It’s my turn to post at InScribe Writers Online, too. My new post is Christ in Me.
Christ in Me
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Tag Archives: Holy Spirit
Defended
‘And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the LORD, ‘and I will be its glory within.’
Zechariah 2:5, NIV*
God tells the prophet He will restore the city of Jerusalem. It won’t need protective walls, because God will be its surrounding wall and its glory within. What a picture of the loving relationship He wants to develop with each believer: His protection around us, His Spirit within.
Self-defence is prudent: don’t play in traffic, lock the doors at night, don’t pick up hitch-hikers. But defensiveness isn’t a healthy way to live.
A difficult person phones, or I meet conflict in a store or at church. I feel the walls go up. I’m in resistance mode. Defensive.
But God is the one guarding my way. Instead of scrambling and scrapping for control of my circumstances, I can pray, “You are my wall, my barrier. You are my glory within. Help me see what You’re doing and trust You. Help me cooperate with You.”
Sometimes in fighting the circumstances, I’ve been fighting God. Not smart. When I’m secure in trusting Him, instead of wasting energy in panic or speculation I can rely on His leading. And I can be quiet enough to hear Him.
LORD, thank You for Your promise to be my wall of fire and my glory within. Quiet me with Your presence, and help me take You at Your word.
This week’s song is Chris Tomlin’s “Everlasting God.”
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Keep in Step
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Galatians 5:25, NIV*
Not just “keep step” as in “walk beside” but “keep in step”, which to me speaks of pattern, maybe even choreography, as well as pacing.
I’ve always thought of these verses about God directing our steps in terms of His leading. With dance in mind now, I see it means more than leading us to our destination, it includes any side-steps along the way.
He is LORD of the Dance, after all. And when couples dance, one leads and the other follows. At least when they dance well. My trouble is, I’ve never learned how to follow my partner’s lead.
I like the image of the spiritual life as a dance with God. All week, I’ve been reminding myself, “Keep in step with Him.”
LORD, please help me remember to listen to the music, feel the rhythm… and let You lead.
Here’s a Casting Crowns song that’s new to me, from their first CD: “Praise You With the Dance.”
*New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.