"The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire." ~~Ferdinand Foch

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Ferdinand Foch, Jesus, Power, Soul

Holy Spirit

Jesus challenges us to be on fire for him and God’s government. Nothing else should matter. Not family or friends. Nothing but what does God want me to do.

Jesus is a consuming fire in our soul. That is God’s goal for me.

The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire. ~Ferdinand Foch

We know God and He delights in impossibilities. He always asks "Is anything too hard for me?"

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God is God, Impossible, Power

I am so very thankful for our God. He is amazing. There is no end to the great things He has in store for us.

What does our God delight in? He delights in impossibilities. What does God say? Nothing is too difficult for me.

Nothing is too hard for God. Nothing is impossible to Him.

I know God and He delights in impossibilities. He always asks “Is anything too hard for me?”

And of course nothing is impossible for him.

 

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” ~God

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Holy Spirit, Jesus, Power, Victory, Zechariah 4

How do I  get things done in God’s world? What makes the difference? Does it happen if I am just strong and force my way through life?

Not in God’s world. It happens by His spirit. The victory belongs to Him no matter how much I plan and get ready.

That is the lesson of Jesus. He just did what He saw His Father doing. Sometimes I get confused thinking I should be able to do it all by myself and then get the credit.

My victory is in Jesus. That is the only way to get it done and please God, our Father.

May I know in the depths of my heart that it is God who is the source of accomplishments.

He said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:6

“You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” ~~Jesus

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Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 22, Power, Religious Leaders, Scripture

The Religious leaders of Jesus day were always trying to trip him up with trivial religious questions. You would have thought they would have known better or at least learned not to try because it always backfired on them.

Jesus answers are important for us though. We live in a religious culture and easily fall into the same traps. The trap is thinking I know God because I am religious, go to church, pray before meals, etc.

Two things are essential to not falling into error. The first is really knowing the scripture. Having God’s word in my heart. The second is having the power of God in my life.

So …. after answering a number of their questions, “no one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.”

You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God” ~~Jesus (Matthew 22:29)

 

“And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses to the ends of the world.” ~Jesus

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Acts 1, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Power, World

Jesus has given me a mission. He has also given me power.

The first charge was to wait for the Holy Spirit to come upon me. That is His power that enables me to be obedient. It is the Holy Spirit that enables me to be a witness.

The second charge is to be a witness to Him. I must tell the whole world that He came to earth, died because we are missing God’s goal (sin) for our life, was resurrected showing the true power of God and then ascended to heaven to sit at the right hand of God ruling the universe.

Now that is some good news. God has a plan for me and for us. I am to be a witness.

And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.” ~~Jesus (Acts 1:8 The Message)

Contemplation on a prayer: A Poem

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Friend, Jesus, Poem, Power, Prayer, Rich, Thankful

Should I pray for an easier life OR
to continue becoming a stronger man?
I will pray for power equal to my tasks.

I am amazed that power does come to me that exceed the challenges of my life.
I could have sought tasks equal to my powers but . . .
that is not the path of strength.

that is not the path of courage.
that is not the path of hope.

Much better to pray for powers equal to my tasks.
I am amazed at the beauty of my world . . .
at the richness of my life
at the love I know daily.

I am overwhelmed with the friends who care for me . . .
who appreciate me
who challenge me
who accept me.

I am thankful for my family . . .
who knows me and loves me.
cares for and appreciates me.

Everyday I do wonder at myself and
the richness of my life that has come to me
by the grace of Jesus!

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” ~Apostle Paul

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Apostle Paul Sayings, Ephesians 3, Glory, God is God, Imagination, Jesus, Power

I am not thinking big enough. My imagination is limited in ways I can’t grasp. I ask for catfish and He gives me Tilapia.

The power of Jesus is in me. I need to ask for more. If I think God wants to comfort a dear friend who is sick, why don’t I ask Him to completely heal them? If I think a family member needs salvation, why don’t I ask for complete deliverance?

My limitations are my limitations. Nothing is impossible with God. He wants to do stunning things.

May I expand my view to the possibilities that my all powerful God can do and not what I am willing to settle for.

God is God and God is great.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 

 

 

 

“What we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Corinthians, Apostle Paul Sayings, Faith, Jesus, Power, Resurrection

How often do I keep quiet when I should say what I believe? Too often I think.

