1 John 4:13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit”. We know we are christians by several ways: we accepted Christ as savior and Lord, and He has given us His Spirit. The second part becomes evident as we live our lives. The first effect felt was the forgiveness of sins. The guilt is gone. This is not a mental exercise. We have been reconciled to God. We have peace with Him and the peace of Him. One biproduct of that peace is that I began to sleep well. I no longer had the angst from my guilt. Proverbs does promise that our sleep will be sweet. Revelations 3:20 says that He will come into our lives. We feel the evidence of that. The living/loving God now resides in us. It would make sense that we would feel and sense this. It wasn’t instantanious for me. But I felt the evidence of Him as the weeks went by. I feel He began to work with the circumstances of my life. Romans 8:28 says that He works all things for the good. The events of life felt as if they were more purposeful. They could have been the same events as prechrist, but He was working in my heart and mind. I felt His presence. It was if I had company. Not in a scary way. Romans 8:16 says that His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. What a blessing this was/is. The gulf between God and man that was imposed in the garden has been erased. People often refer to their christian experience as a walk with God. That’s true. Because of all said in today’s entry, it feels like it. Not like actually walking with someone, but with the sense of His presense and the confirmation of Him altering circumstances, it’s walking with God. Walking with God makes this life hopeful and exciting. I don’t dread my daily circumstances. Even though they may be frustrating. I know He will work it out for the good. I’ll be better because of it. This is faith. He rewards this (Hebrews 11:6). It gets even better. It doesn’t mean we win and dominate. That’s the world’s notion. We can turn the other cheek or humble ourselves and take the lesser seat. Our lives are flouded with joy that winning isn’t a big deal. Lord, thank You that You have given us Your Spirit. Your power and greatness dwarf us. Yet Your mind has good thoughts about us. Your presence guides and blesses. Thank You.