Glory!

 1 Thessalonians 2:12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

In referencing conduct, Paul calls those of believers in Thessalonica to walk worthy of God who had called them into His kingdom and glory. We are so blessed to have God who loves us and has called us into His kingdom and His glory. And then to receive His word that will hold us in that kingdom of God and His glory too!

Paul, the Apostle, reminded believers to walk worthy of God while pleasing God. If married they were to be faithful to one spouse and they could expect some suffering as was written in 1 Thessalonians 4:6..that no one should take advantage and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness.

It is the truth that we are to behave with honor and with purity in all our relationships!

Luke 5:36-39 NKJV 36 Then He spoke a parable to them: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of  the new does not match the old. 37 And no one puts new wine into old wine-skins; or else the new wine will burst the wine-skins and be spilled, and the wine-skins will be ruined. 38 But new wine must be put into new wine-skins and both are preserved. 39  And no one having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, “The old is better”.

  God saved us! He sent the Son of His love to redeem us from death, hell and the grave. In this passage of Luke 5, Jesus is describing those who are the satisfied with the old system of the Law and the tradition of the elders.

For you and I, the teaching Jesus talked about was radical indeed. And what He taught could not be used as a patch over the existing form of Judaism (the old garment). New wine is put into those who are of Jesus Christ. They hear His voice and adhere to His teachings! The radical teachings of Jesus moves the complacent out of that recliner and into life.

As we see even in this day, there are many who like the “old” ways of doing and their normal is to do what is good in their sight! But Jesus was bringing light to what God had planned for man to live in accordance with His kingdom that had come.

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 NKJV 13 But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught whether by word or our epistle. 16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work.

Like the those in Thessalonica, we are chosen for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and we are chosen to belief in that truth! Amazing GRACE!

Then we are to know that we are called to the same gospel Paul preached, so that we would obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ! From this passage, glory is the salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. To which you and I are called by the Gospel, yes, what Jesus taught from the Sermon on the Mount. We stand fast in that faith of the word given us…....we hold to that tradition of what is revealed by the Son of God and those prophets and apostles whom He sent to declare His word! So now may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father who has loved us, given us everlasting consolation, that hope by grace, comfort our hearts, and establish us in every good word and work. Amen.

It is in the labor of life and that labor of speech that we may know this process that Paul speaks of in that sanctification was not by which a Christian grows in Christ likeness but the initial work of grace in which the Spirit of God works in us the believer to make us God’s possession.

When you and I were born again, we went through that period of time when we did not have the same vitality in our thinking nor in our reasoning. We certainly were " street smart ” to the ways of the world, so we had to learn, to gain understanding of God in His wisdom to express the new life that was within us. And yes, that comes by forming the mind of Christ we see in Philippians 2:5-6.

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God. "

Jesus saw  His being of God as something to be given away and not selfishly grasped for or horded. He willing came to earth to live as human being on our behalf, to experience what we experience. Yes He relinquished His glory through retaining His deity. Matthew 11:29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart and you will find rest for your souls.

Jesus called for an open, yes free, and loyal relationship when He spoke the word yoke. In that relationship to Jesus, we gain the ability of obedience to the Law’s righteousness which was His burden.

From Luke 21:19 By your patience possess your souls. That soul is the seat of our affections, our will, that desire, emotions, reasoning and understanding.

Patience in Romans 15:5 is interesting.  Verse 5: Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Whether you are a weak Christian or a strong one, our conduct in relationships is forbearance and love so that a unity of believers will be seen as that harmony of praise together for God and the Lord Jesus Christ!

 Our conduct should be righteous, being led by the Spirit of God where we are no longer controlled  by issues like depression, anger, anxiety, jealousy, hopelessness, fear, or suicide.  We should not be ruled by our emotions. In Jesus and by His walk to Calvary, His bloodshed to redeem us from the hand of the enemy, you and I are now chosen as God’s instruments. We are chosen for restoration! He has enabled us to be the hearers of His word,  to understand His word and to  embrace  those words that speak a direction and a life! He came to redeem us and to show us that we are of value. Our focus is to be kept on Jesus, who directs us by His Holy Spirit to have that patience to possess our souls and to take charge of all those things connected with it. 

