Salvation And The New Birth – The Hope Of Our Calling

By Pastor Juliana T Akinbami

The Indwelling of Christ

Colossians 1:27 – “To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
 
Galatians 2:20 – “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

As Christians, we are called to live in the hope of our calling, which is to have Christ dwell within us.
The hope of our calling is not merely a distant aspiration or a future promise but a present reality that can be experienced in our daily lives. Christ’s indwelling empowers us to live out our calling with confidence and assurance, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. It is through His presence within us that we find strength, guidance, and purpose.

When we open our hearts to Christ, inviting Him to dwell within us, He transforms us from the inside out. His love and grace permeate every aspect of our being, shaping our thoughts, desires, and actions. We become vessels of His love, carrying His light into the world. This indwelling presence sets us apart as followers of Christ, enabling us to live a life that reflects His character and brings glory to His name.

Moreover, Christ’s indwelling empowers us to fulfill our unique calling and purpose in life. Each of us has been created with specific gifts, passions, and talents that are meant to be used for His kingdom. Christ’s presence within us ignites a deep sense of purpose, reminding us that we are called to be His ambassadors in the world. His indwelling presence equips and empowers us to make a difference in our spheres of influence, whether it be within our families, workplaces, or communities.

As we embrace the reality of Christ’s indwelling, our hope is awakened. We no longer rely on our own strength or abilities but on His power working within us. We are filled with a hope that transcends circumstances, knowing that Christ is faithful and will accomplish His purposes through us.

Let us pray.

In the mighty name of Jesus, I make this declaration:

I affirm the truth of Colossians 1:27, that God has made known to me the glorious riches of the mystery, which is Christ in me, the hope of glory. I embrace this truth – Christ dwells within me as a living reality that shapes my everyday life.

I declare, in accordance with Galatians 2:20, that I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. This indwelling of Christ empowers me to live confidently and assuredly, knowing that He is with me in every step, providing strength, guidance, and purpose.

I open my heart fully to Christ, inviting Him to dwell within me. I acknowledge His transformative power at work in me, changing me from the inside out. His love and grace permeate every aspect of my being, moulding my thoughts, desires, and actions. I am a vessel of His love, carrying His light into the world, living a life that reflects His character and brings glory to His name.

I declare that Christ’s indwelling empowers me to fulfill the unique calling and purpose He has for my life. I recognize the gifts, passions, and talents He has given me, and I commit to using them for the advancement of His kingdom. Christ’s presence within ignites a deep sense of purpose in me, reminding me that I am called to be His ambassador, making a difference wherever I am placed – in my family, workplace, and community.

I embrace the reality of Christ’s indwelling, which awakens within me a hope that transcends all circumstances. I no longer depend on my own strength or abilities but rely on the power of Christ working within me. I am filled with a hope that is steadfast and sure, confident in the faithfulness of Christ to accomplish His purposes through me.

In Jesus’ mighty name, I declare that the indwelling Christ is my source of strength, joy, and hope, and through Him, I will achieve all that He has planned for me. Amen.

Recognizing the Voice of Christ

(use the scriptures to enhance your prayer)

John 10: 26 But you do not believe, because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me28 And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.

In our journey of faith, we often yearn for a deeper connection with Christ, to experience His presence and hear His voice guiding us.

The hope of our calling lies in the  truth that Christ dwells within us. It is through this divine presence that we can experience His guidance, love, and purpose in our lives. Recognizing the voice of Christ is crucial to navigating our spiritual journey and discerning His will for us.

Pray 

In the authority of Jesus Christ, I declare:

I am one of the sheep, Lord Jesus, as affirmed in John 10:26-28. I believe in You and am assured that I am of Your flock. I hear Your voice, and You know me, and I follow You. I am deeply grateful for the gift of eternal life You have given me, and I rest in the promise that I shall never perish and that no one can snatch me out of Your hand.

I declare that my spiritual ears are attuned to Your voice, Lord. In my journey of faith, I yearn for, and now experience, a deeper connection with You. Through Your indwelling presence, I am guided by Your love and purpose. I recognize Your voice, which is crucial in navigating my spiritual journey and discerning Your will for my life.

In every decision, in every circumstance, I listen for Your voice. Your voice brings clarity, peace, and direction. I commit to following You, trusting in Your wisdom, and leaning not on my understanding.

Thank You, Lord, for the assurance that as Your sheep, I hear Your voice. I am guided by Your Spirit and walk in the path You have set for me. In Your precious name, Jesus, I make this declaration. Amen.

The Role of the Holy Spirit:

John 16: 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in recognizing Christ’s voice. He serves as our guide, illuminating the truth and revealing God’s will to us. “whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come”. If Jesus said The Holy Spirit will speak what He hears and reveal to us it means Jesus expects us to hear what the Spirit is saying. It means we need hearing ears.

Pray

Heavenly Father,

I stand today in the truth of Your Word, as declared in John 16:12-14, and I make this declaration of faith and expectancy. I acknowledge that the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, has come and is actively guiding me into all truth. I declare that my spiritual ears are open and attentive to His voice.

I affirm that the Holy Spirit is my divine guide and teacher, illuminating the path of truth in my life. He speaks not on His own authority, but He speaks what He hears from You, Lord. I am open and receptive to His revelations, teachings, and guidance. I trust Him to reveal to me the things to come, providing wisdom and insight for the journey ahead.

