Not Influence, but Life
“True life is not found in outward experiences but in the indwelling presence of Christ.”
True transformation does not come from external influences, even miraculous ones. Jesus’ miracles served as testimony to His identity, yet they did not eradicate unbelief from those who witnessed them. The disciples, despite seeing countless miracles, still struggled with doubt. This reveals a vital truth: external experiences do not change the core of who we are. Only the indwelling life of Christ transforms.
Today, many seek visible manifestations of the Spirit, longing for signs and wonders. Yet, Scripture presents a more excellent way—the quiet, steady reality of Christ's life within. Paul, the apostle most filled with the Spirit, did not define his life by miracles or gifts, but by a single truth: “For to me, to live is Christ” (Phil. 1:21).
The Christian life is not about being influenced by religious experiences or spiritual highs. It is about abiding in the life of Christ, allowing Him to express Himself in and through us. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal. 2:20). This is not a life of striving or seeking signs, but of resting in His sufficiency, yielding moment by moment to His indwelling presence.
Personalized Journal Entry (Holy Spirit’s Voice – Scripture Only)
I have placed you in Christ, and His life is now your life. You are not meant to be swayed by the winds of experience or dependent on external signs. The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. You are no longer subject to the instability of the flesh, for you have been made new in Him.
Do not seek after signs or gifts as proof of My work, for My witness is within you. Christ in you is the hope of glory. The Spirit testifies with your spirit that you are a child of God, and you are led not by circumstances but by My life within you. The world seeks visible wonders, but blessed are those who do not see, yet believe.
Let your heart rest in Me, for I am at work within you to will and to do according to My good pleasure. The life you now live, live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you. I am faithful to complete what I have begun. Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. You are free—stand firm and do not be entangled again in the yoke of bondage.
(Rom. 8:2, Col. 1:27, Rom. 8:16, John 20:29, Phil. 2:13, Gal. 2:20, Phil. 1:6, Gal. 5:16, Gal. 5:1)
Prayer
Father, I thank You that I am not left to be swayed by emotions or external influences. Christ is my life, and I rest in His sufficiency. I do not need to chase after signs or experiences to validate Your presence, for You have placed Your Spirit within me as the seal of my inheritance. The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work in me, and I trust You to express Your life through me moment by moment.
Let my heart be fixed on Christ alone, not on what I see or feel. You have already given me everything I need in Him. I yield to Your life, confident that You will manifest Yourself as You will. I live not by sight, but by faith in the One who lives in me. Thank You for setting me free to walk in the reality of Christ's life within. Amen.
Photo Intent:
An image of a single lit candle in a dark room, symbolizing the inner light of Christ that is not dependent on external circumstances.
Insights from: Abide Above