Ephesians 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,'

The Word of God tells us that the anointing is not an outward manifestation of power, but it's an inward working of power that teaches us, leads us and guides us in all truth. 1John 2:27 So, this power that works in us is to make us into what we are to be in Christ. But now, let's see how this power works to get us to the place where we should be. Many times, we as believers give the devil too much credit. We talk about how he is doing this or that and how powerful he is. But we miss the real power sometimes focusing on the false power. The real power is the power of the resurrection of Christ Jesus! And the Word says that power is operating in us! You see, the power of the anointing in the Old Testament was the power to bless someone through an outward act of pouring oil upon a priest or king. This anointing was to symbolize the consecration and sanctification for God to use this person for his glory. And his spirit would use them to do great and powerful things. Like Moses, David, Samson, and others, the power of God would take their efforts and use them for greatness. That was good and all, but then Jesus came and was resurrected from the dead. This changed a lot!

 Now the Spirit of God can dwell within us. But that's not just so we can get to heaven when we die. But it's so God's Kingdom can be here now! The truth of the matter is, since you are now anointed from within and the power of Jesus resurrection is now operating within you, you have the power of God! You have the power to speak things into existence, you have the power to heal, deliver, and set free, you have the power to cast out devils and raise the dead. You have his power! So, the Spirit of God doesn't have to come upon you and work from the outside in, but now his Spirit can dwell within you and operate from the inside out! That changes everything. That brings a relationship into the picture. Now you can commune with God through his Spirit that is within you. Now you can become what he wants of you because of the Spirit that is within you. Now you can "abide" in him and He in you, because the anointing of God dwells within you, leading and guiding you into all truth! And what does the truth do? The Word says it makes you free! For example, if you are anointed of God to preach the Gospel, then you are lead by God, to preach the Gospel! And the word says that as many that are "lead" by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. And if you are a son of God, then you have and are entitled to the inheritance of God. I could go on and on, but I hope you are getting this picture. The anointing of God is not an emotion, feeling, or outward work. It's all on the inside! But as it's working in us, leading us, teaching us, and guiding us, we are becoming what he wants of us.

 Suggested Reading: Phil. 3:10, Rom. 8:14, 1John 3:2, 1John 2:27

Philippians 3:13-14

I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize.

- This verse speaks of the past and the future.
- The challenge is to move forward into what God has.
- It can be compared to running a race.
- There is only one direction in a race - FORWARD!

PRAYER: Lord, help me to stop looking back and give me the courage to look forward and expect the best from You. Amen.

I am the LORD, the God of every person on the earth. Nothing is impossible for me. Jer 32:27

We need to hear that God is still in control. We need to hear that it's not over until he says so. We need to hear that life's mishaps and tragedies are not a reason to bail out. They are simply a reason to sit tight.

Corrie ten Boom used to say, "When the train goes through a tunnel and the world gets dark, do you jump out? Of course not. You sit still and trust the engineer to get you through." …

The way to deal with discouragement? The cure for disappointment? Go back and read the story of God. Read it again and again. Be reminded that you aren't the first person to weep. And you aren't the first person to be helped.

Read the story and remember, [the] story is yours!

He Still Moves Stones (Max Lucado)

"Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:29).

Balance is the key to every good thing in life. Imbalance is the root cause of many, many ills. When there is imbalance in your body, some form or another of illness will occur — physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. When there is imbalance in your home, there will be marital problems, and family difficulties. Imbalance in your diet, or other appetites, will always results in physical challenges. Imbalance in your checkbook is definitely not a good thing. When you are imbalanced in your work, or in your recreations — somewhere along the line of your life you will have to "pay the piper." Balance in all things is the key to every good and lasting thing in life.

Jesus said, "Take My yoke upon you." The Greek word He used was zugos, which means "a coupling." Specifically, it is the word used to describe the beam of balance that joins two scales together. Webster's defines balance as "an instrument for weighing; a means of judging, or deciding."

