Intimacy with the Almighty

During our study together on Saturday (A Man and His Traps) we were challenged to confront the deep and surface Idols in our lives that keep us from Intimacy with the Almighty. In Luke 24:44-53 we are reminded that to experience an abundant and effective Christian life we must utilize the power of the Holy Spirit. In the real world, our best efforts to resist temptation and over come our controlling Idols through sheer determination often fall short. We may modify our sinful behaviors for a time, or perhaps even root out a sinful desire altogether, but then discover that one idol is replaced with another Idol of a different kind; an Idol that is just as insidious and self-destructive.

Throughout the Old Testament, God’s Spirit would temporarily come upon saints for a particular work. However, after Jesus ascended to heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to dwell permanently within each believer. Consider what this means: If you’re a Christ Follower, God is living inside of you, available to help all through life by providing conviction, comfort, empowerment and guidance.

Obedience to Christ is too difficult for anyone relying on his own strength. And discerning what to do in every situation is far too complicated for a fleshly mind. For some reason, though, Christians often try to live life by depending on their own energy and reasoning. Defeat and failure are unavoidable without His power in our lives.

As men who are INTENTIONAL about honoring the Lord in every area of our life, we need to authentically Acknowledge that we have a problem with Idols, clearly Identify those Idols, and actively Replace the Idols with the Truth of His Word utilizing the power of the Holy Spirit. This is our Battle Plan as we actively “Contend for our Faith”. This is why we are admonished to “hide the Word in our hearts…so that we will not sin against God”. Know His word…and the next time you are confronted with that controlling Idol…speak the Word and Satan will flee from you.