Christ in Me
I got out early this morning to work in the garden. It is coming along. It should at least be ready for next year. I am glad to have won the “war of the weeds.”
I also had my massage appointment today. Twyla my massage therapist likes word pictures to describe how our body works. For example she refers to muscles as bungee cords with hooks; or neuropathy as a UPS truck sitting on your garden hose, blocking the flow of water. A few weeks ago as she found a place that hurt more than others, we came up with the mental picture of masks associated with the theater. The one with the frown is the patient, the one with the smile is the therapist!
I am thankful for all the treatments that I am receiving to help nerves regenerated and muscles to receive the messages that they need to become stronger. Please pray for strength in my right knee and leg. The development of these muscles is key to my improvement in walking. Also the strength of my scapulas seem to be the key to the range of motion in my arms.
My exercises and work in our neighborhood pool helps me to do what I can, but I’m always thankful for the Lord’s intervention. I believe the prayers of God’s faithful people will continue to be answered.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“…the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
We are familiar with the concept that Christ died for us. But being “crucified with Christ” is a different perspective. It has to do with understanding that when we make a commitment of our life to Christ, when we ask for our sins to be forgiven and commit to follow after Christ, a change takes place. In writing to the Corinthians Paul said, “…the old is gone and the new is come…” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
We live this life Paul says, “through faith in the Son of God.” This verse actually describes the meaning of baptism. Water baptism is a picture of death and resurrection. Death to sin and an “old self” and resurrection to a new life in Christ. The mystery of the gospel and the Christian life is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” – “Christ living through you”. That is good news because that means following Christ is not about our effort, but a simple reliance on the strength and grace that Christ gives, from the inside out.
Live that new life today. I think of the little children’s song that says, “come into my heart Lord Jesus, come in today, come in to stay.” As adults we try to figure it out. Children just accept it. That’s another lesson for us to learn.