We should be satisfied in Him and understand that satisfaction is not found in the world. No one thing can satisfy you for very long. If you think of Judas Iscariot, he walked with Jesus, heard the teachings, and yet his heart for that one moment was to take the Roman empire down, moved out of Israel and use Jesus to do it! But no, Jesus would not take any throne at that time. If you look back at Esau, he was famished from hunting all day and was really hungering for something to feed his belly. Yet, he wanted it now and sold his birthright to get it. People are never satisfied for very long!

If we refuse Jesus and His kingdom that He brought to us, we are refusing our birthright for His kingdom. Satisfaction is only found in the Lord. Psalm 91:16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation. Those who know God’s name are in covenant relationship with Him. Those who revere and honor Him are satisfied in deliverance, in honor, and preservation. It was a blessing to Israel and is a blessing to us. It means we belong to God and to His kingdom. We have a home in His glory!

Jesus spoke of  glory in John 17! John 17:22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one;

This glory (doxa) is dignity and honor!  John 14:6-13 NKJV  6 Jesus said to him, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life:. “No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known the Father also; and from now on You know Him and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to HIM, “Lord show us the Father & it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long and yet you have not known Me, Philip?” He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, & the Father in Me?” ‘The words that I speak to you, I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.” “Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves.

No one gets to the Father without first acknowledging Jesus! This passage should epitomize our lives: that encapsulated within the Father and the Son in us so that we experience the same works. Jesus was pointing them to the Father always, pointing them to truth and life revealing the Authority with which Jesus spoke.

Jesus was not a people pleaser. It was always for the sake of the Gospel and for the glory of God that Jesus was active in communicating the Gospel of grace. Jesus did as His Father commanded Him to do so. Jesus obeyed, He gave the Message, encountered conflict and was crucified. His crucifixion was for life to those who required a REDEEMER!                                                     

Paul writes in I Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Consider, though, that many who claim to be Christian today do not consider the idea of forgiveness through crucifixion to be foolishness.

They glory in what the cross produced but foolishness to them is His example of complete surrender, which we are to imitate. As a result, it is the nominal Christianity that has become tolerant of sin, increasingly more human-centered, and less inclined to actions that might involve them in some kind of discomfort or inconvenience that disrupts their day.

Yes, it is the carnal mind that says surrender is folly, because it creates a vulnerability or the possibility of some kind of loss. But it is the same carnal mind that is blind to the vital reality that God is on His throne, overseeing the outcome—gladly using His power on our behalf if we will only but trust Him with our lives.

Glory is comprised of His word, the salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in that truth! Holding to that tradition of what is revealed by the Son of God and those prophets and apostles He sent to declare His word so that now by the Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father who has loved us, has given us everlasting consolation, that hope by grace,  that comforts our hearts, and establishes us in every good word and work.

The message: forgiveness of sins. The response: should be likewise a self-denial, that complete surrender, a reckoning ourselves as already dead to this present, evil age so that we might live for Him with a kingdom in mind, a life revealed and relationship of secure love indeed.

Glory!

 

                                           New teaching at: Voice of Prayer 

Reflecting the Lord in Favor

https://youtu.be/gUaRRY4oiiY

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New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

Preservation of Revealed Truth

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Visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

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Open Book Test

Yes, this may date the person writing this blog today, but there was a time when it was possible to have an open book test. I only remember experiencing this twice in elementary and junior high school. But for these two tests, the book we were studying was opened up to the specific chapter or chapters to be covered and the test began.
In one regard, this open book test was given to prove we were actually reading the text within those pages of our history class. On the other hand, it was a test given to an "already multi-tested group of individuals to discover our comprehension ability to work through and find a solution to the question asked us. So after all the comprehension testing, we opened our book once again to be tested with answers out of the book!