If I believe in a God so powerful that He raised Jesus from the dead, what should I say in any given circumstance? Really, what should I say about my belief? I must say that Jesus is willing and able.

Well, if I believe that nothing is impossible with God I can’t be quiet.

I have to say the truth no matter how “bad” things look. God is God. He wants to deliver.

I must have faith and believe. If I do, Jesus will come through no matter what.

We’re not keeping this quiet, not on your life. Just like the psalmist who wrote, “I believed it, so I said it,” we say what we believe. And what we believe is that the One who raised up the Master Jesus will just as certainly raise us up with you, alive. Every detail works to your advantage and to God’s glory: more and more grace, more and more people, more and more praise! 2 Corinthians 4:13-15

A river like you, Jesus

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Jesus, Love, Peace, Power, River

A river like you, Jesus!!

Oh my heavenly Father. Your love runs so deep and true in my life. A waterfall falling in two. A river like you. Amazing and so powerful.

So deep. Running through my soul.

What I give to drink from your living water. A river like you, Jesus!!

Your love runs so deep and true. I have been searching. Now I have found you and we are best friends.

Your love runs to me. I see your reflection.

I am still.

Peaceful in your presence.

A river like you, Jesus!!!

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power." ~Abraham Lincoln

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Abraham Lincoln, Character, Jesus, Power

Humility isn’t easy. Jesus challenges me to love and think of others first. That is it. Nothing else.

Jesus knows it is about who I am inside that counts. That inside character is what will come out in the long run.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. 

~Abraham Lincoln

 

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Timothy 1, Apostle Paul Sayings, Fear, Love, Power, Self-Control

Give me God’s power

How easy is it to focus on what God doesn’t do for me? Way too easy. I get distracted. The “shiny object” grabs my attention and diverts me. It happens a lot.

The big thing Jesus never gives me is fear or worry. That is NEVER as in not at all. Worry is not from Jesus.

What Jesus does gives me is power. That is POWER in a big way. Jesus has given me His Holy Spirit.

And Jesus gives me love. When I don’t know how or even can’t find it in me, Jesus shows me the way.

But here is the kicker. I need self control to get to where God wants me to be. He gives me self-control as well. And oh how I need self-control.

How amazing is that?  VERY. God is so very good.

Power

Love.

Self-control.

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self- control.” 2 Timothy 1:7

What God wants more than anything

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God's Goal, Jesus, Power

God has a goal in mind for us.

God wants things here on earth to be like they are in heaven.

Really.

God is serious. That is what He has in mind for us.

Do I want it? Am I passionate about it? Is that what I ask for every chance I get?

May I tap into that power. Now.

God can do and will do that which no man would ever think of trying

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God is God, Jesus, Power

I have great memories of a time I spent in the mountains of North Carolina in the early 1970’s. I spent 3 summers there. Fortunately I have a few of my journals from that time.

My vision of the power of God is limited. While I can imagine what it takes to create the universe, God actually did it. I can imagine. God knows.

Why don’t I do something about changing things I know are important to Jesus?

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Change, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Power

Love of Jesus

What do I want to be different in my life? Actually, there are lots of things. I must admit it is not a short list.

Great question and the follow up is: Why don’t I do something about it?

Finally, is this important to God? If it is important to Jesus, I should pursue change. I shouldn’t let it go. It starts with how I think about things. Jesus challenges me to change my mind (repent). Jesus challenges me to love.

It is important that I get love right in my heart and soul. The focus needs to be on loving more and loving better. That is the challenge. Change is not important outside the context of love.

Through God’s power, Jesus can do something about my ability to love.

“I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth, walk!” ~Apostle Peter

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Apostle John, Apostle Peter Sayings, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Miracle, Power

Give me God’s power

I may not have a lot but I have the power of God. Jesus has given me the Holy Spirit. This is the power that raised Jesus from the dead. This is the real deal. God is in a good mood and nothing is impossible with him.

Others I may meet may be confused about what they need from God. This man thought he needed money. That is what he asked for. Jesus knew he needed to be healed. Peter, acting as an agent of God, tapped into the power of the Holy Spirit and met his real need.

The man was ecstatic. Even though he asked for money he got what he really needed and that is amazing. Our God wants to give me every good thing. I must be open to what I really need and not what I want.

