THE RESURRECTION POWER
The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, - Matthew 22:23
The Greek word used here for resurrection means "a standing or rising up." The resurrection is a major theme of New Testament teaching. Out of the 13 sermons in the book of Acts, 11 stress or simply mention the resurrection.
Man consists of three parts - a spirit, a soul, and a body (1 Th. 5:23). The body is mortal while the spirit and soul are immortal. At death, man's body goes through the decomposition process and returns to its original elements.
At the resurrection, man's departed soul and spirit are called forth from either heaven or hell. The material elements of the body are raised up, reassembled, and united with the spirit and soul. Thus we have the complete personality of the individual reconstituted. Everyone will be resurrected - some to life, and some to damnation.
The hope of the believer is the resurrection unto life. The natural, earthly, terrestrial, corrupt, weak, mortal, vile body is said to be raised, changed and fashioned into a spiritual, heavenly, celestial, incorrupt, glorious, powerful, and immortal body. This is the completion of everything that has been purchased for us in Christ.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 that if there is no resurrection, then our faith is vain and we are yet in our sins. It is the resurrected life of Jesus that brings spiritual life into us and the resurrection of the body that brings physical regeneration, reconstituting us into the very image of God. The transformation from this physical condition to our glorified bodies will be a huge difference, but the power of God can accomplish it easily. If the Lord can work that miracle, then surely, He can heal our bodies and free us from other bondages.
QUENCH THE ENEMYS FIERY DARTS
Ephesians 6:16 - above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
I believe that when you pray in the Spirit, that is, in tongues, a shield goes up all around youa watery shield. But why do I call it a watery shield? Let me share with you what the Lord showed me.
Once, I was meditating on Ephesians 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. At first, I thought of a Roman soldiers wooden shield. But three words kept repeating themselves in my mind: quench and fiery darts. Then, the Lord said, Son, if it is a wooden shield, the fiery darts will burn it up. He showed me a watery shield instead, one which was able to quench the fiery darts.
You may ask, Where did the water come from?
Remember that Jesus said, He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38) The next verse says, But this He spoke concerning the Spirit... (John 7:39)
Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit, which He likened to rivers of living water flowing out of us. So when we pray in the Spirit, rivers of living water will flow, quenching the devils fiery darts thrown at us!
This happened one day when I was having supper with a church member. Now, I dont often pray in tongues when I say grace over my food. But that night, I felt prompted by the Spirit to do so. So I prayed in tongues as I laid my hands on my packet of nasi lemak (coconut-flavored rice).
Soon, we were tucking into our food and talking when suddenly, I bit on something hard. I spat it out quickly and realized that it was a nail! Then, I realized that this was the reason the Lord wanted me to pray in tongues. Though the devil was trying to nail me, he failed!
My friend, put up the watery shield that God has given you. Pray in the Spirit and quench the enemys fiery darts!
ATTITUDE IN ADVERSITY
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. - Philippians 2:5, NIV
There’s an old saying, “attitude determines altitude.” In other words, a positive, faith-filled attitude will cause you to rise higher in life, but a negative, self-defeated attitude will only drag you down.
When we face adversity, our attitude affects the outcome. Are we going to treat people right even when we’re being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? So many people get all bent out of shape and start complaining when things don’t go their way, but that kind of attitude only closes the door to God’s miracle-working power. The Bible says that faith is what pleases God. Understand that He’s trying to work in your life. He’s trying to get you prepared for promotion, but you’ve got to stay on His side. You’ve got to stand strong and fight that good fight of faith!
If you are going through a difficult time today, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Start thanking God for bringing you through to the other side. As you stand strong, you’ll rise higher. You’ll come out stronger and wiser, and you will experience the abundant life God has for you!
CHANGE YOUR RESPONSE!
'The... Lord is my strength... He enables me to [go on].' Habakkuk 3:19 NIV
Are things in your life falling apart? Your finances look uncertain, the career you worked to build is floundering, your health is failing, the people you trusted have let you down. Nobody enjoys such times, but if you live long enough you'll go through them. And they have a way of making you re-examine your responses. When the things the prophet Habakkuk counted on started to crumble, he was forced to discern between what's truly important and what's merely temporal. It's a re-evaluation we all have to make at some point. Here's what Habakkuk said: 'Though the fig tree does not bud... there are no grapes on the vines... the olive crop fails... the fields produce no food... there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord... The Sovereign Lord is my strength... He enables me to [go on].' (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV) Habakkuk realised he had no control over certain things. So he chose to control his response by rejoicing in the Lord regardless of what happened, and drawing from God the strength to 'go on'. What can you learn from this man? That you have a choice! That you can decide to praise God regardless of the hand life deals you. God doesn't promise to take you out of your situation; He promises to bring you through it. So change your response and begin to praise God for His faithfulness, for your salvation, for your health, for your friends and family, and all the other blessings He's given you. If you look for reasons to rejoice, you'll find them!
ROOTED
Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. —2 Chronicles 24:2
Joash must have been confused and frightened when he was told about the evil deeds of his grandmother Athaliah. She had murdered his brothers to usurp the power of the throne in Judah. But baby Joash had been safely hidden away by his aunt and uncle for 6 years (2 Chron. 22:10-12). As he grew, he enjoyed the love and instruction of his caregivers. When Joash was only 7 years old, he was secretly crowned king and his grandmother was overthrown (23:12-15).
Young King Joash had a wise counselor by his side—his very own Uncle Jehoiada (chs. 22–25). Joash was one of the rare “good kings” of Judah, and while his uncle was alive he obeyed the Lord by doing right (24:2). But once his uncle was no longer there to teach and lead by example, Joash fell away and his life ended badly (24:15-25). It seems that the roots of his faith did not run very deep. He even began to worship idols. Perhaps Joash’s “faith” had been more his uncle’s than his own.
Others can teach us the principles of their faith, but each of us must come individually to a lasting and personal faith in Christ. For faith to be real, it must become our own. God will help us walk with Him and become rooted and established in the faith (Col. 2:6-7).
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
The faith that continues to the end gives proof that it was genuine in the beginning.
THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT
PSALM 44:3 For they [God’s people] did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.
The world tells you that those with the qualifications, talents and experience get the jobs, promotions and high salaries.
My friend, though you live in this world, as God’s beloved child, you need not be limited by it. You have God’s favor—His unmerited, unearned, undeserved grace! Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...” This means that even if you are not the smartest, strongest, most knowledgeable or best looking in the natural, God can still give you good success when you depend on His grace. It is His right hand, His arm and His favor that provide for you, fight for you, defend you and give you increase.
So instead of mulling over your “disqualifications”, be conscious of God’s favor on you. Smile and say, “God’s favor is all over me because of Jesus. I expect good things to happen to me today!” Beloved, be conscious of His favor. Believe it. Confess it. And you will experience it!
GOD CHOOSES THE WEAK
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. - 1 Corinthians 1:26–27
God’s ways are often opposite from the world’s ways. According to 1 Corinthians 1:26, “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” Isn’t it fascinating to discover that while the world looks favorably upon the wise, mighty and noble, God does not? Let’s see in the next verse what God chooses instead: “God has chosen thefoolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.”
Isn’t it amazing? God has chosen the foolish and weak things to qualify for His abundant blessings. But the verse does not say that the foolish and weak things will remain foolish and weak. Instead, by God’s unmerited favor, they will put to shame the so-called wise and mighty things in this world. In His hands of grace, the foolish and weak things become even wiser and mightier than the wise and mighty things of the world.
My friend, God is interested in your success. Even if you are not the swiftest, strongest, wisest, most knowledgeable and most skillful in the natural, God can still bless you with good success when you depend on His grace. You can rise above the system of meritocracy and survival of the fittest through His undeserved, unearned and unmerited favor!
“But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me” (John 15:26, AMP).
Acknowledge the many roles the Holy Spirit plays in your life. He is the Spirit of Truth, Who wants to guide you into all truth.
The same day came to him the Sadducees, which say that there is no resurrection, and asked him, - Matthew 22:23
The Greek word used here for resurrection means "a standing or rising up." The resurrection is a major theme of New Testament teaching. Out of the 13 sermons in the book of Acts, 11 stress or simply mention the resurrection.
Man consists of three parts - a spirit, a soul, and a body (1 Th. 5:23). The body is mortal while the spirit and soul are immortal. At death, man's body goes through the decomposition process and returns to its original elements.
At the resurrection, man's departed soul and spirit are called forth from either heaven or hell. The material elements of the body are raised up, reassembled, and united with the spirit and soul. Thus we have the complete personality of the individual reconstituted. Everyone will be resurrected - some to life, and some to damnation.
The hope of the believer is the resurrection unto life. The natural, earthly, terrestrial, corrupt, weak, mortal, vile body is said to be raised, changed and fashioned into a spiritual, heavenly, celestial, incorrupt, glorious, powerful, and immortal body. This is the completion of everything that has been purchased for us in Christ.
Paul said in 1 Corinthians 15:12-17 that if there is no resurrection, then our faith is vain and we are yet in our sins. It is the resurrected life of Jesus that brings spiritual life into us and the resurrection of the body that brings physical regeneration, reconstituting us into the very image of God. The transformation from this physical condition to our glorified bodies will be a huge difference, but the power of God can accomplish it easily. If the Lord can work that miracle, then surely, He can heal our bodies and free us from other bondages.
QUENCH THE ENEMYS FIERY DARTS
Ephesians 6:16 - above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.
I believe that when you pray in the Spirit, that is, in tongues, a shield goes up all around youa watery shield. But why do I call it a watery shield? Let me share with you what the Lord showed me.
Once, I was meditating on Ephesians 6:16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. At first, I thought of a Roman soldiers wooden shield. But three words kept repeating themselves in my mind: quench and fiery darts. Then, the Lord said, Son, if it is a wooden shield, the fiery darts will burn it up. He showed me a watery shield instead, one which was able to quench the fiery darts.
You may ask, Where did the water come from?
Remember that Jesus said, He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water. (John 7:38) The next verse says, But this He spoke concerning the Spirit... (John 7:39)
Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit, which He likened to rivers of living water flowing out of us. So when we pray in the Spirit, rivers of living water will flow, quenching the devils fiery darts thrown at us!
This happened one day when I was having supper with a church member. Now, I dont often pray in tongues when I say grace over my food. But that night, I felt prompted by the Spirit to do so. So I prayed in tongues as I laid my hands on my packet of nasi lemak (coconut-flavored rice).
Soon, we were tucking into our food and talking when suddenly, I bit on something hard. I spat it out quickly and realized that it was a nail! Then, I realized that this was the reason the Lord wanted me to pray in tongues. Though the devil was trying to nail me, he failed!
My friend, put up the watery shield that God has given you. Pray in the Spirit and quench the enemys fiery darts!
ATTITUDE IN ADVERSITY
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. - Philippians 2:5, NIV
There’s an old saying, “attitude determines altitude.” In other words, a positive, faith-filled attitude will cause you to rise higher in life, but a negative, self-defeated attitude will only drag you down.
When we face adversity, our attitude affects the outcome. Are we going to treat people right even when we’re being mistreated? Are we going to stay full of joy even when the bottom falls out? So many people get all bent out of shape and start complaining when things don’t go their way, but that kind of attitude only closes the door to God’s miracle-working power. The Bible says that faith is what pleases God. Understand that He’s trying to work in your life. He’s trying to get you prepared for promotion, but you’ve got to stay on His side. You’ve got to stand strong and fight that good fight of faith!
If you are going through a difficult time today, keep an attitude of faith and expectancy. Start thanking God for bringing you through to the other side. As you stand strong, you’ll rise higher. You’ll come out stronger and wiser, and you will experience the abundant life God has for you!
CHANGE YOUR RESPONSE!