Now I was very familiar with the books that were given into my care for that 9-month period and each had been covered with  a paper book cover with my name written on the front cover specifying who was using it that school year. And though the book on the outside appeared clean, with no damage, I certainly turned each page to find out how they were titling each chapter and with regard to what the information was given in each chapter including their study and reference suggestions!

In my history book, one could see which part I read and returned to refresh and be reminded of what text was covered. The corners of those pages were rather gray in color instead of the pure white color it had been when I had received the book into my care. Yes, turning the pages and reading continually to know information for the coming test, I searched it out.  I found the main subject, what the body of information was and started making my notes, I would put the main heading and all that pertained to the subject.

The other class we had an "open book test" was for science. This subject matter proved easy especially when you had read the chapters many times before the actual test and then find out that it was for "open book" was a good thing in my thinking. In writing this, my husband had mentioned he had an open book test in his school years, but the teacher made note that for this class they could open their math book, but this was not a math test they were taking! So for whatever humor this guy had for his class, it was no joke on this day .....for each of those students had to know the information given.

We have a book we could open and I wonder if God gave the test today, where would we open it or would we even go near it to find out what is written. If a severe test of trial in the body came near, would we know where to look and where to read for comfort for the trial we are going through.  Now understand that God does not give sickness. There is no sickness in heaven! Everyday we have opportunity to open the Bible and find what is promised to us who believe in the name of Jesus Christ. ( John 1:12-13 NKJV But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, those who believe in His name, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.)

God initiates this relationship and sent His Son to seal it! With His blood it brought a way where there was no way before Him. I was reading an article on Alaska and in one sentence that stood out to me was 'nobody comes to Alaska because it is easy'. 'They come because whatever the element they encounter there, they will thrive there'. I remember in our early years of marriage, my husband mentioned many times he wanted to go to Alaska. I told him I was not going that far north, and that according to my thoughts, Wyoming was plenty cold and as far north I had wanted to go from my birthplace in the south.  And living in that region, in those decades of extreme cold in the winter with strong winds and white-outs, to the other extreme of rainless summers and heated summers  I desired not to test the elements of Alaska with its wildlife of many bears, avalanches, earthquakes and sudden storms. Yes, to me Alaska was the harsher climate, meaning harsh in commuting to work, harsh in the terrain of which you lived and how many mosquitoes did they have in the month of May if it warmed up then? JUST how big were those mosquitoes, if they are came in the month of May, and how much blood would they suck from you? I do not like hitch-hikers!

John 3:21 tells us that he who does the truth comes to the light, that His deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God. If something does occur in our life, either with the family or our body, our book should be open and give answers to what has been provided to us through the written word of God.
What Jesus gave to us was a testimony of truth! And Jesus was equipped, as He Himself of divine origin taught of His own divine experience. He had received the Holy Spirit that He promised to us. So as Jesus had an unlimited source, we as obedient disciples can expect the same power in our lives.

Our parents were given an open book test and becoming parents for the first time and the second time and possibly that third time,  answers were available to them, for it is in the Bible that God had prepared the way for them and us......if we are choosing to walk in it. And many do not find it that way and is evident on the scene of many societies and cultures of today where there are those choosing their own identity instead of the one God gave them at their birth!

Our daughter has been going through a trial and she never backs away from the fight. For in her, she has Jesus Christ the Lord of her life that strengthens her day by day. His word of truth is her stronghold and her shield. And when we submit to His authority there is the time to walk on through the trial, not set up a camp and live there, but continue to trust that the best is on its way when we truly set our heart of what is truth and life to us. As the parent I know I am always reading and looking for answers for health in body, soul and spirit. And together with my husband, we have looked for that which affects health and well-being for those we love. We can certainly change the foods we eat everyday, and we can change the way we look at exercise, but in a fallen world, our only answer is in God and in HIM we are to rely on no matter what is going on or what the trial may be He is with us and will show us the way in His light of truth!

