"Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." Ephesians 1:21
A few days ago we talked about how that God is in control and more powerful than the most powerful people on earth. God has all power; He has absolute power, while man- regardless of the position he may hold- only has delegated power and authority that has been given to him by God.
This morning I want to remind you that not only does God have all power in earth but also in heaven. He has all power in the heavenly/spiritual realms as well. He doesn't only have power over the "seen" world, He has power over the "unseen" world. His power is greater than that of the devil or any demon. His power is greater than the powers of sickness and disease. He is more powerful than depression, anxiety, worry and fear. He is greater than the harassing spirits that try to torment you with guilt and condemnation. He is more powerful than the enemy's lies, accusations and confusion that he throws your way. He created all things by the power of His word, by the breath of His nostrils and by the thought in His mind. He is greater than anything! He alone has been highly exalted with a name that is above every other name. He alone sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high. He alone has all things under His feet. He alone is the Head. He alone has the title of King of kings and Lord of lords. He is the one that causes demons to tremble, mountains to skip like young lambs, the sun to hide its face because of His brilliant radiance, the ocean to roll back at His presence, even the winds and the waves of the sea obey Him.
He has power over anything and everything that is coming against you today. The devil is not more powerful- his schemes, devices and pits of destruction are not more powerful. Jesus defeated him at the cross. (Colossians 2:15) He totally disrobed him and stripped him of any power that he has over you. Jesus set the captives free and opened the prison doors to those who were bound. The grave could not hold Him. He rose victorious over death and the grave and that victory was gained not for Himself, but for us!!! His strong right arm got us the victory!!! So walk in that victory today because the All- Powerful God lives you in. "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
Have a great day. Never forget WHO He is... the ALL POWERFUL GOD of heaven and of earth.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
"He's There"
"...for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." Hebrews 13:5b
Today is the first day of spring and it is a beautiful sunny morning. I was thinking about the weather earlier. I have noticed that the weather changes from location to location. Over the past several weeks some of my email friends would make comments about how the weather was where they lived. It's pretty amazing. On the days it would be warm and sunny here, it would be rainy in one area of the country and snowing in another. I think this is a good illustration of how life is. We don't all experience "sunny" times at the same time. Some of us may be having "sunshine" (things are going well, no major problems, we are at peace), while at the same time some others may be experiencing a "winter" time (problems, grief, trials, sorrow, etc.)
But you know, sitting above the earth is the sun. It's always there. It's there whether we see it shining or not. The clouds may be blocking it, the snow may be hiding it, but it's still there. I want to encourage you this morning that whether your life is full of "sunshine" or "rain" or "snow" this morning. There is a wonderful God who is watching over you whether you see or feel His presence or not. He isn't there only when we see Him "shining"- when He is answering all our prayers in the affirmative, when we have all our needs met. He is there even when the "clouds" block Him from view. He's there when problems come, when pain afflicts, when sorrow weighs you down. His presence is still there.
Today you may feel as if He is not there. He is. Just because He is blocked from your view doesn't mean that He isn't there. I know, even through the weeks of cloudy and rainy days, that the sun (literal sun) will shine again. I also know that just because the circumstances of life seem to block the Lord from my view that I will "see" Him again. There will come a day when His presence will shine brightly in view. But until I see His shining presence, I will hold on to the fact/faith that He is still there watching over me.
Have a great day. He may be blocked at the moment from view because of the circumstances you are going through, but rest assured that He is still there!
Today is the first day of spring and it is a beautiful sunny morning. I was thinking about the weather earlier. I have noticed that the weather changes from location to location. Over the past several weeks some of my email friends would make comments about how the weather was where they lived. It's pretty amazing. On the days it would be warm and sunny here, it would be rainy in one area of the country and snowing in another. I think this is a good illustration of how life is. We don't all experience "sunny" times at the same time. Some of us may be having "sunshine" (things are going well, no major problems, we are at peace), while at the same time some others may be experiencing a "winter" time (problems, grief, trials, sorrow, etc.)
But you know, sitting above the earth is the sun. It's always there. It's there whether we see it shining or not. The clouds may be blocking it, the snow may be hiding it, but it's still there. I want to encourage you this morning that whether your life is full of "sunshine" or "rain" or "snow" this morning. There is a wonderful God who is watching over you whether you see or feel His presence or not. He isn't there only when we see Him "shining"- when He is answering all our prayers in the affirmative, when we have all our needs met. He is there even when the "clouds" block Him from view. He's there when problems come, when pain afflicts, when sorrow weighs you down. His presence is still there.
