Christ in you, the hope of glory

Good afternoon all!

I hope this post finds you well and celebrating newness in your walk of faith. I have exciting things to share as well!

I'm going to begin this post with a prayer.

"God, we need your grace. Our hearts are broken. We are cisterns that cannot hold water. Our own efforts do nothing and we must repent for trying to think they would. Bring us to our knees and whisper truth to us now. Jesus you are the only hope we can proclaim. We are aimless without your guidance. Stand firm to strengthen and transform your children after your beautiful heart. Thank you Jesus for your love and faithfulness. We turn to you now."

I have been listening to a young woman by the name of Sarah Reeves for a little over a year now, and she has one powerful song that is so beautiful. It's called "Come Save" and just about every time I hear it, I am pushed to worship.

The song talks about how much we need God and we need to depend on His saving work. This afternoon I heard the song and I was so moved to turn and repent. I was turned back to God for the ugliness I see in myself. I beat myself up so many times because of how I fail to obey God. I hate that I don't love Him as much as I should. I hate that I lack in self - control of my body in many ways, and I know how depraved I am in myself.

As I heard this song, I was reminded to turn to God. So, this post begins with a confession, one that I must say over and over - I'm not perfect. This heart of mine is broken and is contrite. But I am reminded from Psalm 51 that this is what God desires, not sacrifice. He is full of grace and can accomplish all that I cannot. He is so good.

I jumped into my Bible at this time, and a few weeks ago, I started to read Colossians. I decided to come back to this book and I looked at one verse I had underlined. It's Colossians 1:27. It says, "To them God has chosen to make known...the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." This verse powerfully speaks of what matters most and what God has placed in us by His own choosing - our hope. It is Christ alone. He is living inside us. He is the one who gives me any righteous standing before God at all.

Do you realize that when God looks at us He sees His Son Jesus inside of us, and He alone makes us righteous to stand before the God of all the Universe? It is Jesus alone that allows us to approach the Father and have a relationship with Him. And not only God, we have access to the Holy Spirit and to Jesus. We are called into communion with all three and we are so blessed.

I believe many of us have forgotten this, or continually forget it. We are saved to a glorious redemption, never dependent on ourselves. It is our duty to depend and trust in the Father. Our sin should never overwhelm us to the point of death, because that's how much bigger and mightier God is. He is cleansing us and purifying us for a glorious heaven.

And if I am to judge, there is a lot of refining He has left to do on me. But I have hope that He is working. And I will continue to press in and assure myself in His heart. I am a child of the mighty King of Heaven, and He calls me to a new life, one that I continue to envelop myself in.

Lord Jesus, I am amazed at your redemption of my heart and the hearts of your people. I bow before you for your excellencies and worthiness. You are the King. And you have opened my heart to see you. Yes, Lord, I ignore looking at and to you sometimes. I apologize for my acts and I ask that you would once again cleanse away all that separates us. I know much of the road blocks have been self - induced, and some from the enemy. Lord, it doesn't matter. Lord, you are righteous. Lord, I want to love you more. Draw me near, and all your children, to you and your heart. I pray in the powerful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.