If you are going through a trial or just came out of one, please be reminded that God is still on the scene. He never leaves us orphans.
May these words lift you and breathe life into you as you reflect on His goodness: The LORD is my strength and my shield, my heart trusted in him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise Him. ( Psalm 28:7)  Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. ( 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.....we give thanks as we go through, not for the trial, but because God is with us and is our HELP) The entrance of YOUR words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint. ( Isaiah 40:31) Jesus said in Mark 9:23......If thou can believe all things are possible to him that believes.  You are my hiding place; You shall preserve me from trouble; You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. ( Psalm 32:7) I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O'Most High. When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish at Your presence. For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging in righteousness. (Psalm 9:1-14)

You can pass this test, the mountain has to move, our faith is in God and in Him we trust and believe and see our faith work as we walk through! Holy Spirit enable these readers to adhere to truth of God. As these dear ones adhere, their spiritual honesty of heart is revealed for Your goodness to flow like a river. May each who receive this word be energized and refreshed in their worship to YOU in the word of Your truth. In this open book test: we are transparent, we are sincere according to the path YOU have prepared for us to walk. It is in Jesus' name that we believe we receive health and wholeness today!

Father, we give thanks for Your word of truth that brings light unto dark places. In this day and hour, what appears is not what the world or man speaks but what You have given us through Your word that is of You, the God of perfection, holy, merciful, glorious, and to be magnified! Our earnest desire is to see Your kingdom come today in our lives, in our bodies and in our spirit man. We believe the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to us and in that Bread of Life we receive more life, we receive abundantly above all that we may ask or think today. Thank You for mercy in sending Your only Son for us. We  give thanks with the grateful heart that we have His name and we have prayed in that precious name to receive healing, wholeness and Your peace in this life now. Amen!

New teaching at: Voice of Prayer  

Enduring to the End

https://youtu.be/PPq8C7WEgJU

Also visit my You Tube channel Voice of Prayer for more teaching 

 http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

New teaching at: Life Giving Wells

And We Speak Through Prayer

https://youtu.be/Vju-1NZ0G50

Also visit Life Giving Wells You Tube Channel for more teaching

 http://bit.ly/2wgu1kw

Unbelieving or Just Misbehaving

Summer always makes it mark on a year! If the tulips opening on a rainy day don't do anything for you, then the 4th of July Fireworks with the loud kaboom and bright lights and gunpowder smell might bring a smile to you and yours.

Was meditating on "a thought" today from the book of James. Unbelieving or Misbehaving.  From the passage of James 3, we look at the wise and understanding and those with good conduct. They are those who look to live by truth. They do not live by "just enough to get by with" but seeking to live in truth.
In looking at the book of James, we find this kind of wisdom of God to be a package deal. That is, wisdom is attached to His peace. And in looking at the word peace from James 3:17

James 3:13-18
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.  NKJV

I was intrigued with this kind of 'PEACE'. AND IT COMES FROM GOD ALONE!

In that passage we find a peace that comes in communion time with God.(teaching on Voice of Prayer Youtube, title AUTHORITY: HIS WISDOM.) link below.

Meekness of wisdom is that which is one of a humble spirit. They seek the good in the Father. They seek another's thoughts to help man kind. In this communion time with the Father, one learns the attributes from God; like mercy, grace, like agape love and yes much more. For from our Father of Lights flows gifts. And in this love, we receive more of the Son of His love, the life of God is given, and the Holy Spirit displays His wealth of power within us. What a heavenly light, when God has given us in and through our communion time with Him, the greater creative flow of the Son's life into ours, that the Holy Spirit through us gives this display of a heavenly beauty. People will see and observe. Yes, much like that elaborate display on the 4th..........and all you had to do was walk into the "prayer closet" with God........!

