Scripture: Romans 8 v 10 - 11: "And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But the Spirit of Him that raised up Jesus from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by His Spirit that dwelleth in you."
The stresses and cares of this world weigh us down with worry and fear for the unpredictable direction of governments, economy, climate, career, education, image, status, health, fame, fashion and crime statistics. Would it surprise you to know that every one of these factors is affected by either by sin or righteousness?
The people who have submitted their all to Jesus and committed their lives to following the teachings of the Holy Bible are able to live a life without fear, care, stress and worry. We know the peace of the Lord that passes all understanding. In the midst of chaos we have peace of heart and mind because the Prince of Peace is alive in our hearts.
The Holy Spirit Who raised Jesus from death to life, also raised the prophets, kings and men of renown who believed in His coming, to life at the same time. (Matthew 27 v 50-54). They were visible, recognisable and walking around in Jerusalem at the same time that Mary Magdalene saw Jesus alive in the Garden after His resurrection. Jesus said to her, Don't touch Me, Mary, for I have not yet ascended to My Father.
He had to lead captivity (the souls now made alive by His death and resurrection) who had been waiting in Paradise, a compartment of Hell, for this day. This place was also called Abraham's Bosom, where Lazarus had his conversation with the rich man who was in hell. Jesus led them out of Paradise, where they manifested in flesh bodies in this realm before going into Heaven.
So the last person to go into Paradise before Jesus would have been the thief on the cross next to Him. Jesus told him, This day you will be with Me in Paradise. I can only imagine the scenes in Paradise when this forgiven thief arrived there proclaiming, Get ready your King is coming right behind me!
That same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead, and all those dead people, dwells in you if you are born again. The power He can release within you should rejuvenate every cell in your body constantly. If you have faith, boldness and courage, there is nothing you cannot do.
The Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth is in you to bring you LIFE. Spiritually, mentally, physically you should feel alive. Do you possess the mind of Christ? What are you using it for? He wants the very best, sin-free life that rejoices in His presence, for you.
Moses at 80 and 120 years old was still full of vigour and strength. The Holy Spirit strengthened him to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land. Samson knew extraordinary strength because of his faith. King David slew many thousands of Philistines who wanted to bring their pagan influence on Israel. Today they are called Palestinians and Israel is still protected by the Holy Spirit.
The same Spirit dwells in you to protect you, feed you with manna, give you water from the Rock, heal your diseases, deliver you from demons and the consequences of sin if you repent. In Revelations it speaks of an exact number of people who will be martyred for faith in Jesus.
Like Stephen in Acts who was the first of those killed by the Pharisees; the Christians martyred in the Colisseum of Rome for sport; the 68 million who died in the Spanish Inquisition at the behest of the Pope; those who died for opposing the Roman Catholic Church since then - known as the Reformers. In this present day Boko Haram and ISIS, North Korea and other Communist nations are adding daily to the numbers whose blood cries from the Earth for justice.
But whether we live or die Jesus is always with us. His life is in us. He is the way, the truth and the life. Heaven, Father God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit equal an absence of eternal death, fear, sin, sickness, poverty, ignorance, worry and loss. So come out of dead religion, dead churches, dead traditions, dead lifestyles, dead habits, and walk in newness of life with Jesus.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for my life! My health! My blessings! Your faithful keeping of promises! Your LOVE for me! The JOY You strengthen me with! The excitement to serve You and be Your friend! I pray this LIFE for everyone on this planet. Let Your Holy Spirit flow everywhere and touch everyone that they may know You and worship You in Spirit and in Truth! In Jesus' name. Amen.
