Strength

August 17th – 1 Peter 4:4

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1 Peter 4:4

There are some people that no matter how hard we try to convince them, will never accept our change as a person. Especially when that change comes from receiving Christ as our Lord and Savior. That’s because those who aren’t  followers of Jesus can’t understand why we would want to lead our life for anyone other than ourselves. And so they pressure us to go back to our sinful, worldly ways of the past. To be who we used to be. And when we don’t, we become targets of their resentment and ridicule. But Peter tells us that those same unbelievers, “will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Pet. 4:5) Until the day when we stand before the Lord, Jesus calls us to stay strong in His Word. And to respond to those who persecute us, the same way Jesus responded to His persecutors, in kindness and love.

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June 18th – John 14:26

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John 14:26

Our Father knows all too well how frail we are. He understands that there is no way we can do what He asks of us on our own. And so He sent a Helper in the form of His Holy Spirit. God’s Spirit not only gives us the strength to do all the Lord commands, but from the moment He indwells in us He gets to work. What is His work? To change us from the inside out into the likeness of Jesus. The Holy Spirit  is God with us in all things. He convicts us of our sins, and assures us of God’s forgiveness. His help is essential in leading lives that are pleasing to our Father. And most wonderful of all, He puts upon us a seal for the day of redemption.(Eph. 4:30).  That means not only is the Spirit sent to help, comfort, and guide us, He is also God’s seal on us marking us as God’s very own!

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June 9th – Isaiah 40:31

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Isaiah 40:31

Each day is filled with its own challenges. And it doesn’t take much for those challenges to overwhelm us. But for those who wait on the Lord, help is at hand. Because when we turn to Him in our times of need, God is there. He is there to strengthen, renew, and carry us through. Our Father in heaven will never forsake us, nor leave us to fight our battle alone. Isaiah compares God’s loving care to that of an eagle. Mighty warriors who protect their young, eagles carry their eaglets away from danger. They soar high above the clouds where the sun shines and no storm rages. And just like that eagle, God carries us on His wings providing all we need to soar through even the toughest of times. No matter what we face, God promises to those whom He loves, strength to run without tiring, and walking without growing weary.

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May 9th – Philippians 4:13

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Philippians 4:13

Author Nishan Panwar once wrote, “Change is hard. You fight to hold on. You fight to let go. But in the end, we all know. Change is needed for you to grow.” As Christians we know the goal is growing to become more like Jesus. But who is a fan of the growing pains it brings? That’s why through the ebbs and flows of life, we need to take on the attitude of Paul. Paul faced hardship and persecution, good times and bad. Yet through it all, the one thing that remained constant was Paul’s contentment. Both in times of plenty and in famine, the apostle leaned on the strength of the Lord to navigate him through. And just like Paul, no matter the circumstance, we too have that same Christ given strength inside of us. Giving us the power to find contentment, whatever comes our way.

May 9th – Philippians 4:13 Read More »

February 1st – Esther 4

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Esther 4

Esther was a young queen in over her head. Told by her cousin Mordecai about the prime minister’s plot to kill the Jews, the fate of her people laid heavy on her small shoulders. Yet Esther knew where to go; straight to God. For three days and nights Esther sheltered in His presence through prayer and fasting. And as she grew closer to the Lord, Esther received the wisdom and courage she needed to save her people.

Life is hard. And trying to do it on our own is near impossible. But thankfully, as Christians we never have to face anything alone. Because God is there welcoming us to come to Him. To spend time in His presence, bathing in His strength, mercy, and guidance. A place of refreshment, the arms of the Lord is where we experience His perfect peace. Where we find the answers we seek, the wisdom of God’s counsel, and the warmth of His unconditional love.

That’s why it’s vital we make our relationship with God a priority. For it’s the most important one we have. So today I challenge you to be intentional. Set aside some quiet time for just you and God. Soak in the rays of His presence and make it a ritual. Did you know science now says it takes around 66 days to form a habit. Through perseverance and consistency we can make growing in our relationship with God not just a habit, but second nature!

 

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October 18th – Ephesians 6:10

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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.

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March 20th – Isaiah 40:29

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Isaiah 40:29

Our goal as Christians is to reflect the goodness and love of Christ to the world around us. And for us to be able to do this takes daily work on our part. Work to cast aside the pull of worldly desires, and put on the righteousness of Jesus. Yet we never need worry about accomplishing our goals in our own strength. For God in His unmerited love, gives to us all we need to perform any task set before us. He gives strength to the weary, and power to the powerless. So put your trust in Him. “Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.” (2 Cor. 1:25)

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March 19th – Ephesians 3:16

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Ephesians 3:16

The apostle Paul knew well that apart from God we can do nothing. For He alone is the giver of life, and source of our strength. And so Paul’s prayer for us all is to experience the super natural power provided to us through the Holy Spirit. For God so loves His children, that He never leaves us to fight our battles alone. Through His overabundant, overflowing, divine riches, He sends to us the great Helper to indwell our soul. And through His strength, we can overcome anything the Enemy can throw at us!

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The Value of Weakness – (2 Corinthians 12)

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2 Corinthians 12

The Apostle Paul faced many trials and tribulations during his ministry. He was repeatedly put in prison, beaten, stoned, and shipwrecked. Under constant fear of death, Paul was flogged countless times. He was often hungry, thirsty, and cold. Yet even with all of this, God allowed him to be broken further. But instead of giving in or giving up, Paul drew closer to God. And in the process he learned that there is strength in weakness. …

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