THE RESURRECTION LIFE

Many people have made the mistake of endeavoring to be crucified, but they never received the resurrection. They work hard at following the scriptures, but they have not received the Spirit who inspired the writing of the scriptures.

          Jesus came that we might have the Spirit. When we are quickened with the love of God that produces love for God, self, and others there is no problem obeying the scriptures--they are then merely a guideline to follow, not a yoke of hardness.

          The secret is found in the knowledge that we are in the flesh--we will have the pull of the Spirit and the pull of the flesh. That’s is why the Bible says to walk by the Spirit. You choose.

          Many merely refuse to disobey scriptures, but they are still affected by the ways of the flesh. Thus they don’t like what they must do and they don’t like who they are. They think it’s a big problem--that they must still have some rebellion or something in them. But in truth one must deliberately walk by the new heart--a heart to please the Lord and when they step out in faith, believing that they have received the Spirit, God’s grace will enable them to do His bidding.

          But when one just makes their self do what they ought, it is bondage. It is a burden. In a spirit of “don’t like to, but have to” there is no joy and there is very little fruit. The spirit of genuine caring and love of righteousness cannot be enjoyed or displayed in that state. Secondly, the Holy Spirit cannot change your attitude to one of enjoying the acts of love you are doing while you perceive yourself as being forced into a foreign mold.

          So I urge you right now to ask God for His Spirit. Take it or receive it by faith and never again think of doing God’s bidding without leaning on the everlasting arms, so to speak--without deliberately being aware that it is God that doeth the works, you are merely the vessel. It is His grace (unmerited love and favor) working in you.

          You will find that you can do things you never thought you could. But if you ever begin to think that you are becoming skilled or quite good in that area and your focus turns to yourself rather than walking by faith in God’s calling, you will find out that the anointing has lifted and the outcome is not so good. But if you trust in the anointing, God will produce good results. Go for it!