Posted on 04/22/2023 2:29:43 AM PDT by metmom
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV). We become what we observe! The focus of our attention spreads its influence all through our lives. What we behold with our spiritual eyes obsesses us; it takes over.
Paul chose to be obsessed with Christ; the Savior became the sole object of his thinking, preaching and doctrine. “For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). He kept his eyes on the Jesus as the head of the body and not on the problems in the body.
God’s desire for us is that we be clothed with Christ’s presence. Do you want victory over sin and deliverance from all the power of the enemy? Diligently pray for a manifestation of Christ’s presence. If you are serious about it, his loving eyes will melt you and bring you to a place of brokenness and contrition.
That same tender presence of the Lord will become the very heart and life of your soul. You will not want to leave his presence. You will lean on his arm and all fear will go, replaced by perfect peace and rest. You can face sin and Satan while clothed in the glorious power of Christ’s presence. God’s Word promises, “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5).
The church goes into the last days as “a woman clothed with the sun…” (see Revelation 12:1). This is Christ, our white raiment! We have put on Christ and are abiding in his presence above all principalities and powers. You will be above it all and, like Stephen, you will behold him in heaven (see Acts 7:56).
It really is not complicated. In fact, it can be summed up in four words: Stay close to Jesus. Live in his presence and by faith take your seat beside him in heavenly places. Behold him standing at the right hand of the Father on your behalf and nothing can hinder you.
The Return ping..
Some of the biggest encouragement I have found in Scripture is in Romans 8 where we are told that both Jesus and the Hoy Spirit are interceding with God the Father for us according to His will for our lives.
It’s kind of staggering that God himself is praying for us.
Thank you Metmom for posting “The Return.” Lifts me every time, glory to God and his love.
bkmk
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.