When we first saw the
Neuschwanstein castle in Germany, I was particularly attracted to the unusual
activity in the sky. Numerous hang gliders drifted through the air, enjoying the
flight of a lifetime. Not only could they admire their earthly surroundings from
way up in on high, but they could also enjoy a view of the castle from numerous
different perspectives that those of us who were bound to the Earth weren't
privy to.
I was fascinated by the idea that by themselves, none
of the flyers would have been able to enjoy the height of the sky, as none of
them could fly on their own. After all, we humans didn't come equipped with
wings or feathers, and we are a bit too heavy to make a good bird!
Even when using a hang glider none of their own
efforts would be enough to make them be able to fly. They are completely
dependent upon the wind to lift them up in their aluminium alloy or
composite-framed fabric wing. Sure, they shift their body weight to exercise
some control, but if there hadn't been any wind, they would have never be able
to fly into the heights of the sky.
We can enjoy the heights of heaven as well. We do not
have to be left to the confines of our earthly addictions. Utter freedom is
possible, but not by our own means. Haven't we often noticed that the more we
fight against the flesh, the more domineering it becomes?
Victory is only available through God's Spirit, who is
often referred in the Bible as a "wind"
(See John 3:8). He is the One who will lift us
on high, making it possible for us to admire His handiwork. Our earthly desires
will be left in the dust, blanching in the sun, while we enjoy the unique
perspective up in the sky!
Remember these addictions we were lured into? We were
kept bound by them through lies: "There is no truth in him (the evil one). When
he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of
lies." (John 8:44 NIV) It is time we see those lies for what they are. It is
time we trust the One who will give us "life" and lead us to "truth" and
"freedom".
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will
guide you into all truth." (John 16:13 NIV)
"The Spirit gives life." (2 Cor 3:6 NIV)
"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not
gratify the desires of the sinful nature." (Gal 5:16 NIV)
The view is unbelievable from up here! Wow! Won't you
join me? I wonder why I even paid attention to what kept me bound to earth.
Oh, and by the way, you don't need a hang glider.
God's Spirit is the One who allows you to enjoy the splendors from higher up in
heaven. Wow!
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.