Living the Spirit Filled Life

[Jay]

November 25

Citizens of Heaven

For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20

Paul write while confined in prison awaiting Roman justice. As a Roman citizen he had all the privileges of travel, the protection of the legal system, and the right of appeal to Caesar himself (Acts 25:11), the undisputed emperor of the known world. Yet, Paul reminds us that our ultimate citizenship has nothing to do with human affairs, national allegiance, or cultural heritage. We who have been born again have received a passport from heaven, and regardless of the path we journey today, our ultimate destination is assured.

We eagerly await the Lord’s coming so that we may be transported to our journey’s end. The riot of confusion we witness in our world, and the tragedy and devilish cruelty which so marks our earthly existence and is verified everyday in the headlines of every newspaper and broadcast, reminds us that we are simply passing through. Our destination is heaven, and at Jesus’ return He will take us there.


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

November 26

Christ’s Appearance

When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Colossians 3:4


The Apostle Paul reminds us that before our salvation we were “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1), but now Jesus is our life. And when He appears we will appear with Him. Phaneroo is the Greek word for “appear,” and it means to lay bear, uncover, make visible, to make known what has been hidden or unknown. It describes Christ’s appearing, when we will see Him in the full expression of His glorious character. We will not just see the King of kings in the clouds. We will see the God of glory revealed in all of His love, mercy, justice, and power.

The same word applies to us. We “will appear with Him in glory.” However, what is to be revealed in us is the work that the Holy Spirit has performed in us. As we have “set [our] mind on things above,” as we have “hidden” our life in Christ, died to our fleshly desires, and “put on the new man” in Christ (Col. 3:2–10), we will bear striking resemblance to the Lord with whom we will appear.


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

November 27

Crowns of Glory

When the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5:4


The Chief Shepherd is coming to reward those who have faithfully served His flock. Those who are witness of the sufferings of Christ will also partake of the “glory that will be revealed” (v. 1). These leaders will receive a crown which signifies their triumph over obstacles and their fidelity to the people of their mission and call.

This crown is not the garland worn by military victors or athletes in the games. Those laurels wither, fade, and are forgotten with the next military campaign or the next victor in the games. The Lord’s rewards are eternal.

“God is not unjust to forget your… labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb. 6:10). The Lord Jesus, who gives gifts of ministries to serve His body (Eph. 4:11), cares deeply and rewards richly those who have chosen to serve. Do not weary in the call. The Lord sees our service, knows our struggle, and He is faithful to remember.


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

November 28

Made Like Jesus

We know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him. 1 John 3:2

There is a two–part miracle that happens to make us like Jesus. It begins when we open ourselves to His life as our Savior. We are born again in an instant, translated from death to life. And like any newborn, when we start growing, we look like our parents! Second Corinthians 3:18 declares we “are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” As long as we live, this process of growth towards maturity takes place.

The second stage of our transformation will occur at His return: “when He is revealed, we shall be like Him.” Instantly, “in the twinkling of an eye,” everything of our corruptible, mortal existence will give way to incorruptible immortality, just like our Lord (1 Cor. 15:52). The Lord will accomplish this final stage of the process. We partner with Him in growth, but He sovereignly transforms the rest at His coming. And, “we shall be like Him.”


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

December 1

Christmas Visitation

The Dayspring from on high has visited us. Luke 1:78

Has it occurred to you that God foresaw the eventual worldwide celebration His Son’s birth would bring about? He did! Contrary to the debunker’s refusal to enjoy a holy spirit of celebration, God seems to delight in creating festive times for His people. An entire “string of lights,” so to speak, was assembled by Him in the Old Testament where He ordered feast–times on an average of every two or three months!

Of course, carnal and commercial celebrations miss the point of Christmas—we all know and acknowledge that. But do not let the Scrooge spirit overthrow the Holy Spirit’s desire to awaken fresh expectancy and joy in your heart at this precious season.
God has visited us! That “the Word became flesh” brought about a new day. “Dayspring” means “dawn,” and as we approach Christmas this year, do so by welcoming the Holy Spirit’s rise with fresh joy, hope, and love.


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

December 2

Christmas Visitation

When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son.
Galatians 4:4


God keeps a calendar. It isn’t controlled by human pressure nor limited to earth’s perspective. It is governed in the light of His love for each of us individually and the entire race collectively.

The Bible makes this singular observation: God sent His Son right on time. That’s what “the fullness of time” means; there was a heavenly ordained and appointed moment for the Redeemer’s dramatic entry. That’s why we celebrate Christmas—to worship and rejoice again in the mighty love and overarching care for mankind which planned, calendared this visitation from heaven.

Just as we calendar our visits to those we love or to those who need our presence and help, the Father’s gift of His Son was calendared to bring about a visit which answered human need. And best of all, the Holy Spirit keeps the power of that “visitation” flowing currently. This Christmastime, let Him bring the blessing of a special Christmas visit to you!


Jack W. Hayford

 

[Jay]

December 3

Christmas Visits

What is man… that You visit him? Psalm 8:4


How often have you watched the glistening eyes of a child as Christmastime lights are arrayed and the little one stares in happy awe at the splendor surrounding him? In a more mature way, that is exactly what stirred David’s soul—the lights were the stars, and his awestruck joy was born of gratitude to the Creator.

As he sings, studying the night sky as a beginning point in praising God for the whole of His created universe, David comes to a focus in it all. He basically says, “Lord, when I look at all this, I am overwhelmed with one question: What is man that you pay so much attention to him?”

God’s “Christmas visit” to mankind is the ultimate statement He has made about us. His visit not only unfolds His love reaching, but unveils the sense of value He places on each of us and His love redeeming—seeking to restore our loss. As His children, may the lights of Christmas shine in our eyes with gratitude for such love.


Jack W. Hayford