Page 8 - January15-Catalyst

Iam a Jesus pusher!!!
Paul often discussed the relationship of the physical body with our spiritual life. He determined that all things were al- lowed for him; but all things are not helpful (1 Corinthians 6:12). The decid- ing factor is one of “control.” He said, “I will not be brought under the power of any” (1 Corinthians 6:12). He uses the illustration of food. “Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods” is his statement (1 Corinthians 6:13). The issue is Jesus’ authority over both. Paul continues by illustrating sexual immoral- ity. “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? Certainly not!” (1 Corinthians 6:15). From this thought comes a resounding conclusion: “Or do you not know that your body is the
temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you whom you have from God, and you are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
God seems to allow the spirit to suffer in dark moments. An ancient saint spoke much of “the dark night of the soul.” It is in times when Jesus seems to aban- don us that He is the most present. He strengthens and grows the spiritual char- acter of my life. James said, “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its per- fect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:3, 4). If Jesus allows difficulties, pressures, and trials in our spirit’s being will this not also be true in the physical? In fact, the avenue of trials may become the physical. I will trust Jesus with my spiritual and physical life.
I am a trusting Jesus pusher!!!
8 CityLight.org
February 2015