by Elizabeth Haarberg

Living

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

Everyone who has breath is living. God gives breath and as long as we have that we are alive on earth. But how do we come alive?

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
1 Corinthians 15:22 English Standard Version

Only through Christ and His Holy Spirit are people not just living but alive. The Holy Spirit is present to give us power…

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you,”
Acts 1:8 English Standard Version

and with that power we receive the pulsing, breathing ability to bring the good news to the world. If we attempt to bring the gospel to the world apart from the Holy Spirit, not only will we burn out quickly, we are more likely to leave the faith. The Holy Spirit is the key to longevity. God knew we couldn’t spread the good news very long on our own. He gave us every tool we need to continue the fight He started.

When you feel empty, apathetic, too comfortable, lulled in contentment, stop and ask God to fill you with His Spirit. He is faithful when we ask for more of Him and what we need to become more like Him. He wants us to live a joyful, inspired life that in turn draws others to Him. We cannot in our own strength bring others.

When we come alive in Him we will live our best life.

“I shall not die, but I shall live,”
Psalm 118:17 English Standard Version

Eternal life starts now! When we come alive with Christ’s help we will see the world through a different lens, one that sees all people as having potential to live with and in God.

“For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.”
Luke 15:24 English Standard Version

Start living today! All it takes is a little time. Ask God to send the Holy Spirit when you need peace or strength. Doing so on a regular basis will eventually become a habit.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado