Training in godliness

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I recently saw the movie Chasing Maverick's. This movie is about a big wave surfer. My husband and I were going to watch it on the big screen, but the reviews were poor so we figured that we would wait till it came on DVD. I was sorry we didn't see it on the big screen because it was a very inspiring movie, clean, and for the young and old. I think what inspired me was the passion that the character, Jay had. He was determined to ride this big wave, but he knew that he had to be mentally and physically prepared and on the top of his game to succeed in riding this wave without injury or even death!

In the same way, in this life we need to be mentally and physically prepared for the battles that we fight, and we need to be in the game, living out our lives in step with the Holy Spirit. When I read through the gospels I am in awe that people were fortunate enough to be with Jesus. They were desperate for him. The crowds always following, or searching for him. He would speak and they were in awe, he would heal and they would rejoice, he would teach and they were amazed at his teaching. The poor, sick, and needy were desperate and heard of his powers to heal and they thought if they could just touch him they would be healed, and he did heal them. Jesus told the Apostles that he had to leave so that the Spirit would come and the Spirit would lead them. Scripture says:
Do you know that you are the temple of God and that the spirit of God dwells in you? 1 Cor. 3:16  Stop and think about that for a minute, we have the presence, and power of almighty God of the universe dwelling within us!!

So why do Christians look so much like the world, and not like Jesus? The Word says that there will be a falling away and I believe it's because we are not giving preeminence to the spirit of God. We are continually trying to do things our way, our time, and through our strength. We are stubborn and stiff necked and this recipe equals a quenching of the work of the spirit. Then we get to the end of our rope and say OK God, your will be done. God has to wait for us to work it out in our flesh, fail miserably then at our last resort come to him. There's a reason Jesus said ,
28Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 

The spirit of God wants to teach us, show us mighty things, work through us, minister to others through us. But are our lives too busy? Are we not fully submitted to His will? We need to live like Jesus is here because He is! When we are faithful others are blessed and they experience Jesus.
 ....pursue righteousness, holy living, faithfulness, love, endurance, and gentleness. 12 Compete in the good fight of faith. Grab hold of eternal life—you were called to it, and you made a good confession of it in the presence of many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6: 11-12
Blessings. 

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