Power of God in Us

 Eph. 3:20
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

We recently lost power to our house during a windstorm. The energy transformed into electricity gave light in our house when darkness came. It provided power to the fans that blew warm air through our home, and kept the refrigerator compressor running to keep our food from spoiling.  Without the power, we were left in the dark to make the best of it. Power is defined and demonstrated in various ways. It can also be seen as the ability to overcome or command a situation. Jesus said, “You shall receive power after the Holy Ghost is come upon you.” What was this power? Why would Christians need to have this power? The work that God has given each one of us is not done with human ingenuity or power. We offer God ourselves as an empty vessel to be used by Him. He fills us with the power given to us by the Holy Spirit to accomplish the work of the Kingdom. God is able to exceed abundantly all that is needed when we allow HIm to work in us. Without His power, we are like a house without any lights, we wander in darkness trying to figure things out through our human means. God gives us power to live a life of holiness. There is power in the blood of Jesus. He gives us power to be witnesses to a world lost in darkness. Power to pray that the Holy Spirit will convict men and women of sin. For the Christian, the power to overcome trials, tribulation, and hardship. The power works in us as we open our heart to God believing that He is able to do all things according to His purpose. 

Exalted Above Measure

 2Corinth 12:7
​​And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

One of Paul’s temptations in his life was to think that he was someone great. He had reason to “brag” about himself. “Circumcised on the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; according to the law, a Pharisee;” (Phil 3:5.) He was brought up in the city at the feet of Gamaliel, a respected member of the Sanhedrin, a teacher of the law of Moses. He was charged by the high council with eliminating this new uprising of people who claim that Jesus was the Messiah. 
Paul was a man filled with the Holy Spirit, who consecrated his life to doing the work of God. He was not ruled by the carnal nature, he was a man sanctified wholly to do the will of God. Yet, he was tempted to think of himself more highly than others. Satan would tempt him to exalt himself above measure. To think his abilities were the driving force in spreading the gospel of Christ. Being sanctified does not immune one from temptation. Satan works to scatter the power of God’s people (Dan 12:7) and sees those who have great influence fall. God was faithful to send Paul a “throne in the flesh”, something that would affect his humanity. Causing him to struggle and keep him from boasting and depending on his own strength. He realized that the charge given to him could not be made by any ability of his own, that he needed God to give him the grace to do what was needed. Acknowledging our weakness in not admitting to defeat. It is an opportunity to show the awesomeness of God’s grace and power to work in us and through us. He desires that we provide Him with a vessel, an earthen vessel to do what He wants to accomplish in us and in the world around us. 

Our God is Awesome!

 Psalm 33:8,9
Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Our God is an awesome God! A chorus we sang in our children’s VBS one summer. We only need to look at His creation and the handiwork of His hands and we stand in awe of His might power. God said, "Let there be light, and there was light.” Our God is an awesome God. Jesus, on the sea of Galilee, spoke the words, “Peace be still.” and the waves and winds obeyed Him. Our God is an awesome God! Jesus spoke the words again, “Raise up and walk.” and the lame were made whole. Our God is an awesome God! Jesus touched the eyes of the blind man, and his eyes were open. Our God is an awesome God! The Publican cried out, “Be merciful to me, a sinner.” and this man went home justified, and forgiven of his sins. Our God is an awesome God! Facing two men possessed with demons, He commanded the demons to go, and they fled into a herd of swines. Our God is an awesome God! Even as Jesus was hanging on the cross between two sinners, the thief cried out to be remembered in the next life. Jesus says, “Today, you shall be with me in paradise.” Our God is an awesome God! I stand in awe and praise Him today, because He is faithful, and His mercy endures forever. He is an awesome God! Sing with me, “Our God is an awesome God!”