Today you may feel as if He is not there. He is. Just because He is blocked from your view doesn't mean that He isn't there. I know, even through the weeks of cloudy and rainy days, that the sun (literal sun) will shine again. I also know that just because the circumstances of life seem to block the Lord from my view that I will "see" Him again. There will come a day when His presence will shine brightly in view. But until I see His shining presence, I will hold on to the fact/faith that He is still there watching over me.
Have a great day. He may be blocked at the moment from view because of the circumstances you are going through, but rest assured that He is still there!
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
"Choosing Other Things"
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matthew 6:33
Have you wondered why it is that when planning something like a Bible study or prayer meeting- a "church activity"- you have to schedule it around the schedules of "other" things? For example, sports activities and extra curricular activities all seem to take precedence. It used to be that we scheduled everything else around "church activities", now it's just the opposite. If we have something else planned, the things of God have to try to find a place to be "worked" into the schedule.
I remember when life centered around "church". If whatever you wanted to do, if wherever you wanted go, if something else was happening at the same time, it wasn't a choice--- it was a given, you went to church. As Christians that was- and may I add still should be- the priority. It wasn't a "choice" between the two, you always put the church first. Why? Because that was God's business, and God's business always comes before everything else. Now days, sadly, it has gone in the opposite direction- people automatically choose the other above the things of God.
What about you? When it comes to choosing between the two, what is your choice? Do you choose to go to the football game instead of the house of God? Do you enroll your children in some activity knowing that it conflicts with church service? Is a fishing trip more important than Bible study? (I know that there are "vacation" times when we take a few days to "get away", and some people can't make it because of health issues, that's not necessarily what I am talking about.) I am talking about those things that you do on a regular basis that take precedence over going to "church activities". Is it a hard choice for you? Or is it a given-- you are going to put God and the things of God first?
I am not just talking about "church". I am talking about the things of God period. Are they priority? Or do other things take precedence over them? He should always be our first priority.
Have a great day. There should be no "contest" and no "choice" between the things that pertain to Godly activities and worldly activities.
Have you wondered why it is that when planning something like a Bible study or prayer meeting- a "church activity"- you have to schedule it around the schedules of "other" things? For example, sports activities and extra curricular activities all seem to take precedence. It used to be that we scheduled everything else around "church activities", now it's just the opposite. If we have something else planned, the things of God have to try to find a place to be "worked" into the schedule.
I remember when life centered around "church". If whatever you wanted to do, if wherever you wanted go, if something else was happening at the same time, it wasn't a choice--- it was a given, you went to church. As Christians that was- and may I add still should be- the priority. It wasn't a "choice" between the two, you always put the church first. Why? Because that was God's business, and God's business always comes before everything else. Now days, sadly, it has gone in the opposite direction- people automatically choose the other above the things of God.
What about you? When it comes to choosing between the two, what is your choice? Do you choose to go to the football game instead of the house of God? Do you enroll your children in some activity knowing that it conflicts with church service? Is a fishing trip more important than Bible study? (I know that there are "vacation" times when we take a few days to "get away", and some people can't make it because of health issues, that's not necessarily what I am talking about.) I am talking about those things that you do on a regular basis that take precedence over going to "church activities". Is it a hard choice for you? Or is it a given-- you are going to put God and the things of God first?
I am not just talking about "church". I am talking about the things of God period. Are they priority? Or do other things take precedence over them? He should always be our first priority.
Have a great day. There should be no "contest" and no "choice" between the things that pertain to Godly activities and worldly activities.
Monday, March 18, 2019
"All Power"
"And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth." Matthew 28:18
When I was a growing up, it seemed like most of the movies always had a common theme-- there was always an evil "villain" who wanted to "rule the world". Those movies were closer to reality than we thought. Throughout the ages men have risen to power with this same goal-- to rule the world. Every nation of the world has a leader. Some are evil, using their position as a stepping stone toward greater power and gain. Some are good leaders who use their authority to better their nation. Nevertheless, man still likes to make the rules, have power, stand in a governing position, be the authority figure that people have to answer to and lord over people- we see this more and more evident each day.
I just need to remind you today that it doesn't matter what position of power and authority a man or woman may have on earth, they are not "all powerful"! Whatever power they have has been delegated to them. The power they have is limited and it's temporary. There is only one to whom we ascribe the title of Omnipotent. Jesus Christ has all power!! He has power in heaven and in earth! He has power in the present and in the future!
In Christianity we have adopted a slogan-- "God is in control". I am concerned that it has become nothing more than a slogan. We have forgotten that truly God IS in control. It may look like man is in control, it may look like he is making all the rules, it may look like our leaders are the "movers and the shakers", they may think that they have the power, but it's God who delegates, it's God who pulls down leaders and sits them up and it's God who has the final say so. He is the One who determines the outcome of a thing. He is the One who decrees what will be and what won't. He is the One who sits on the throne ruling and reigning... not man!
