Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Peace
Do no be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayerand petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
~ Phillipians 4:6-7
I'm learning the importance Paul applies to prayer here. How true it is that prayer is a vital practice in our walk with the Lord. I seek His forgiveness for neglecting this important practice in my relationship with my Heavenly Father. There are different types of prayer, different ways we can pray but nontheless, it's a practice that is a necessity. The peace of God is a direct result and answer to prayer, even though we're not able to fully understand and comprehend it, those of us who have a relationship with Jesus Christ can deeply experience His peace. Thank you Abba!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Power
"No one or no one thing has greater power or authority than Jesus. God has given this authority to those who have a relationship with Him."
As I read these words, they resounded in my head and thoughts for some time, as they continue to do. I asked myself, have I truly been living and walking in the power and authority that Christ has given me? The unfortunate answer was no, I've been passive and apathetic just kind of laying low. The bottom line here is that without His power and authority we will fail. I've been able to experience this as I've tried to do so many things in my own strength, and it just doesn't work that way. He's designed us to rely on Him and Him alone. He's provided power through the Holy Spirit.
And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as My Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven. ~ Luke 24:49
But when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, you will receive power and will tell people about Me everywhere in Jersusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. ~Acts 1:8
I'm learning to believe, walk and apply the authority He's given to us who know Him. An example of a certain disciple is given in the book of Acts. This "certain" disciple is known as Ananias. He was not in a high position or some big wig he was a "certain" disciple that God used to exercise His mighty power.
And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as yo ucam, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and wea baptized. ~Acts 9:17-18
Those of us who by his grace are a believing follower of Jesus Christ qualify as a "certain" disciple. There are many times that we disqualify ourselves becuase we may just be "normal", there's no way in the world that I could measure up to John, Paul, or even come close to Moses or Elijah, but it's just not true, if the Holy Spirit is whithin us, then we too have the mighty power just as Ananias did as well as any other disciple. Thank you Father for your amazing power!!! Help me to apply it daily in my life!
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Restoration
Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. ~ Psalm 51:12
