Living 4 Him

“Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

I enjoy the Olympics every time they roll around. This year I had more time for watching the amazing events.  Sometimes I witnessed an event live, as it was happening, with no idea what the final result would be.  Sometimes I saw the rebroadcast, knowing who had won, yet still watching with interest to see how it transpired.  While viewing events in which I knew the results, I stayed calmer and better focused,  observing details that I might have missed previously.  Having knowledge made the difference.

We live on the other side of Resurrection.  We know who won.  God has sealed victory for us and we partake in his triumph.

A victory of grace and goodness promising life that thrives beyond death!

A victory of holiness and wholeness completing God’s plan for righteousness!

A victory of reconciliation and restoration conquering evil and darkness forever!

Using this knowledge to live our lives constructs the basis of our faith.   True victory is achieved when resurrection knowledge guides our lives and we rest upon our faith. We are calmer and better focused, taking in the details that we might otherwise miss.  Knowledge of our victory makes the difference.

Before Jesus was taken away, he told his disciples, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  Through his resurrection, Jesus overcame the darkness of the world and allowed his followers to share in the light of  his victory.

Living in the victory we know brings a sweetness and a sincerity to our lives.  The resurrection not only overshadows death and opens the door to life beyond the grave, but it presents abundant blessings for us to partake of here and now!

The blessing of  righteousness:  Our relationship with God has been made right and grace holds this relationship in place.

The blessing of the Spirit: God’s presence as our companion, teacher, helper and Savior.  We need nothing else. 

The blessing of love:  God’s love flows through us and we bless others with God’s love as we serve and help others. 

The blessing of hope:  We never need to be discouraged.  God has won the victory and his hope paves our way. 

The blessing of joy:  We can accept whatever comes our way with joy, knowing that God is with us, helping us, guiding us and keeping us within the safety of his arms. 

With victory, we move forward. 

Nothing but encouragement can come to us as we dwell upon the faithful dealing of our Heavenly Father in centuries gone by. Faith in God has not saved people from hardships and trials, but it has enabled them to bear tribulations courageously and to emerge victoriously. Lee Roberson

As you see daily life unfold, remember: We already have the victory.  Jesus overcame the world and because he did, we can too! 

Enjoy today’s bonus poem by Helen Steiner Rice below.

Reaching in (allowing God’s word to work in your soul):  Look up John 16:33 in varied translations from the Bible and feel the essence of this truth.

Reaching out (taking God’s word into the world):  Look at the world through the lens of victory this week and celebrate God’s triumph!

The Light of the World is Jesus

by Helen Steiner Rice

O Father, up in heaven,

we have wandered far away.

From Jesus Christ, Our Savior,

who rose on Easter Day.

And the promise of salvation

that God gave us when Christ died

We have often vaguely questioned,

even doubted and denied,

We’ve forgotten why You sent us

Jesus Christ, Your only Son,

And in arrogance and ignorance

it’s our will not Thine be done.

O, shed Thy light upon us

as Easter dawns this year

And may we feel the presence of the risen Savior near,

And, God, in Thy great wisdom,

lead us in the way that’s right,

And may the darkness of the world

be conquered by Thy light.