Power

July 3rd – Proverbs 23:17

Proverbs 23:17

Do not let your heart envy sinners, but live in the fear of the Lord always. Surely there is a future.”

In the world we live wealth, fame, and power are celebrated above all else. Our televisions, magazines, and Internet are all inundated with images and stories of the rich and famous. We see their seemingly perfect lives and think they have it all. And we’re filled with envy. We wonder why that can’t be us. Easily we buy into Satan’s lie that God is holding out on us. Keeping us from all the wonderful things the world offers. And we think that if we only had what they had our lives would be easier and we’d be happier. But Satan is the father of lies. Material things may fill our lives but can never fill our hearts, nor provide the comfort of resting in the eternal promises of Jesus. That’s why we can trust God. He sees from beginning to end. And He knows that although things may look and feel good to us, in actuality they lead us to perish. God is the One who truly loves us, and so He calls us away things He knows aren’t good for us. For only in Him alone can all worthy things be found, and abiding in Him is where the true treasure lies.

 

July 3rd – Proverbs 23:17 Read More »

May 27th – Luke 10:19

Luke 10:19

I love the quote, “Give the devil his due, but don’t over pay him. ”Spiritual warfare is a serious business. But what many Christian’s fail to realize is that although the devil has power, he has no authority. As followers of Jesus, we have both power and authority over the enemy. That means the only dominion Satan has in our lives is what we give him. Oh he may throw opposition, adversity, and spiritual forces our way that seek to hinder our faith and well-being. However with the authority given by Jesus, we can stand firm and resist every attack. Think of how hard the Enemy pursued Jesus. Yet not once did the Lord give Satan victory. Not once did Christ fall for his lies. And we don’t have to either. Know who you belong to and who you are in Christ. Through Him we can do all things. Because He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4) And from the Lord’s greatness and authority, we can have peace, happiness, and joy, despite what the devil wants.

May 27th – Luke 10:19 Read More »

February 28th – Galatians 5:26

Galatians 5:26 

Society today glorifies wealth, fame, power, and aggression above all else. This makes it a real challenge for Christians to live by the Spirit rather than the flesh. For temptation is everywhere we turn. And the sins of conceit, provoking others, and envy, are easily given in to. Especially when we ourselves are hurting, suffering or wanting. But we can guard ourselves against these negative attitudes by instead cultivating the fruits of the Spirit in our lives. Fruits including love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. And fruits that keep our focus off ourselves, and our own desires. Putting them instead where they belong, on God and others. Allowing us not only to live in love, joy, and peace, but build healthy relationships with others and most of all, honor God.

February 28th – Galatians 5:26 Read More »

February 11th – 2 Corinthians 8:7

2 Corinthians 8:7

Love isn’t only something we feel, love is also something we do. It isn’t enough just to have a desire to help others. Out of the abundant grace given to us through Jesus, we need to put that love into action. Not only to glorify God, but also as proof of our sincerity for the Lord. (2 Cor. 8:8) There is no greater example of love in action than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Willingly, out of His great love, He left behind the treasures, power, and majesty of heaven. And because of His sacrifice on the Cross, giving His life for ours, we as Christians are now heirs to His great kingdom. One day very soon our Savior will return to take us to that kingdom where we will dwell and reign with Him forever! Yet right up until the minute we hear Him call us home, we are to put our love in action. Demonstrating to a lost and hurting world the great love shown to us. And abounding in the most excellent grace of giving.

 

February 11th – 2 Corinthians 8:7 Read More »

December 7th – John 13:35

John 13:35

As one of His last acts before His sacrifice on the Cross, the Lord performed a task usually reserved for the lowest slaves in the house. He knelt and began to cleanse the feet of the disciples. Such an expression of self sacrifice, Jesus did as an example of humble love. Throughout His life on earth, everything Jesus did He did in love. And He made it perfectly clear that we are to do the same. But such a calling isn’t easy. For undoubtedly as soon as you make a commitment to love others, along a person will come as a test to your resolve. But the goal of the Christian walk is to become transformed into the image of Christ. And God never calls us to go it alone, nor to do what He asks in our own strength. Our strength comes from the power of the Holy Spirt. And through His power we can walk like Jesus and serve others joyfully and humbly. Our strength comes from the power of the Holy Spirt. And through His power we walk like Jesus and serve others joyfully and humbly.

December 7th – John 13:35 Read More »

October 18th – Ephesians 6:10

Ephesians 6:10

One of my very favorite quotes comes from Abraham Lincoln. He famously said, “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” This world is filled with troubles, and being a Christian doesn’t make us exempt. In fact it may mean even more trials, suffering, and persecution. But unlike the rest of the world, we don’t fight the battles of life in our power. Instead, we stand in the power and might of God. As Ruler and Creator of all, there is nothing that can overcome God. And nothing that can overcome us when we abide and trust in Him. Each day we need to begin by putting on the armor of God. That way, we can stand strong against the Enemy and victoriously live out God’s will.

October 18th – Ephesians 6:10 Read More »