Walking Dead

(excerpts from Desperate Dependency by J. Kirk & Melanie D. Lewis)

When we allow God to occupy His designated place in our lives, we can experience a precious rest of sweet harmony. Although we must navigate the maze of earthly living, our minds live in the amazement of heavenly dwelling, for we are experiencing what He desires for us. Though here, we live there.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1–3 NLT).

We join the ranks of the walking dead, as dead to things earthly but very alive to things heavenly. Carnal potential is given up for spiritual promise. We now see our lives as belonging to Jesus exclusively.

      “Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, ‘Are you also going to leave?’
      “Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life’” (John 6:67–68 NLT).

“And so, Lord, where do I put my hope?
      My only hope is in you” (Ps. 39:7 NLT).

Recognizing Christ as our only source of abundant living establishes a desperate dependency on Him. He alone supplies unlimited love, because He is love. Nothing can offer greater significance than the identity as a child of God. No other position is more secure than in God’s care, where He states, “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you” (Deut. 31:8 NLT).

Living with divine enablement for personal empowerment attains ultimate fulfillment.

“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts” (1 John 5:21 NLT).

“That’s the whole story. Here now is my final conclusion: Fear God and obey his commands, for this is everyone’s duty” (Eccles. 12:13 NLT).

“For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power” (1 Cor. 4:20 NLT).

Would you like to join the ranks of the walking dead -- as dead to things earthly but very alive to things heavenly?