“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!” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV).
How often do you realize what wonderful power you have available to you through Jesus Christ? He is able to do things through you that you could never do by yourself. It is amazing, this power that the Holy Spirit inside you can produce. But most of us are blind to this power because we like to do it ourselves. We smugly say that we don’t need any help because we have the ability without God’s help. Then we stumble and fall and beg God to help us. Wouldn’t it be much easier to rely on His power in us first? Think about it. He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine. We can’t even think about all the ways God can work in us if we allow Him to do it.
Doubts can creep in and questions haunt us. What if I fail? What if people don’t support me? Satan loves to throw out these questions in order to make you feel helpless. Don’t believe the lies. You are a child of the king. You can do all things through His strength. Believe it and claim it. The power is there for you to grab hold of and jump into whatever God is calling you to do. Get out of your comfort zone and do something for God that is so big that only He can do it. You have His power. Do something with it.
We have gone to Niagra Falls many times. I was amazed to see the power of the falls. All that water cascading and thundering down upon the rocks. That power was harnessed and used to produce electricity for many people. Someone had the fortitude to do this. Isn’t it amazing that they could produce power from water? Can you imagine that?
Just as that power from water was harnessed so you must harness the power within you by God to do something amazing for Him. It is time for you to make a difference.
Dear Lord,
I know that your power exists in me. Help me to step out in faith and use that power to do your will. I know that you will help me overcome doubts. Thank you for giving me the power that only you can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
God's Wisdom is Available to You by Ann E. Broughton
God’s Wisdom is Available to You by Ann Elaine Broughton
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV).
If you have the wisdom from God your life should display the above attributes. Do they? Does your behavior every day display the wisdom of God that this verse is talking about? It is available to you but you must want it and desire it above all else.
Have you ever noticed a dilapidated house? While we were out on a drive we went past a house that was totally falling apart. The front porch had fallen and all the windows were broken. It took many years for that house to get in that condition. Little by little it fell apart due to neglect. In the same way, our spiritual life can slowly weaken due to neglect, leaving our souls open to attack from the devil. It is hard to gain wisdom from God, when you haven’t prayed, read the Bible, or have gone to church in a long time. Sometimes it sneaks up on you. Maybe you save your praying for just before bed and you find yourself falling asleep before your prayer ends. Maybe you want to sleep in on Sunday instead of going to church. If you keep neglecting to draw near to God, you will find that your life isn’t displaying the wonderful attributes found in the above verse that can affect other people’s lives in a positive manner.
We have all been given the ability to make our own choices. What choices are you making that please God? Think about it. Don’t let your soul become like that dilapidated house. Instead may your life show to others that Christ is in your heart and His wisdom rules your life in every aspect.
It is up to you to have the self-discipline to do what God wants you to do. Take the time to draw closer to Him and find out that His wisdom will help you become the person He wants you to be.
Dear Lord,]
Help me to have self-discipline. Help me to seek you daily in prayer, to read your word to gain wisdom, and not to neglect meeting with other Christians. I want to acquire all the attributes that your wisdom can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 NIV).
If you have the wisdom from God your life should display the above attributes. Do they? Does your behavior every day display the wisdom of God that this verse is talking about? It is available to you but you must want it and desire it above all else.
Have you ever noticed a dilapidated house? While we were out on a drive we went past a house that was totally falling apart. The front porch had fallen and all the windows were broken. It took many years for that house to get in that condition. Little by little it fell apart due to neglect. In the same way, our spiritual life can slowly weaken due to neglect, leaving our souls open to attack from the devil. It is hard to gain wisdom from God, when you haven’t prayed, read the Bible, or have gone to church in a long time. Sometimes it sneaks up on you. Maybe you save your praying for just before bed and you find yourself falling asleep before your prayer ends. Maybe you want to sleep in on Sunday instead of going to church. If you keep neglecting to draw near to God, you will find that your life isn’t displaying the wonderful attributes found in the above verse that can affect other people’s lives in a positive manner.
We have all been given the ability to make our own choices. What choices are you making that please God? Think about it. Don’t let your soul become like that dilapidated house. Instead may your life show to others that Christ is in your heart and His wisdom rules your life in every aspect.
It is up to you to have the self-discipline to do what God wants you to do. Take the time to draw closer to Him and find out that His wisdom will help you become the person He wants you to be.
Dear Lord,]
Help me to have self-discipline. Help me to seek you daily in prayer, to read your word to gain wisdom, and not to neglect meeting with other Christians. I want to acquire all the attributes that your wisdom can give.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Be Compassionate by Ann Elaine Broughton
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12 NIV).
When was the last time someone showed you compassion? How did it make you feel? When was the last time you showed someone compassion? Jesus is our model for compassion. He healed the sick and showed gentleness to people that others looked at with disdain. He came to seek the lost and show them the way to eternal life. He was the epitome of humility, kindness, compassion and gentleness.
We as Christians are to behave like Jesus did. We are to treat others with compassion and kindness.
I know when I am sick or discouraged I am thrilled to hear from my Christian friends. It makes me feel so good to receive a get well card.
Some people think that a card isn’t a big deal, but I assure you it is.
It means that someone cares and that really raises a person’s mood.
Because I have heard from so many of our church goers that get well cards have lifted their spirits I have become more diligent about sending cards. It is a way to show compassion.
Compassion means that we must reach out to others with love and caring when they are at their lowest. We all need someone to care about us, especially when it seems that nothing is going right. One time when I was at my lowest point, a friend came to talk to me and encourage me. This friend told me that when it seems that I’m at my lowest point, that is when everything will turn around and it will get better. My friend was right and I was encouraged by this advice. It made me feel good.
Someone you know may need encouragement and compassion. You need to be like Jesus and show this person that you care. This week reach out to someone with love and compassion in some wonderful way. You will be blessed and you will be a blessing to someone who desperately needs encouraged.
Dear Lord,
There are those around me who needs to see your compassion by my actions. Let every word that comes out of my mouth be a blessing to others. Help me to show compassion and gentleness to those who need some hope. Thank you for example of Jesus, who loved everyone.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
When was the last time someone showed you compassion? How did it make you feel? When was the last time you showed someone compassion? Jesus is our model for compassion. He healed the sick and showed gentleness to people that others looked at with disdain. He came to seek the lost and show them the way to eternal life. He was the epitome of humility, kindness, compassion and gentleness.
We as Christians are to behave like Jesus did. We are to treat others with compassion and kindness.
I know when I am sick or discouraged I am thrilled to hear from my Christian friends. It makes me feel so good to receive a get well card.
Some people think that a card isn’t a big deal, but I assure you it is.
It means that someone cares and that really raises a person’s mood.
Because I have heard from so many of our church goers that get well cards have lifted their spirits I have become more diligent about sending cards. It is a way to show compassion.
Compassion means that we must reach out to others with love and caring when they are at their lowest. We all need someone to care about us, especially when it seems that nothing is going right. One time when I was at my lowest point, a friend came to talk to me and encourage me. This friend told me that when it seems that I’m at my lowest point, that is when everything will turn around and it will get better. My friend was right and I was encouraged by this advice. It made me feel good.
Someone you know may need encouragement and compassion. You need to be like Jesus and show this person that you care. This week reach out to someone with love and compassion in some wonderful way. You will be blessed and you will be a blessing to someone who desperately needs encouraged.
Dear Lord,
There are those around me who needs to see your compassion by my actions. Let every word that comes out of my mouth be a blessing to others. Help me to show compassion and gentleness to those who need some hope. Thank you for example of Jesus, who loved everyone.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen
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