One day at three o’clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, “Look here.” He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

Peter said, “I don’t have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus the Messiah of Nazareth, walk!” He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.

The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple’s Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon’s Porch to see it for themselves.

~Luke – Source: Acts 3:1-11 (The Message Bible)

“God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life.” ~Apostle Paul

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1 Corinthians 4, Apostle Paul Sayings, Jesus, Messiah, Power, Talk

Hot Air

Sometimes I like to talk. I know it is just “all talk”. I don’t have any intention of doing anything. I haven’t asked God what he wants. It’s just mere talk.

Our life in Jesus is much different. It isn’t about words alone. God’s goal for us is to live an empowered life. Jesus has sent the Holy Spirit to give us that power for what we can’t do on our own.

May we follow the way of God and live an empowered life in Jesus the Messiah.

I know there are some among you who are so full of themselves they never listen to anyone, let alone me. They don’t think I’ll ever show up in person. But I’ll be there sooner than you think, God willing, and then we’ll see if they’re full of anything but hot air. God’s Way is not a matter of mere talk; it’s an empowered life. 1 Corinthians 4:18-20

“I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Timothy 1, Apostle Paul Sayings, Gift, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Power

Holy Spirit

Some times, OK, many times, I need to be reminded to fan the flame. It hasn’t completely gone out but it is flickering. It isn’t very strong and is providing very little light.

So the reminder comes. It is now. The Spirit of God gives us power. This is the same Spirit that raised Jesus, the Messiah, from the dead. Why be timid? No reason at all.

I just need to fan the flame. The Spirit is in me. It is in us. No need to be timid at all.

 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

2 Timothy 1:6 TNIV Bible

What is the importance of prayer?

Tags

Devil, Power, Prayer, R. A. Torrey, Samuel Chadwick

R.A. Torrey lamented the average believer’s indifference to prayer by writing:

How little time the average Christian spends in prayer! We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little…the power of God is lacking in our lives and in our work. We have not because we ask not.

Samuel Chadwick writes:

The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.”

“The church is the Messiah’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence.” ~Apostle Paul

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Church, Ephesians 1, Jesus, Master, Messiah, Power

We have a choice about what kind of church we attend. Which will it be? One where the power of Jesus the Messiah rules everyone and everything OR one where we feel good?

Going to church is about connecting and worshiping the living God. It is not about making us feel better about ourselves.

The church is not a building. The church is the body of Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, The church are the people who have been called by Jesus to form the body of Jesus in this world.

That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus the Messiah, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!

All this energy issues from the Messiah: God raised him from death and set him on a throne in deep heaven, in charge of running the universe, everything from galaxies to governments, no name and no power exempt from his rule. And not just for the time being, but forever. He is in charge of it all, has the final word on everything. At the center of all this, the Messiah rules the church. The church, you see, is not peripheral to the world; the world is peripheral to the church. The church is the Messiah’s body, in which he speaks and acts, by which he fills everything with his presence. Ephesians 1:19-23 The Message (MSG)

“If you leave people as you found them God is not speaking by you.” ~Smith Wigglesworth

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Power, Smith Wigglesworth, Transformation

God has a mission for us. It is not to just casually encounter people. God wants to transform lives through the power of His son Jesus.

Jesus, the Messiah and our Master, challenges us to make disciples of everyone in the world. That isn’t a vague challenge. It is for today. It is for the person we will talk with next.

Will we today?

“If you leave people as you found them God is not speaking by you.” Smith Wigglesworth

“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Master.” ~Apostle Peter

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2 Peter 1, Apostle Peter Sayings, Excellence, Glory, Godliness, Grace, Knowledge, Life, Power

It just keeps rolling on. Over and over again. God’s grace. God’s peace.

Multiplying infinitely and never stopping. This happens as I deepen my experience with God and Jesus. This is what I want to experience in a life of pleasing God. My relationship with Jesus should be personal and intimate. We should be friends. God is so very good to use a multiplier for knowing his son Jesus, the Messiah and for the peace that comes from that knowledge.

Jesus has given me a ticket to participate in the life of God. I have turned my back on a corrupt world. I share in the godliness of Jesus.

May I see His amazingly divine POWER!!!

