In my morning devotional reading I read right past some words. Two sentences later, I had to go back. I’m sure it was God’s Spirit hitting the brakes for me, shifting me in reverse. So I read the words again.

… God Himself lives within you…

I had to stop. And think. And sit in wonder at that truth. The great God who fashioned the universe, who put everything in place, who started our world spinning and has interacted throughout history… culminating in sending His Son Jesus to live, die, and be resurrected from the dead…that God lives within me!

Amazing. But understanding that truth led me to ask myself, “What difference does that make? What difference WILL it make today?”

As I communicate the hope of the Gospel to others, do I do that in my own wisdom, or in the wisdom of the One who lives within me? As I lead others in ministry, as I have opportunity to encourage and strengthen the work of others who are impacting the world with God’s Truth, do I do so with my good ideas or with God’s direction?

God’s word through Isaiah to His people clearly defined the Lord’s role in our lives:

I am the Lord your God,
who teaches you what is good for you
and leads you along the paths you should follow.

Isaiah 48:17 NLT

Do we believe that? Do we live that? Do we follow that? Paul seems to be in awe and wonder as he writes his thoughts on God’s amazing wisdom.

Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge!
How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!
For who can know the Lord’s thoughts?
Who knows enough to give him advice?

Romans 11:33-34 NLT

Peter Drucker was arguably the leading management thinker of the 20th century. Many believe his great insight was built upon his faith in God. Drucker is quoted as writing:

“The personal will of God is a ‘bond above them, with the common ruling power, which encompasses everyone everywhere.”

In other words, God’s wisdom should be the overarching truth that is the foundation upon which we build our leadership and our lives. And to think, this wisdom is dwelling within us at all times. God Himself lives within you!

What is the reward for recognizing that fact? Job said it well:

But he knows where I am going.
And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.
For I have stayed on God’s paths;
I have followed his ways and not turned aside.
I have not departed from his commands,
but have treasured his words more than daily food.

Job 23:10-12 NLT

Listen to God’s Voice. Treasure His Words. He is right there, living within you!

God’s best,