So
many who claim to be Christians these days live non-transformed, powerless lives
that do not differ much from those of non-Christians (2 Tim 3:5). Why is this?
In Acts 1:8 we read that we will receive power when we are baptized in the Holy
Spirit. The apostle Peter wrote that in Christ, his power has given us: “all
things that pertain unto life and godliness” (KJV), access to all his promises
and the power to change to be more like Christ (2 Peter 1:3-4).
It
is God who works in us to do his will (Phil 2:13). We can do all things through
Christ who strengthens us (Phil 4:13) and God will complete the work of
transformation that he began in us (Phil 1:6) at salvation.
The
answers to our question as to why so many Christians do not change and grow in their
Christian walk is given in our passage above from the apostle Peter’s second
epistle. The power to change, grow and receive comes from truly knowing Christ
(the word) and his promises and receiving the Holy Spirit to saturate our lives
(John 8:32; Acts 1:8).
We
know Jesus by pressing into his word and allowing the Holy Spirit to bring us
revelation (John 14:26). As we receive revelation of and faith in his word,
then the power of God is released to bring change and to allow the word to work
in our lives. However, we have to do our part and that is to give God and his word
first place (time) in our lives and our days.
I can guarantee you that the results are wonderful. Cozy up to God in his
word today and let him envelope you.
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Christian Training”, including how to purchase it and also to see more
encouraging Bible based blogs. Please recommend our book to others.
In
Genesis, the book of beginnings, we read that God spoke his word to bring about
creation (Genesis 1). Think about this for a minute; it’s so easy to read and
not get the full impact of God’s word in this account of creation. God spoke through
the prophet Isaiah that his word does not return void but accomplishes his
purpose (Isa 55:11). God also said to the prophet Jeremiah: “I will hasten my
word to perform it” (Jer 1:12; KJV) Are we getting the picture? Gods word has
power to achieve what it states it will.
The
apostle Peter had been fishing all night and caught nothing (Luke 5:5-7). However,
at Jesus command he lowered the fishing nets again and caught a huge number of
fishes. A centurion in Luke 7:7 told Jesus to just: "say in a word, and my
servant shall be healed”. The servant was healed. There is no doubt that God's
word is very powerful
King
David said that God had magnified his word above his name (Ps 138:2). God's
word should be our delight according to Psalm 1:2 and if we meditate on the
word we will flourish (Josh 1:8). Meditation is a re-speaking of the word; it
is not just a mental activity.
We
should give great respect and attention to the word and line up our thoughts
and decisions with the word. Speak the word over your circumstances and watch
things change for the better. For example, if you need healing, find scriptures
on healing and speak them over your body, command your body to lineup with God’s
word, claim that healing. Believe healing is yours and experience the power of
God’s word.
Please
pass this on. All rights reserved.
Check out our web site ( www.onthewayinlove.com ) for information on our book: “On the Way: Basic
Christian Training”, including how to purchase it and also to see more
encouraging Bible based blogs. Please recommend our book to others.
In
Mark 10: 46 - 52 we have the wonderful story of Blind Bartimaeus. Bartimaeus
sat by the road out of Jericho begging and heard that Jesus was passing by. He cried
out to get the attention of Jesus and would not be quietened by the crowd. As
soon as Jesus called him Bartimaeus threw off his outer garment (which symbolized
that he was a beggar) and came to Jesus. When Jesus asked him what he wanted he
immediately asked for his sight and he received it right away.
So,
what do we learn from this story? Firstly, Bartimaeus was determined, he
shouted in a loud voice to get the lord’s attention (the word for
"shout" in the Greek used here can also mean "scream"). He
was also persistent, no one could shut him up. He was determined not to let his
miracle pass him by. Jesus, in asking Bartimaeus what he wanted, challenged the
blind man to make a specific request: “Lord, that I might receive my sight” (v
51). Jesus commended the faith of Bartimaeus and acknowledged that it was his
faith that made him well (v 52). What a wonderful miracle, Bartimaeus received
his sight but was also liberated from begging and given a new start to his life!
Jesus
is still saying to us today, "what do you want me to do for you"?
Make a specific request in faith. Believe God for your miracle today. Jesus is
no respecter of persons; he will respond to you just as he did to blind Bartimaeus.
Please
pass this on. All rights reserved.
Check out our web site ( www.onthewayinlove.com ) for information on our book: “On the Way: Basic
Christian Training”, including how to purchase it and also to see more
encouraging Bible based blogs. Please recommend our book to others.