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Master; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:2-4

“Our prayers lay the track down which God’s power can come.” ~Watchman Nee

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Jesus, Power, Prayer, Watchman Nee

The power of God comes like a mighty locomotive. The rails it travels on are our prayers.We were created to have conversations with God.

God wants us to connect with Him constantly. God wants to give us direction. That is how we tap into God’s power.

May my prayers unleash His mighty power.

“Our prayers lay the track down which God’s power can come. Like a mighty locomotive, his power is irresistible, but it cannot reach us without rails.”

—–Watchman Nee

“If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power.” ~Billy Sunday

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Billy Sunday, Jesus, Power, Prayer

Tapping into God’s desire at any given moment opens us up completely to His power. That Jesus rules here, just like it is in heaven, is the big thing. Talking and listening to God is the most important thing. I should never cease to check in and see what God wants me to do right now.

If I know what Jesus wants me to do, I have His power all the time.

“If you are strangers to prayer you are strangers to power.”  ~Billy Sunday

 

“You are awesome, O God.” ~King David

Tags

Amazing, Awesome, Beautiful, Jesus, King David, Power, Psalm 68, Wise Sayings

You give me power and might. O God, you are so amazing, so awesome. You are terribly beautiful. It just streams forth from your presence. You are such a strong and powerful God.

And you give me your power. You don’t keep it  to yourself. You could, but you don’t. How amazing is that? You are with us. Nothing is impossible for you.

May I praise you at every turn.

You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary;
the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people.
Praise be to God! Psalm 68:35

Should we wear crash helmets to church? Are you ready to be lashed to your pew?

Tags

Church, Jesus, Power

Annie Dillard has one of the best quotes on church. She is an unbeliever as best I can tell. She knows, however, that if you believe in GOD you better be prepared for who GOD is.

GOD is explosive in His ability and desire to do what we all think can’t be done. So why don’t churches, for the most part, act that way?

Do you have your crash helmet on? Are you ready to be lashed to your pew?

Why do people in church seem like cheerful, brainless tourists on a packaged tour of the Absolute? … Does anyone have the foggiest idea what sort of power we blithely invoke? Or, as I suspect, does no one believe a word of it? The churches are children playing on the floor with their chemistry sets, mixing up a batch of TNT to kill a Sunday morning. It is madness to wear ladies’ straw hats and velvet hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping GOD may wake someday and take offense, or the waking GOD may draw us to where we can never return.

via What religious snake handlers want – Think Christian.

“The Pentecostal power is just more of God’s love. If it does not bring more love, it is simply a counterfeit.” ~William J. Seymour

Tags

Holy Spirit, Love, Power

Love of God

It is all about love!! May our Father’s HOLY Spirit bring more love!!!

How powerful is that?

 “The Pentecostal power, when you sum it all up, is just more of God’s love. If it does not bring more love, it is simply a counterfeit.” ~William J. Seymour (quoted in “Apostolic Faith”)

 

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline.” ~Apostle Paul

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2 Timothy, Discipline, Fear, Jesus, Love, Messiah, Power

Holy Spirit

I don’t have to be timid or shy. Fear can’t grip my heart. He has given me His HOLY Spirit. The Spirit gives me power that I have never known. I can be bold.

I have His love drenching my heart and soul. With His sensible care I persevere. The Messiah and my Master Jesus’ love is a gift to me. I didn’t do anything to earn. I can’t do anything to earn. I can freely receive it from Jesus.

Here is the result of the Spirit of God living in us. We don’t have fear but have:

1. Power
2. Love
3. Discipline

The discipline He brings into my life makes a difference. I can focus on His daily direction. I can move according to His long range goals for me. That direction and focus drives out all fear.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Jesus perfectly mirrors our heavenly Father

Tags

Jesus, Mirror, Power, Word

Jesus is King

Here is a really amazing thing about our heavenly Father. He spoke to us directly through His Son Jesus. Just reading what He said blows me away some days. He still does it today. Through His HOLY Spirit, the words come alive.

And, it was through Jesus that God created the whole world in the beginning. And because of what Jesus did, the world and all that is in it, will belong to Jesus at the end. He truly is the beginning and the end.

So … this is stunning as well. Jesus perfectly mirrors our heavenly Father. He is stamped with God’s complete nature. He is so powerful that He holds everything in the entire universe together by what He says. How powerful is that?