'The... Lord is my strength... He enables me to [go on].' Habakkuk 3:19 NIV
Are things in your life falling apart? Your finances look uncertain, the career you worked to build is floundering, your health is failing, the people you trusted have let you down. Nobody enjoys such times, but if you live long enough you'll go through them. And they have a way of making you re-examine your responses. When the things the prophet Habakkuk counted on started to crumble, he was forced to discern between what's truly important and what's merely temporal. It's a re-evaluation we all have to make at some point. Here's what Habakkuk said: 'Though the fig tree does not bud... there are no grapes on the vines... the olive crop fails... the fields produce no food... there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord... The Sovereign Lord is my strength... He enables me to [go on].' (Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV) Habakkuk realised he had no control over certain things. So he chose to control his response by rejoicing in the Lord regardless of what happened, and drawing from God the strength to 'go on'. What can you learn from this man? That you have a choice! That you can decide to praise God regardless of the hand life deals you. God doesn't promise to take you out of your situation; He promises to bring you through it. So change your response and begin to praise God for His faithfulness, for your salvation, for your health, for your friends and family, and all the other blessings He's given you. If you look for reasons to rejoice, you'll find them!
ROOTED
Joash did what was right in the sight of the LORD all the days of Jehoiada the priest. —2 Chronicles 24:2
Joash must have been confused and frightened when he was told about the evil deeds of his grandmother Athaliah. She had murdered his brothers to usurp the power of the throne in Judah. But baby Joash had been safely hidden away by his aunt and uncle for 6 years (2 Chron. 22:10-12). As he grew, he enjoyed the love and instruction of his caregivers. When Joash was only 7 years old, he was secretly crowned king and his grandmother was overthrown (23:12-15).
Young King Joash had a wise counselor by his side—his very own Uncle Jehoiada (chs. 22–25). Joash was one of the rare “good kings” of Judah, and while his uncle was alive he obeyed the Lord by doing right (24:2). But once his uncle was no longer there to teach and lead by example, Joash fell away and his life ended badly (24:15-25). It seems that the roots of his faith did not run very deep. He even began to worship idols. Perhaps Joash’s “faith” had been more his uncle’s than his own.
Others can teach us the principles of their faith, but each of us must come individually to a lasting and personal faith in Christ. For faith to be real, it must become our own. God will help us walk with Him and become rooted and established in the faith (Col. 2:6-7).
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.
The faith that continues to the end gives proof that it was genuine in the beginning.
THE RACE IS NOT TO THE SWIFT
PSALM 44:3 For they [God’s people] did not gain possession of the land by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them; but it was Your right hand, Your arm, and the light of Your countenance, because You favored them.
The world tells you that those with the qualifications, talents and experience get the jobs, promotions and high salaries.
My friend, though you live in this world, as God’s beloved child, you need not be limited by it. You have God’s favor—His unmerited, unearned, undeserved grace! Ecclesiastes 9:11 tells us, “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong...” This means that even if you are not the smartest, strongest, most knowledgeable or best looking in the natural, God can still give you good success when you depend on His grace. It is His right hand, His arm and His favor that provide for you, fight for you, defend you and give you increase.
So instead of mulling over your “disqualifications”, be conscious of God’s favor on you. Smile and say, “God’s favor is all over me because of Jesus. I expect good things to happen to me today!” Beloved, be conscious of His favor. Believe it. Confess it. And you will experience it!
GOD CHOOSES THE WEAK
For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. - 1 Corinthians 1:26–27
God’s ways are often opposite from the world’s ways. According to 1 Corinthians 1:26, “not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” Isn’t it fascinating to discover that while the world looks favorably upon the wise, mighty and noble, God does not? Let’s see in the next verse what God chooses instead: “God has chosen thefoolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.”
Isn’t it amazing? God has chosen the foolish and weak things to qualify for His abundant blessings. But the verse does not say that the foolish and weak things will remain foolish and weak. Instead, by God’s unmerited favor, they will put to shame the so-called wise and mighty things in this world. In His hands of grace, the foolish and weak things become even wiser and mightier than the wise and mighty things of the world.
My friend, God is interested in your success. Even if you are not the swiftest, strongest, wisest, most knowledgeable and most skillful in the natural, God can still bless you with good success when you depend on His grace. You can rise above the system of meritocracy and survival of the fittest through His undeserved, unearned and unmerited favor!
“But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me” (John 15:26, AMP).
Acknowledge the many roles the Holy Spirit plays in your life. He is the Spirit of Truth, Who wants to guide you into all truth.
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