We come to worship Him, and moving from the last sung note, last sung word, and a quietness falling over the congregation, we find a slower pace. We see in our walking back to our seat, is a slower walk, a wrapping of His Presence around myself, that the air is electrical with His power flowing past my ears of hearing.
In this display of His glory in us, there is no fading of lights. His beauty will always continue. The more we speak of God and His glory, praying for believer's, praying for our neighbor's, the more area of the sphere of influence we will see that we operate in. It comes by humbling: the more we humble ourselves, the more the flow of His presence through our lives, we continue to mature in and through Him.

In Jesus, we saw the ultimate picture of humility. Philippian 2:8 “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death- even death on a cross!” Ultimate picture of humility!    Matt 27:54 “ When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!" The very Presence of God made manifest as a result of the submission of Christ's humility! 

Asking and spending time with Him requires an open heart that is willing to be corrected and to move forward.

In the miraculous gift of the Cross, the Son went willing to His last moments doing the Father's will and with every ounce of trust in what the Father desired would be done on earth. In our daily walk are we just desiring to not believe, walk in unbelief and stumble forever with our lives ending much too soon? Or is it just the misbehaving: pretending I am only responsible for what I believe. We are responsible for what we have heard. Faith comes by hearing. And that hearing is about doing God's planned deeds.

We are not to live for ourselves. We do not live in Christ so that we may tell God what He must do, but we live for Christ, being pleasured to hear what God desires for us to do for the glory of His Son Jesus!   Teach us Oh Lord to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12) Teach us Oh Lord to walk in Your truth (Psalm 86:11) Teach us Oh Lord Your ways so we may know You. (Exodus 33:13) Teach us to do Your will Oh God, knowing Your Holy Spirit will lead us on level ground. (Psalm 143:10) Teach us Oh God we pray. May we submit to You as students, coming willingly under Your submission. Forgive us, in Jesus name for all the times we have acted in arrogance. The times we have crossed the line with You, and have gone from humbly seeking You in prayer, to demanding things from You, or demanding You move at our command. You are mighty, Sovereign, Holy, Awesome, to be Revered. May we always come in a posture of humility and in fear and trembling, remembering Who we are coming before..the God of ALL Eternity..King of ALL kings,,,Lord of ALL lords. That You Yourself say, Isaiah 66:2 “This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at My word.” 

So very thankful for the Cross and so very happy not going to hell, but oh to shine gloriously for the Lord. Don't want to be listed with the "unbelieving", the misbehaving, but oh, to be labeled as those who shine for God. May we maintain His wisdom and His light moving through life in a sphere of influence that is packed with God's wisdom His peace and His love. Now that truly is a "thing" of beauty!
Shining bright for God and making peace with man every step of the way to glory is a personal thing.

The personal is offering time and fellowship with Him Who Created and He Who Made Us.

Because God is personal, all people can offer is prayer. However, sinners who have not trusted Jesus Christ for their salvation remain alienated from God. So while unbelievers may pray, they do not have the basis for a rewarding fellowship with God. They have not met the conditions laid down in the Bible for effectiveness in prayer.

It is Christians who recognize their dependence upon their Creator. They have every reason to express gratitude for God's blessings. But they have far more reason to respond to God than this. They respond to the love of God for them. God's love is revealed through the marvelous incarnation and life of Christ, His atoning provision at the Cross, His resurrection, as well as His continuing presence through the Holy Spirit.

Prayer cannot be replaced by good works in a needy world. Important as service to others is, at times we must turn away from it to God, who is distinct from all things and over all things. Neither should prayer be thought of as a mystical experience in which people lose their identity in the infinite reality. Effective prayer must be scripture based informed response of persons saved by grace to the living God. It is in our believing and adhering to that we gain His Wisdom and His peace. Spending time confessing His Word is prophesying to the walls, but to actually have conversation with a loving God, and to have Him answer you is like the 4th of July all year long.

Together may we seek Him, may we look to prayer for that one-to-one and may we hear Him speak above all else. Living for His glory is paramount, and experiencing His peace as we speak boldly His truth to others will show us that our future is bright and full of God's presence. Amen.