In other words, the Lord is saying here, "Take My balance upon you; learn to judge things in life, and make decisions as I do." Paul wrote to us, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ" (Philippians 2:5)

The many benefits of this Balance are profound. Any man or woman, boy or girl, upon whom this yoke is place will experience mental, emotional, physical and spiritual steadiness. They will not stumble, or fall; yet, even if they do, it will be but for a moment. For they possess a innate capacity to right themselves and regain their footing. Their lives will be graced with unflappable confidence, even in the midst of upheaval and chaos. Just like Jesus, their Unflappable Champion.

So, as you prepare yourself to go out into today's world make sure that His yoke is on you; it's the one thing that makes the difference in every other thing you think or do.

I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was prepared like a bride dressed for her husband. Rev 21:2

The Holy City, John says, is like "a bride beautifully dressed for her husband."

What is more beautiful than a bride? …

Maybe it is the aura of whiteness that clings to her as dew clings to a rose. Or perhaps it is the diamonds that glisten in her eyes. Or maybe it's the blush of love that pinks her cheeks or the bouquet of promises she carries.

A bride. A commitment robed in elegance. "I'll be with you forever." Tomorrow bringing hope today. Promised purity faithfully delivered.

When you read that our heavenly home is similar to a bride, tell me, doesn't it make you want to go home?

The Applause of Heaven (Max Lucado)

Pray in the Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers, asking for everything you need. Eph 6:18

How do I live in God's presence? How do I detect his unseen hand on my shoulder and his inaudible voice in my ear? … How can you and I grow familiar with the voice of God? Here are a few ideas:

Give God your waking thoughts. Before you face the day, face the Father. Before you step out of bed, step into his presence.

Give God your waiting thoughts. Spend time with him in silence.

Give God your whispering thoughts… Imagine considering every moment as a potential time of communion with God.

Give God your waning thoughts. At the end of the day, let your mind settle on him. Conclude the day as you began it: talking to God.

Just Like Jesus (by: Max Lucado)

Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid." —Mat 14:27

When the disciples saw Jesus in the middle of their stormy night, they called him a ghost. A phantom… To them, the glow was anything but God.

When we see gentle lights on the horizon, we often have the same reaction. We dismiss occasional kindness as apparitions, accidents, or anomalies. Anything but God…

And because we look for the bonfire, we miss the candle. Because we listen for the shout, we miss the whisper.

But it is in burnished candles that God comes, and through whispered promises he speaks: "When you doubt, look around; I am closer than you think."

In the Eye of the Storm (by: Max Lucado)

Jy kan dit nie alleen doen nie (2)

Jy mag dalk 'n groot visionêr wees, maar jy sal nie sukses behaal totdat jy leer om ander met jou visie te inspireer en dit aan hulle oor te dra nie. Derhalwe, terwyl die vermoë om te kommunikeer belangrik is om jou visie aan ander oor te dra, verg dit meer as dit. Jy moet geloofwaardigheid en oortuiging hê. Mense sal slegs by jou visie aanbou as jy die hoeksteen daarvoor is. Om ander mense van die betekenis van jou visie te oortuig kan slegs gebeur as jy self van die beduidenis daarvan oortuig is. Dit vereis die regte boodskap, oorgedra op die regte manier, deur die regte boodskapper, aan die regte mense, op die regte tyd. Die sielkundige en skrywer Dr. Larry Crabb beskryf hierdie ineenskakeling so: 'Die visie wat ons aan ander oordra oor wie en wat hulle kan word, het krag as dit die weerklank eggo wat die gees reeds in hul siel gespreek het.' Daardie krag kan mense oortuig om jou te volg in die navolging van jou visie, en so jou kanse op sukses aansienlik verhoog. Daar is 'n interessante wiskundige dinamika in die Bybel wat sê dat een mens 'n duisend kan agtervolg, maar twee mense kan tienduisend op vlug jaag (Deuternomium 32:30 NV). Ja, die Skrif leer ons die mag van sinergie. As jy die regte mense betrokke het, tesame met die seën van die Here, sal jy meer regkry as wat jy ooit gedroom het om te kon doen.

Sielskos: Matt 28:16-20; 2 Kor 13:14; Jona 1:18; Joh 15:18-26

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