God is great. Nothing is impossible for God at all. Jesus is King and our Master. God has given all power over to him.

"There are only five things you can do in baseball – run, throw, catch, hit and hit with power." ~~Leo Durocher

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Baseball, Leo Durocher, Power

Leo Durocher

Leave it to Leo to simplify the game of baseball.

There is also a difference between being a great hitter and being a power hitter. We love to watch a great hitter. We pay a lot of money to go see a power hitter. You can hear the difference in the sound of the crack of a bat.

There are only five things you can do in baseball – run, throw, catch, hit and hit with power. ~~Leo Durocher

“He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!” ~Woman at the well

Tags

Jesus, Power, Transform

Victory in Jesus

Jesus knows us. He knows inside and out. Nothing is hidden from Him. God is light and in Him is truth.

Jesus knows what is in our heart. He knows what we are thinking and feeling. It is interesting in that at first the other people of Samarita only know what the woman said. Then Jesus spent two days with them. Once they heard it directly from Jesus, they believed on their own.

When we know personally who Jesus is, Jesus can transform us.

May I be transformed by the power of Jesus!

Many of the Samaritans from that village committed themselves to him because of the woman’s witness: “He knew all about the things I did. He knows me inside and out!” They asked him to stay on, so Jesus stayed two days. A lot more people entrusted their lives to him when they heard what he had to say. They said to the woman, “We’re no longer taking this on your say-so. We’ve heard it for ourselves and know it for sure. He’s the Savior of the world!” John 4: 39-42

"Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men." ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Martin Luther King Jr., Misguided, Power

Give me God’s power

Technology will not save us. Technology is not the answer to our problems.

God want us to turn to His son Jesus. Jesus is the solution.

Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men. ~Martin Luther King, Jr.

"He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love." ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

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Love, Martin Luther King Jr., Power

Forgive

Love cannot flourish when we won’t forgive. We harbor anger and resentment. It will come out.

God’s goal for us is that we forgive.

Then we can love.

He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. ~~Martin Luther King, Jr.

“But God doesn’t lose his temper.” ~Nahum

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God is God, Nahum 1, Patient, Power, Temper

God is God

Sometimes we think of God as we think of ourselves. Big mistake.

God is God but His emotions aren’t like ours are. He is more powerful than we can imagine. God can do anything He wants to. His power, however, is a VERY patient power.

If we think because God is patient, we can “get away with things”, we better think again. God’s patience is shown to us so we will change our minds about missing His goal for our lives and so that we will accept Jesus as the answer.

But God doesn’t lose his temper. He’s powerful, but it’s a patient power. Still, no one gets by with anything. ~~Nahum 1:3

"Keep it simple; you are the equipment." ~~Jesus

Tags

Jesus Sayings, Luke 9, Power, Simplicity

Radical Sayings of Jesus

Jesus challenges us to not get wrapped up in all “stuff” that keeps us from fulfilling His mission for us. He sent His 12 disciples out to proclaim the good news of God’s World (Kingdom). He told them to not take any equipment with them. The challenge from Jesus is radical. Jesus sent His disciples out to do miracles.

In God’s World, we are the equipment that He uses to reach others. He is radically transforming our lives and that is what people see. People are longing to see the power of God, not the paltry equipment of the failed churches that we build.

We must keep it simple and not forget what transforms us all. It is Jesus not the buildings.

Jesus now called the Twelve and gave them authority and power to deal with all the demons and cure diseases. He commissioned them to preach the news of God’s kingdom and heal the sick. He said, “Don’t load yourselves up with equipment. Keep it simple; you are the equipment. And no luxury inns—get a modest place and be content there until you leave. If you’re not welcomed, leave town. Don’t make a scene. Shrug your shoulders and move on.” (Luke 9:3 The Message)

God is mighty and He will deliver on His promise

Tags

God is Great, Love, New Agreement, Power, Promise

Give me God’s power

Our Father’s promise is not just for me.

It is for my relatives and anyone who God invites to the table. The new agreement is that He has made me accepted in His sight. God has a goal for me.

And, anyone I touch, through His power, has access to the promise too. Starting with my family and to anyone else He invites.

God’s word is true. He is faithful to His promise. He invites me move in closer. Lean in and hear His promise.

The promise starts close to me. Then to those I care most about.

I need the courage to believe.

I need His love to persist. God is mighty and He will deliver on His promise.

