ABIDE IN CHRIST AND NOT IN SELF_2
“…you do not doubt your salvation; you know that Christ is yours, but you are not feasting with Him. You understand that you are of vital concern to Him, so that you have no shadow of a doubt of your being His and His being yours, but still His left hand is not under your head, and His right does not embrace you” Charles Spurgeon (ref#34, June 19th PM).
“…it is too sadly a fault with all of us, that we permit Him to be as a wayfaring man tarrying but for a night. He whom we should make the abiding tenant of our memories is but a visitor therein….It is the incessant turmoil of the world and the constant attraction of earthly things that take away the soul from Christ” Charles Spurgeon (ref#34, April 26th AM).
It is possible that many of us must walk forward a while in the sanctified life of CHRIST before we can grasp greater things. Dealing with CHRIST’s forgiving our sins comes first. Once we settle ourselves into having no guilt in sinning we are free to long to abide in CHRIST.
“You bear about with you a nature altogether corrupt and vile, ever seeking to rise up…” (ref#266, p59). “Self is still strong and living, but it has no power over you….His life will take the place of the old life…The power of His holy presence will cast out the old life…” Andrew Murray (ref#266, p188,189).
“To seek life, not in itself, but in God is the highest honour of the creature….Jesus Christ becomes your second self…” Andrew Murray (ref#266, p185, 188).
FATHER, the words of Charles Spurgeon paint a picture that animates my heart:
“His left hand is under my head, and his right hand embraces me” (Song 8:3 ESV)! Just thinking of CHRIST holding me makes directing myself not an option. I am tired of the anxiety and fear and the no peace and rest I experience with doing things my way. Oh FATHER, prepare me to feast every day with CHRIST! I am ready for a more intense relationship.
Bonnie's Prayer Affair 