[This focus was originally sent 12/15/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV 05/31/2009]
Have you ever done that experiment where a bottle (or glass) is submerged in water, turned upside down, and then air is pumped in to dispel the water? The forced in air displaces the water and keeps the water from coming back in even though water is all around the glass. If the air is then removed from the glass, the water comes back in. As long as the air remains in the glass, the water remains on the outside.
We are surrounded by ideas and moral codes which are much varied from what God intended for life. This presents a real challenge for us to be strong when we live amidst such a world. How can it be possible for us to remain faithful to God’s Will?
John wrote. . .
“(1) Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (2) By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, (3) and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. (4) Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:1-4 ESV)
As Christians, God dwells in us by His Spirit. His Spirit within is stronger than the spirit in the world. If we keep God’s Spirit living within us, we can keep the world’s spirit from forcing its way into our life. However, if we allow the spirit of the world to dwell within us, we will be dispelling the Spirit of Truth.
May we allow God’s Spirit to remain. Let us not allow our values to be watered down like those of the world. God’s Spirit can keep us strong even in an atmosphere that washes against our values. He is stronger than the forces of this world. He will keep us safe against the flood of contrary ideals. He is our helper to keep us faithful to God. Thank God for the aid His Spirit of Truth provides.
Have a great day SUSTAINED BY GOD’S STRENGTH WITHIN!
Carl
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(“teEn-MAIL” is sent out daily by Carl Hanson, preacher for the Church of Christ in Port Townsend, Washington, USA, located at 230 A Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368. Come visit us if in the area.)
