ACTION POINT: Realizing that a believer can live a supernatural, holy life only as he yields to the control of the Holy Spirit, I will seek to practice holiness in my personal life and encourage other Christians to do the same.
©1972-2024 Cru Singapore. All Rights Reserved.
