"That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…" Eph 3:17

In a recent sermon, our pastor, Phil Schaefer, told us about the effects of having his son's Mercedes parked in his garage. He said that it's presence immediately made him want to clean up and even spruce up the garage. He found himself not only wanting to remove the junk but for the first time he began considering painting the walls. His story touched me in a powerful way and spoke volumes to me about the motivation that should come as a result of our recognition of the indwelling presence of Christ within us.

Today, I felt God directing my attention to the love and power that dwells within us in Christ. Consider with me:

Christ (in us) who hung on the cross and asked His Father to forgive those who had nailed Him there. (Lk 23:34)

Christ (in us) who wept at a friend's tomb then called him forth. (Jn 11:35,43)

Christ (in us) who looked with compassion, laid hands on the sick and saw them healed. (Mk 1:41)

Christ who looked with compassion and taught the people and spoke to them with authority. (Mk 6:34, 1:22)

Christ (in us) who chose to spend time with society's least valued and to elevate their status through His preaching. (Lk 5:29, Mt 25:34-46)

Christ (in us) who looked for and saw faith in others. (Lk 12:59, Mt 26:13)

Today, let's remember Who it is who resides in our hearts and be encouraged:

• If we need to forgive, He is more than enough.

• If we want hearts to care and heal, He is more than enough.

• If we long to teach people how to walk in the truth, He is more than enough.

• If we want zeal for and courage to go to the least, He is more than enough.

• If we want to see with His eyes, He is more than enough.

He is there: "Christ in you the hope of glory." (Col 1:27) And, today, He is rising up. He is declaring, "The Love and Power that resides in you through Me is more than enough."