April 7, 2019 - INSCRIPTIONS FROM THE HEART

KEYS TO DEEPER LIFE/INTIMACY WITH GOD

Many people, including some Christians (and me as well – from time to time), live life based on outward appearances, passing fads or changing feelings – just like dandelions in springtime which soon wither because they have no deep roots! This was also true for some members in the first century Greek church at Corinth who were listening to and imitating the values, conduct and character of the secular city. They lived selfishly and sensually – acting as spiritual babies instead of maturing adults with deepening roots (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:1). The Apostle Paul challenges them to grow deeper in Christ and bear lasting spiritual fruit for God.

The depth of our spiritual life and the quality of our spiritual fruit depends on how we respond to Christ, our Saviour. (1 Cor. 2:2) In my journal, a preacher (I can no longer remember who) taught on four (4) keys to a deeper life in Christ. Let me share this with you!  [1] Trust in Jesus as our life source…“you are in Christ, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption”. (1 Cor. 1:30) [2] Look with Jesus as our vision…“For I resolved to know (see) nothing among you while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.” (1 Cor. 2:2) [3] Communicate Christ as our wisdom…“We do…speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age…we speak of God’s secret wisdom…that God destined for our glory…” (1 Cor. 2:6,7) [4] Learn by the Spirit of Christ as our teacher…“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. For who has known the mind of Christ that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:12,16)

Here are some ways we can cultivate a deeper life/intimacy with God…

•   Start each day trusting the Holy Spirit to take over ALL of you – mind, body, spirit. (Ephesians 5:18)

•   Set apart a time and place to slowly read a section of God’s word.

•   Use an insight from His Word as a filter through which you can interact with others during the day. Be determined to apply this truth for bearing fruit. (Luke 8:14-15)

•   Allow the Spirit of Christ to cultivate in you one truth at a time – growing deeper so that you can stand taller and stronger for Him (the pattern of Christ – “And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature [or years] and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52).

-Cheryl Zamora