Woo Hoo!!! He is so amazing.

"Don’t say ‘God be with you,’ and not mean it." ~~Jesus

Tags

God's Goal, God's Will, Jesus Sayings, Matthew 5, Pious, Power, Religious

Yes or No

Jesus challenges us to mean what we say. Religious jargon and trite sayings are useless.

It is the power of the risen Lord and Savior that means something. Jesus challenges us to understand what action God wants us to take not say some religious saying. The action Jesus took was always specific. He healed the blind but never exactly the same way.

God’s goal for us is that we speak plainly with the use of religious jargon.

May I live the life Jesus wants me to every day. May my life speak his power.

“And don’t say anything you don’t mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, ‘I’ll pray for you,’ and never doing it, or saying, ‘God be with you,’ and not meaning it. You don’t make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say ‘yes’ and ‘no.’ When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong. Matthew 5:33-37

“Wait for what the Father promised” ~Jesus

Tags

Acts 1, Holy Spirit, Patience, Power

Patience

Jesus told them they had to wait. He didn’t have to. He could have given them the Spirit of God right then and there. But He wanted them to wait. And so they did. And they received the Spirit of God and the power that goes with Him.

He didn’t leave them hanging though. He promised the Spirit would come soon. And He did.

We live in a world where we want everything, and I mean everything, now. We don’t like to wait. Patience is not seen as a virtue.

Here is a clue. God is in control. In His government, He isn’t in a hurry. Sometimes he wants us to wait. Our job is to obey. The timing is always God’s.

As they met and ate meals together, he told them that they were on no account to leave Jerusalem but “must wait for what the Father promised: the promise you heard from me. John baptized in water; you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit. And soon.” Acts 1:1-5

"Little girl, get up." ~~Jesus to a dead 12 year old girl

Tags

God is Great, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 5, Power, Resurrection

Grief and Horror

She is 12 years old. She got sick. She died.

Everyone is beside themselves in grief and horror. You don’t expect to bury your children. It’s just not right. What kind of God allows that to happen?

Jesus arrives on the scene at the request of the father. The father believed in Jesus.

When he goes in to the room where her dead body is lying, Jesus says very little other than “Little girl, get up”. At that, she was up and walking around! They were all beside themselves with joy. Amazed. Stunned. Ecstatic.

This is stunning. This is the power of God in Jesus. We have the same Holy Spirit in us. May I live my life knowing of this stunning power.

“Little girl, get up.” ~~Jesus to a dead 12 year old girl (Mark 5:40-43 The Message Bible)

“I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

Abundance, Content, Philippians, Power, Suffering

Philippians 4:13

I can’t say, as Paul did, that I have learned to be completely content and happy. But I am learning and I want to mature in this area. The secret is to live in His strength and power. When I seek His desire, I have confidence that He will strenghten me. That is happening. When I wander off on my own, oh boy, I can never be glad in God and happy.

The other area that helps me be happy is knowing who I am in Him. I am fully redeemed and His child. Knowing that strengthens me. Whoo Hoo!!!

God’s goal is for me to be content and happy. The way to get there is through God, who gives me strength.

I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am …. I have learned the secret of …. both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

“God’s Spirit and God’s power did it.” ~Apostle Paul

Tags

1 Corinthians 2, God is Great, Holy Spirit, Power

Give me God’s power

Paul wasn’t afraid to admit that he was inadequate. Now that is something. In fact, he was scared to death. Deep down, we all are scared. God’s goal for us is not for us to be afraid and scared. He wants us to confident in Him and His power.

So where did being scared lead Paul? Straight to God. God is able. Nothing is impossible with Him.  The Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead was in Paul and is in me. Faith is a response to God’s power.

God is great. His power has no end. He can do anything. He wants to show us what can be done if we believe in Him and not in ourselves.

I was unsure of how to go about this, and felt totally inadequate—I was scared to death, if you want the truth of it—and so nothing I said could have impressed you or anyone else. But the Message came through anyway. God’s Spirit and God’s power did it, which made it clear that your life of faith is a response to God’s power, not to some fancy mental or emotional footwork by me or anyone else. 1 Corinthians 2:3-5

“I’ve been given it all by my Father!” ~~Jesus

Tags

Authority, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Love, Luke 10, Power, Relationship

Luke 10:22 – Jesus has been given it all

Oh my goodness. Jesus has everything. It is a great gift from His Father. All authority, power, love. Everything!! Nothing is lacking in Him. Their relationship is like none other. Only that kind of love can produce a world for us that is different than what we know today.