Have a great day. Remember that only God has all things under His feet and has power above all other powers... man does not! "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:21,22)
When I was a growing up, it seemed like most of the movies always had a common theme-- there was always an evil "villain" who wanted to "rule the world". Those movies were closer to reality than we thought. Throughout the ages men have risen to power with this same goal-- to rule the world. Every nation of the world has a leader. Some are evil, using their position as a stepping stone toward greater power and gain. Some are good leaders who use their authority to better their nation. Nevertheless, man still likes to make the rules, have power, stand in a governing position, be the authority figure that people have to answer to and lord over people- we see this more and more evident each day.
I just need to remind you today that it doesn't matter what position of power and authority a man or woman may have on earth, they are not "all powerful"! Whatever power they have has been delegated to them. The power they have is limited and it's temporary. There is only one to whom we ascribe the title of Omnipotent. Jesus Christ has all power!! He has power in heaven and in earth! He has power in the present and in the future!
In Christianity we have adopted a slogan-- "God is in control". I am concerned that it has become nothing more than a slogan. We have forgotten that truly God IS in control. It may look like man is in control, it may look like he is making all the rules, it may look like our leaders are the "movers and the shakers", they may think that they have the power, but it's God who delegates, it's God who pulls down leaders and sits them up and it's God who has the final say so. He is the One who determines the outcome of a thing. He is the One who decrees what will be and what won't. He is the One who sits on the throne ruling and reigning... not man!
Have a great day. Remember that only God has all things under His feet and has power above all other powers... man does not! "Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:21,22)
Friday, March 15, 2019
"Heed The Warning Signs"
"Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me." Psalm 119:133
When I went to my search engine this morning I noticed something I had never seen before. To the side of each site is an icon that tells me whether the site is "safe" or "unsafe" to view. Evidently, when my virus protection did an update this was one of the added protection features. Now that I have these helps and warnings, so that I know which sites should be viewed and which shouldn't, it will be up to me to either ignore or heed the warnings.
God's word is like that- it warns us of dangers that threaten to destroy our lives. It lets us know what things we should avoid and what things are all right. The "Thou shalt not" verses are warnings that if we will heed them we will avoid the traps and pitfalls that the enemy lays in front of us. For example, had David heeded the warning in God's word concerning not committing adultery he would not have suffered the heartaches he did later. On the other hand, Joseph did heed the warning and would not give in to Potiphar's wife's enticements. As a result, it may have gotten him thrown into prison, but it set him up to be positioned to fulfill his destiny.
God's word, when heeded and applied to our lives, teaches us how to deliver ourselves from the snare of the enemy, but it also lets us know how to receive the blessings of God, how to enjoy abundant life, how to walk in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord and how to receive eternal life. So what are we going to do with it? If I decide to view a site that has an unsafe warning attached to it, I am taking the chance that my computer may be effected/infected. Therefore, I will NOT open the site. If I won't open the site for fear of crashing my computer, how much more should I heed God's warnings in His word so that I don't "crash" my life! After all, which is more important- my computer or my soul?????
Have a great day. Heed the warnings and only follow that which is safe for your life.
When I went to my search engine this morning I noticed something I had never seen before. To the side of each site is an icon that tells me whether the site is "safe" or "unsafe" to view. Evidently, when my virus protection did an update this was one of the added protection features. Now that I have these helps and warnings, so that I know which sites should be viewed and which shouldn't, it will be up to me to either ignore or heed the warnings.
God's word is like that- it warns us of dangers that threaten to destroy our lives. It lets us know what things we should avoid and what things are all right. The "Thou shalt not" verses are warnings that if we will heed them we will avoid the traps and pitfalls that the enemy lays in front of us. For example, had David heeded the warning in God's word concerning not committing adultery he would not have suffered the heartaches he did later. On the other hand, Joseph did heed the warning and would not give in to Potiphar's wife's enticements. As a result, it may have gotten him thrown into prison, but it set him up to be positioned to fulfill his destiny.
God's word, when heeded and applied to our lives, teaches us how to deliver ourselves from the snare of the enemy, but it also lets us know how to receive the blessings of God, how to enjoy abundant life, how to walk in a manner that is pleasing to the Lord and how to receive eternal life. So what are we going to do with it? If I decide to view a site that has an unsafe warning attached to it, I am taking the chance that my computer may be effected/infected. Therefore, I will NOT open the site. If I won't open the site for fear of crashing my computer, how much more should I heed God's warnings in His word so that I don't "crash" my life! After all, which is more important- my computer or my soul?????
Have a great day. Heed the warnings and only follow that which is safe for your life.
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