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Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has a new teaching published:

AUTHORITY: HIS WISDOM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpvmfoKg98s

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV

Limitless Power--Flipping the Switch

Ephesians 3:14-21..............14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height-- 19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  NKJV

How much of His power really works in us, so we can ask Him for the impossible?

Was reminded today by the Lord, that I can pray about Him and am able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think, but how much power flows through us, to receive it?

Good thought Lord, and I will work on this today. For I know in whom I have believed. I know He can do for the righteous what He has said He will do. No doubt here on that scripture, for I have seen Him do the miraculous. Seriously speaking though, do we know how much, if any power is in us? 

We should know the Holy Spirit resides in us when we have received Jesus as Lord. But do we pay Him any attention throughout our day?

That power to complete something is an exertion. That power is something that enables us to accomplish that which He desires us to do for Him and His kingdom. It takes a cooperation on our part. How does that work? It works when we continue to take on His likeness and continue to enter His kingdom. Our searching His word strengthens us, and fortifies us to be established before any world storms are driven in our direction. God wants to counsel us and lead us by his Holy Spirit.

Romans 8:26-27..................26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. NIV

Upon entering a dark room at night, the instinct is to go over and turn the power on, right? Finding the light switch, especially if there is a wall switch that will activate the power on, is paramount when one is stumbling in the dark. But when the power comes on, surges through that light bulb and light fills the room, one relaxes knowing they can truly see without stumbling through the room.

I heard this story once about this wealthy Scottish lady who had a nice home. She was widowed for many years, but had extreme wealth. She had wanted lights in her home. She had lived at the turn of twentieth century and had the gas put in, and after a month, the gas people returned to see why she was not using her gas for lighting her home. They wanted to know if she was dissatisfied with the gas installed into her home.  The gas that powered heat and light into her home was available, but she did not activate it. So the gentleman from the gas company showed her again where the "switch" was to turn or activate the gas in her home. She had continued to use candles to light her home and had never walked over to flip "the switch".

To me, that was like using the microwave oven or any new thing on the market back in the late 70's. I had one but rarely used it. Have a dishwasher too, but rarely use it as the work seems doubled in loading and unloading it when having two people to wash and dry, the work is done and move on to something else. Of course, you may not have someone who is willing to help in the kitchen right now, but the day will come when each of us has kitchen duty. Ask anyone who has lost a loved one, and had to learn how to cook or even heat something on the stove after the loved one is gone.
Some of the best conversations my sister and I had when growing up, was those at the sink, washing up dishes after a great meal our mother had prepared for us to enjoy. There were times of soap suds floating in the air, but joy and laughter could be heard throughout the house and probably outside as well. It was a moment in time that we came together to do something, not only for our mother, but for ourselves as well. We enjoyed doing something together. Although it could sound like a "fight" who was going to wash and who was going to dry, still today it brings a smile to my face!

POWER!
So how much power to we have flowing through us? Are we plugged into "the Source"? I think of our grandchild when she was born. Immediately she was going for the "food source" and made mention about someone not getting her to the needed place to feast. But dad reminded her of what she had when she came into this world. He was showing what was available to her. Even though the baby could not see clearly, still dad worked and spoke clearly what was available to be had within that home! He pointed out what she had in that home, and how they worked together as a team. He pointed her towards the kitchen where the food was available. He pointed her to the bathroom for all her bathing and bubble soaking times with her favorite water toys. He pointed her to the bedroom for sleeping, rest, and her quiet time with her books. He pointed her to his office and what she could do there with her own desk and with all her craft "things". 
She is still reminded today, and walks in that respect to know what is available and what she can ask for. In her conversations with her parents, she gains the knowledge of what is hers and how to get it.

Luke 11:1-4.............11:1 Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples." 2 So He said to them, "When you pray, say:

Our Father in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven.
3 Give us day by day our daily bread.
4 And forgive us our sins,
For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And do not lead us into temptation,
But deliver us from the evil one."   NKJV

Luke 9:23-27..........23 Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. 25 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? 26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father's, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the kingdom of God."  NKJV

...they see the kingdom of God.....to perceive and behold

...the rule, the reign....the realm...