Do we believe that Jesus has it all? I know I don’t always act like it. I rely on my own capabilities. That only gets me so far. And it is not God’s goal for me. He wants me to rely on His son Jesus.

Jesus is the way to God. Jesus is the way to success in God’s world.

Jesus has it all. Nothing is impossible or lacking. May I know it and live that way.

“I’ve been given it all by my Father! Only the Father knows who the Son is and only the Son knows who the Father is.” ~~Jesus (Luke 10:22)

The raw power of God

Tags

Creation, God is God, Mystery, Power, Romans 1

Power of God – God is God

There is a time to think long and hard. That of course would be about what God has created. Just think about it. Think about it long and hard. It is amazing. The raw power of it all. Imagine, then think, about what it took to create all that we enjoy and take for granted everyday. Come on, think about it. NOW, think about it some more.

And, how mysterious is it that God could do all of this. We can’t imagine it. It is beyond us. And, that God, lives in side of us. He can do anything in His World. He is in control of it all. God is God.

By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. Romans 1

"Who touched my robe?" ~~Jesus

Tags

Healing, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Jesus Sayings, Mark 5, Power

Woman touches Jesus robe

Jesus is wired with the power of God. God’s energy flows through Jesus continuously. So much so, when a sick woman touches His robe, the energy flows out. What happens? She is healed instantly.Jesus senses this has happened. He knows it is an act of faith.

We have the same Holy Spirit in us. Are we in tune with His power, His energy? We can be. God is in a good mood. He wants to heal us. He wants us to believe.

May it be so.

At the same moment, Jesus felt energy discharging from him. He turned around to the crowd and asked, “Who touched my robe?” (Mark 5:30 MSG)

God Thoughts: Every day is my birthday

Tags

Gift, Jesus, Now, Power, Psalm 2

This is both prophecy about Jesus and also a message to us as God’s children. Our God is a living, today kind of God. What is His message to us today? God is in a good mood. He wants the best for us. 

See today like you would your birthday. Today is a day of celebration. What gift do we want from our Heavenly Dad? He will give us anything. Nations? Continents? Dancing in the street? Or, like Solomon, do we ask for wisdom.

I also think this is in the physical as well as spiritual world. He has promised it is all ours. Supernatural courage and His powerful Spirit make it so.

Let me tell you what God said next. He said, “You’re my son, And today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? Continents as a prize? You can command them all to dance for you, Or throw them out with tomorrow’s trash.” Psalms 2:7-9

May I seek and ask for His power today. What gift do I want from my Heavenly Dad? May I live like today is my birthday in Him.

“We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power.” ~~Reuben Archer Torrey

Tags

Power, Prayer, Reuben Archer Torrey

There are way too many things going on. But being too busy to pray should not be one “to do” that we miss. Hearing God is essential to being able “to do” what God has in mind for us. 

“We are too busy to pray, and so we are too busy to have power. We have a great deal of activity, but we accomplish little; many services but few conversions; much machinery but few results.”

~~Reuben Archer Torrey

God Thoughts: God is not decrepit

Tags

God is Great, Isaiah 50, Jesus, Power

God is not decrepit. That may not be obvious but it is the BIG reality. He has not forgotten how to help. He is always powerful. Nothing is impossible with Him at all. God is great.

God is actively looking for us. He is at the door and He is knocking. He is calling us and we don’t even hear the phone.

Sometimes it feels like He has forgotten us. That is our reality but it is not His reality.

God is not decrepit. He can do anything.

There it is and that is all there is to that.

So why didn’t anyone come when I knocked? Why didn’t anyone answer when I called? Do you think I’ve forgotten how to help? Am I so decrepit that I can’t deliver? I’m as powerful as ever, and can reverse what I once did: I can dry up the sea with a word, turn river water into desert sand, And leave the fish stinking in the sun, stranded on dry land . . . Turn all the lights out in the sky and pull down the curtain. 

~~Isaiah 50

Here are the key ideas:

• God is seeking us
• God is all powerful
• God wants us to answer and come to Him

 

What is normal for the Christian life?

Tags

1 Corinthians 4, Bill Johnson, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Kingdom, Power, Quote

For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. 1 Corinthians 4:20 NKJV

In God’s world (Kingdom), His power is all that it is all about. It is not so much about what is said but it is all about what is done. God is great and He has a goal for us. It is that we live in His power.

“It is abnormal for a Christian not to have an appetite for the impossible. It has been written into our spiritual DNA to hunger for the impossibilities around us to bow at the name of Jesus.

The lack of miracles isn’t because it is not in God’s will for us. The problem exists between our ears. As a result, a transformation, a renewing of the mind, is needed, and it’s only possible through a work of the Holy Spirit that typically comes upon desperate people.

Stories of the impossible are becoming the norm, and the company of people who have joined this quest for an authentic gospel, the gospel of the Kingdom, is increasing. Loving God and His people is an honor. We will no longer make up excuses for powerlessness because powerlessness is inexcusable. Our mandate is simple: raise up a generation that can openly display the raw power of God.”

Excerpts from When Heaven Invades Earth chapter 1

by Bill Johnson

Bill Johnson Ministries – Ministry of Bill Johnson, Senior Leader of Bethel Church, Redding, California

I want to be like Caleb … seriously

Tags

Energy, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Perseverance, Power, Strength

As I get older, I want to be like Caleb. He was one of the 12 Moses selected to go into the Promised Land to see what it was like. Only he and Joshua thought they could conquer their enemies. The other 10 didn’t believe God and his promise. That resulted in Israel wondering around in the desert for 40 years.

So, fast forward. Eventually Joshua leads them all into the Promised Land. They fight for 5 years. Caleb comes to Joshua one day and says

I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the LORD sent me from Kadesh Barnea to explore the land. And I brought him back a report according to my convictions, but my fellow Israelites who went up with me made the hearts of the people melt in fear. I, however, followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly. So on that day Moses swore to me, ‘The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance and that of your children forever, because you have followed the LORD my God wholeheartedly.

Caleb remembered what God had told him. He held onto it for 45 years. He never wavered. So he continues his conversation with Joshua.

So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I’m just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said.

At 85 he wants to go and fight some more. He is strong and vigorous. He is ready to go at it. He wants what God promised him and he won’t stop until he gets it.

So … I want to be like Caleb. Seriously. I want to be like him. I want to fight to the end. I want to be as strong at 85 as I was at 40.

Is God decrepit?

Tags

God is Great, God Thoughts, Isaiah 50, Jesus, Power

Lately I have been thinking about what our Father is not. I don’t know why that helps but it frames what He is better. I think all the time about how powerful He is. But He is not decrepit. That frames His power better. He is never weak. He is never overwhelmed. He is more powerful than ever!!!

His power is absolute and complete. He has the power to do something and the power to reverse it. Think about that. Sometimes we can get something done but can’t undo it after. Not God. His power is complete. He is not decrepit.

May I see and understand His absolute complete power!!

So why didn’t anyone come when I knocked? Why didn’t anyone answer when I called? Do you think I’ve forgotten how to help? Am I so decrepit that I can’t deliver? I’m as powerful as ever, and can reverse what I once did: I can dry up the sea with a word, turn river water into desert sand, and leave the fish stinking in the sun, stranded on dry land . . . Turn all the lights out in the sky and pull down the curtain. Isaiah 50

Is our deepest fear that we are inadequate?

Tags

Authority, God Thoughts, God's Goal, Jesus, Power

Think about it. This is so true. On one hand, we know we are completely inadequate. We miss God’s goal for our lives. But in Jesus, the Messiah, we are a child of God. Living in the pure power of the Holy Spirit frightens us.

We serve an amazing God. We are to reflect His glory and power. We are His light in this very dark world.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, “Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?” Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us . . . And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ~~Marianne Williamson

And from our Master Jesus ….

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Is Jesus a respectable religious leader?

Tags

Authority, God is God, Jesus, Obedience, Power

Jesus is not interested in being a “respectable religious leader”. He is not Mr. Rogers with a beard.  He is in charge of everything. Seriously. Believe it. God has given everything over to Jesus.

All Jesus does is what He sees the Father doing. His power and authority come from God.

May I know that God is God. Jesus does what He sees the Father doing. May I do the same.