I declare that I am attuned to the Holy Spirit’s voice. Just as Jesus promised, the Holy Spirit is glorifying Christ by taking what is Christ’s and declaring it to me. I am sensitive to His promptings and leadings, discerning His voice amidst the noise of the world.

I proclaim that my heart is fertile ground for the seeds of truth sown by the Holy Spirit. His presence within me equips and empowers me to discern and understand God’s deep things. As I walk in step with the Spirit, I am growing in my understanding of God’s will, His ways, and His desires for my life.

I commit to cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit, spending time in prayer, in Your Word, and in quiet listening. I trust that as I draw near to You, You will draw near to me, and my spiritual senses will be sharpened to hear and recognize Your voice clearly.

In the mighty name of Jesus, I make this declaration, believing in the transformative and guiding power of the Holy Spirit in my life. Amen.

The Transforming Power of Christ in Me

As we become awakened to the presence of Christ within, we realize the transformative power of Christ within us.
When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, His presence takes residence within us. We become vessels of His love, grace, and power. However, it is not until we awaken to this reality that we begin to experience the true depth of His transformative work.

The hope of our calling is intricately tied to the indwelling of Christ within us. It is a reminder that we are chosen and set apart for a unique purpose.

As we delve deeper into our understanding of Christ’s presence within, we begin to realize the same power that raised Jesus from the dead resides in us. This power enables us to overcome the challenges and obstacles that come our way. It empowers us to live victoriously, not by our own strength, but through the power of Christ working in and through us.

The transforming power of Christ within us is not limited to our spiritual life alone. It permeates every aspect of our being – our thoughts, emotions, relationships, and actions. It has the ability to bring healing to our brokenness, freedom to our bondage, and restoration to our wounded souls. It is through Christ’s transformative power that we can experience true inner peace, joy, and fulfillment.

Awakening the hope of our calling requires a conscious effort on our part. We must surrender ourselves fully to Christ and allow Him to work in and through us. It involves a daily commitment to seek His presence, study His Word, and align our lives accordingly. As we do so, we will witness the miraculous transformation that takes place within us – a transformation that brings glory to God and inspires others to seek Christ.

Pray

Declaration of Christ’s Presence and Transformation: “I declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior, and His presence has taken residence within me. I am a vessel of His love, grace, and power. I am chosen and set apart for a unique purpose, and this purpose is being revealed and fulfilled through the indwelling of Christ in my life.
Declaration of Overcoming through Christ’s Power: “I affirm that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in me. Through this divine power, I am more than a conqueror, overcoming challenges and obstacles that come my way. I live victoriously, not by my own strength, but through the power of Christ working in and through me. His transforming power touches every aspect of my being – my thoughts, emotions, relationships, and actions.
Declaration of Healing, Freedom, and Restoration: “I proclaim that the transformative power of Christ within me brings healing to my brokenness, freedom to my bondage, and restoration to my wounded soul. I am experiencing true inner peace, joy, and fulfillment as Christ works His transformation in me. His power is not confined to my spiritual life alone but permeates every part of my existence.
Declaration of Daily Surrender and Commitment: “I commit to surrendering myself fully to Christ daily and allowing Him to work in and through me. I pledge to seek His presence consistently, study His Word, and align my life with His will. As I do this, I am witnessing a miraculous transformation within me – a transformation that glorifies God and inspires others to seek Christ.
Declaration of Hope and Purpose in Christ: “I awaken the hope of my calling and affirm that my life is a testament to Christ’s transformative power. I am walking in the divine purpose God has for me, empowered and guided by the indwelling Christ. His presence in my life is my source of strength and joy, and I am committed to living out this calling with faith and perseverance.”

This begins our journey into the revelation of our hope in Christ. You and I will never be the same again.

As we end today’s watch, let us make a prayer of commitment:

PRAYER OF COMMITMENT

Heavenly Father,
As we stand at the threshold of a new year of prayer, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and a spirit of commitment. In 2024, we dedicate ourselves afresh to the discipline of prayer, pledging to seek You diligently in every season of life.

Lord, we declare that in this year, we will show up in prayer, in season and out of season, just as Your Word instructs us to be faithful in all circumstances. May this year be the year of commitment to constant prayer, rejoicing, and thankfulness.
In times of joy and prosperity, let our prayers be filled with praise and thanksgiving, acknowledging Your goodness and mercy.

In challenging and uncertain times, may our prayers be steadfast, seeking Your wisdom, guidance, and peace. Philippians 4:6-7,

Grant us, O Lord, the discipline and desire to seek Your face daily. May we be like the Psalmist who declared in Psalm 55:17, “Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice.” Help us to be consistent in our prayer life, recognizing it as our lifeline to You, our source of strength, and our means of aligning our hearts with Your will.

We commit to being watchful and thankful in prayer, Colossians 4:2 In this year, 2024, let our prayer life be a testament to our faith and trust in You. May our dedication to prayer lead us into a deeper relationship with You and transform us into the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord, we commit this year to You, declaring our dedication to prayer. Amen.

Christ is in you; eternal life is in you. Eternal life is knowing God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Let this hope be in you. Have a blessed week.

To conclude this week’s Watch, join me or Watch the recording of Let us break bread together. This will be held on Friday at 6 PM WAT.

Join or tune in to YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, all with the handle The Watchers Prayer Ministry.

I thank God for you and thank you for giving me the opportunity to dig deeper.

You are in my thoughts, and I love you dearly

Pastor Tee