...of very God...

It is not about what is out there in the world. It is about what God has placed within our hearts by His Holy Spirit! Receiving Jesus, means receiving the Holy Spirit and power.

Prayer is not living by impulse!  Our waiting in prayer is not a passive waiting around for something to happen to allow us to escape trouble.   We are told in Isaiah  32:16-17………16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness, And righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

17 The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.  NKJV

As our grandchild is confident she can open the refrigerator and take food out, or open her closet door and take something out to wear for the day, we too can be confident in our relationship with God the Father, to remain with Him.  Our remaining with Him assures our peace. Our confidence grows, and He speaks and gives to us by His words, or in dreams what is ours.

We are to understand His justice and  to remain, to stand in that fruitful field. In waiting in His quietness, we are to remind HIM of what He spoke to us and what His Word has told us! We then give thanks for His wisdom and His love that directs us where we are to walk! It will always take time, and it is time well spent in prayer!

The power that works in us..........a liberty, a right and strength over the enemy (the adversary)
Jesus had both authority and power....
Luke 4:36-37.............36 Then they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, "What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out." 37 And the report about Him went out into every place in the surrounding region. NKJV
Luke 10:19-20........ 19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."   NKJV

power....exousia...a delegated influence........awesome! Jesus has delegated to us influence through His power over the enemy. By communing with Him through the Holy Spirit, He delegates that influence to us. He gives us power over the violence of the enemy against us. And nothing shall hurt us morally, socially, or physically.

What does this power look like?
1. strengthened by the Holy Spirit in our inner man: Jude 16-23
 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. 
20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23 but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. NKJV

2. Jesus seated on the throne of our hearts: 2 Thessalonians 3:5
 5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ. NKJV

3.Being daily rooted and grounded in love:1 John 3:21-24
21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 24 Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. NKJV

4.Know that love of Christ which passes knowledge = fullness of God:Psalm 61:6-8
6 Increase the days of the king's life, his years for many generations. 
7 May he be enthroned in God's presence forever; appoint your love and faithfulness to protect him. 
8 Then will I ever sing praise to your name 
and fulfill my vows day after day.  NIV

Acts 2:28...28 You have made known to me the paths of life; 
you will fill me with joy in your presence.'  NIV

Knowing Christ in love, is dwelling in His holiness, His wisdom, knowledge as well.
We carry His presence wherever we go! It is His fullness that people will see in us!

5. Seeing the exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think when we have that power working in us.......AMEN!
All the above is that which is active in our lives when we observe to do it. Not a hard thing to do when you want companionship with the Creator of the Heaven and Earth and His Son!

Father, thank You for Your Son Jesus. We are thankful for the times we have to come to spend time in Your presence. It is YOU Who strengthens us in our daily walk. You have given us power over that power of the enemy, and we know nothing shall by any means hurt us. We pray to know the power of influence Jesus has delegated to us. Help us to pray when we need to pray. Help us to confess and profess those scriptures we should know and may they be established in our hearts today. As we spend time with the Holy Spirit, we are built into a mighty fortress for Your glory Lord. We ask for the strength to stay in the love of God and to have compassion as Jesus had compassion for others. We pray to be those who will carry Your presences wherever we go! We seek to be those who spend time in Your Word, heeding Your commands and to abide with YOU.
Father, we desire to have a "full throttle" power moving through us 24-7.

We ask to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit......! Holy Spirit, we loose you into our lives and circumstances of this day.
Build within us that transforming power that overtakes our daily walk. Transform us into Your likeness. Today, soften hearts that may have become hard and not pliable. Lead us and instruct us into the place You have destined us to be in YOUR timing. 
In Jesus' name, we pray for all who read this to be restored in their lives to a greater wholeness.
In that which lies ahead on our paths, make words of praise our first reaction to any new circumstance facing us. We thank You for answering us today. If God be for us, then who can be against us?  Amen.

You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV