Strengthened with All Might…

 

strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;—Colossians 1:11

I love the wording Paul employs here in his prayer in verse 11!  

Strengthened with ALL might according to His GLORIOUS power.  

Beloved…Isn’t this EXACTLY what you and I as believers want…the power of God working in us and through us…using every one of His divine attributes for our good and His glory.  Oh, Father, You must increase and I must decrease!

The word for “might” according to Walvoord is “kratos.”  It is “power that overcomes resistance” and is used only of God in the NT. 

God’s power produces patience and longsuffering which are the attitudes believers need as they go through trials. Patience refers more to enduring difficult circumstances whereas longsuffering refers more to enduring difficult people.   

I really liked reading what Warren Wiersbe’s had to say about the word patience.

We must never think that patience is complacency. Patience is endurance in action. It is not the Christian sitting in a rocking chair, waiting for God to do something. It is the soldier on the battlefield, keeping on when the going is tough. It is the runner on the racetrack, refusing to stop because he wants to win the race. 

I love that description!  I needed it today.  Maybe you did, too.  Beloved..stay the course.  God has a purpose in and for everything we face in this life.  Stand strong in Him and in the power of His might.  Be faithful. Honor Him with your trust.  Depend moment by moment on His grace to see you through all the difficulties of this life.  Embrace the hard stuff and allow His strength to be perfected in your weakness. 

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,—Hebrews 12:1

But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.—1 Timothy 6:11-12

Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.—1 Corinthians 16:13-14

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.—1 Peter 5:6-7

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.—2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

And to present you faultless

Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

To God our Savior,

Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever.

Amen.—Jude 24-25

A Hymn of Faith…

 

Though the fig tree may not blossom, Nor fruit be on the vines; Though the labor of the olive may fail, And the fields yield no food; Though the flock may be cut off from the fold, And there be no herd in the stalls—Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. The LORD God is my strength; He will make my feet like deer’s feet, And He will make me walk on my high hills.--Habakkuk 3:17-19

Dear Suzanne, Rebecca, Anna and Mikayla, 

Such a beautiful hymn of faith!  Such a profession of unwavering confidence in our God.  Verse 16 says that the prophet trembled when he heard of the judgment coming from the Babylonian invaders. But his solution was to rest in Him and wait on Him.  Habakkuk's fears took Him to God and it was in Him where he found rest.  It is in Him, girls, that we also find rest from the fears and sufferings of this world. Habakkuk's strength melted at the thought of what was to come.  God's strength is made perfect in weakness. Paul said this in 2nd Corinthians 12:9.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Habakkuk decided or purposed in his  heart to delight in God.  All that was predictable and normal in his world was collapsing. All that He knew might be gone but the Lord would remain. His God would not leave him nor forsake him.  Here is the point.  Habakkuk's desire was not for the things of this world or his own comfort and peace.  Habakkuk's desire was for God himself.  This was what made all the difference in his outlook.  Paul had spoken of this very thing in Philippians.

Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.--Philippians 4:11-13

The Lord was Paul's desire.  It was God in whom he rejoiced.  Trials show you where your heart is...there is no joy in a heart that does not know Jesus when they are abased and in need. There is nothing left here on earth for them and nothing to look forward to eternally. A person who has the living God in his heart can praise God for their salvation and rejoice and even sing like the apostle Paul during times of deep distress because he understands that this world is not his home. Our hope and our security are not here in this world but are in the person of Jesus Christ. It was and would be Habakkuk's faith in God that would sustain him and enable him to endure.  

Here is what Matthew Henry said about these verses:

"Thus the prophet, who began his prayer with fear and trembling, ends it with joy and triumph. And thus faith in Christ prepares for every event. The name of Jesus, when we can speak of Him as ours, is balm for every wound, a cordial for every care. It is as ointment poured forth, shedding fragrance through the whole soul. In the hope of a heavenly crown, let us sit loose to earthly possessions and comforts, and cheerfully bear up under crosses. Yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry; and where he is, we shall be also."

 

Love

Mom

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.—Colossians 3:1-4

And I Will Walk At Liberty…

 

Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord,—2 Peter 1:2

Father…I so want Your grace and peace multiplied in my life. Oh, do this work and help me to live in submission to Your Spirit. Fill me with the wisdom and knowledge of Your Son as I read Your Word this morning.  Shine Your light of truth on those things that are not pleasing to You. Show me my sin, my selfishness and my entitlement!  Make room in my heart for someone other than me.  If there is bitterness or unforgiveness, help me to put it away.  I want to walk with You undefiled from and with a pure heart. 

 And I will walk at liberty,

For I seek Your precepts.—Psalm 119:45

The words at liberty literally mean in a wide place.  I will walk in a wide place...my manner of life will be of one that is free from hinderances and snares. These words describe someone who can lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares and run the race before them with endurance.  How?  By seeking His precepts...by keeping their heart, mind and soul focused on Jesus who is the very Word of God...  

Beloved, the truth of God’s word liberates us to walk in this world undefiled from the lies and deceit that abound in our own thinking and also in the world at large. Treasure it!   Surrender to it and allow yourself to be guided by it day by day!  Commit yourself to Him who judges righteously.  Your defense is of God who saves the upright in heart.  

The enemy of our souls wants to confine us, but God by His truth, sets us free and enlarges the very path under our feet.  The world would have us believe that obeying His laws keep us from enjoying our life.  But His word reminds us that commandments are NOT burdensome...they are for our good.  Obeying them brings blessing!  Obeying them sets us free to be more like who He created us to be.  Obeying them enables us to fulfill every purpose He has for our life. Moment by moment, we can and will run the way of His commandments, for He, by His Spirit who dwells in us, will give us hearts that are willing. 

When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,

And when you run, you will not stumble.—Prov 4:12

Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for

"God resists the proud,

But gives grace to the humble."

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.—1 Peter 5:5b-7

Simple Messages…

 

Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.—Ephesians 5:1

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.—Ephesians 6:10

I didn’t have much time this morning but that was okay.  God’s message from His word to my heart was pretty simple.  They don’t need much in the way of explanations.  

Be imitators of God

If we are the children of God, then we ought to imitate our Father.

but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, "Be holy, for I am holy."

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.—1 John 4:11

Be strong in the Lord

Beloved…life on this earth is a continuous battle…victory comes by depending on the strength and power of God. 

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.—Philippians 4:13

Where We Sit…

 

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness,—Ephesians 4:1-2a

Jon Courson reminds us that before telling us how we are to walk, Paul reminds us that we first must understand where we sit.  I loved that because it reminded me of this verse from 1st John 4:

We love Him because He first loved us. 

We are not the initiators in our relationship with Jesus Christ. We are the responders.  The second half (chapt 4-6) of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians tells us how we are to walk in Christ…the first half (chapters 1-3) tells us where we, as believers, are already sitting. 

We sit…

Adopted into God’s family

Elected before the foundation of the world

Redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ

Sealed with the Spirit which is from God 

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory.

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.—Ephesians 1:3-14

And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.—Ephesians 2:1-10

Read Ephesians chapters 1-3. Memorize these amazing and precious words of God. Saturate your soul with its beautiful truth. Know what God has done for you even and especially before He drew you by His grace to Himself. BEFORE He made you accepted in His Beloved Son. As Christians we don’t walk to try to earn God’s approval or favor. We already have it.  He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.  They are ours, now and forever. The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 

Beloved…because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses and sin, acknowledge and rejoice over the fact that there is nothing (good or bad) you can do as His child to make Him love you any more or any less than He does at this moment. Again, we don’t love Him so He will love us. We love Him because He first loved us. Everything we have is because of God’s undeserved love, favor and lovingkindness toward us.   As His beloved children then, we walk in grateful thanksgiving in response to the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. We walk in sincerity with all lowliness and meekness in light of all He has already done for us and given us….in light of who He has made “undeserving us” in His Son. 

My prayer this morning for me, for you and for all the people I love.  

May He grant you out of the riches of His glory, to be strengthened and spiritually energized with power through His Spirit in your inner self, [indwelling your innermost being and personality], so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through your faith. And may you, having been [deeply] rooted and [securely] grounded in love, be fully capable of comprehending with all the saints (God's people) the width and length and height and depth of His love [fully experiencing that amazing, endless love]; and [that you may come] to know [practically, through personal experience] the love of Christ which far surpasses [mere] knowledge [without experience], that you may be filled up [throughout your being] to all the fullness of God [so that you may have the richest experience of God's presence in your lives, completely filled and flooded with God Himself].

Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever. Amen.—Ephesians 3:16-21 AMP

But God…

Genesis 45:7-8 NKJV And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance.  So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

BUT GOD...What a testimony these verses are to not only the forgiving spirit that was in Joseph, but also that he saw the over-arching hand of God in his circumstances.   Yes, Joseph was a victim of men, but God turned it around for His glory.  The truth of Romans 8:28,  Ephesians 1:11 and Psalm 23:6 shine like the sun in these verses.  "

Romans 8:28 - "all things work together for good to those who love God",

Ephesians 1:11 - "For He who works all things according to the counsel of His will,"

Psalm 23:6  - "surely goodness and mercy shall follow me"

So thankful that my God rules my life...not my circumstances...not fate...not men...BUT GOD. 

Faith Triumphs in Trouble…

 

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.—Romans 5:1-5

Faith Triumphs in Trouble…is the summary heading my bible placed over the above verses. I really liked it. Beloved…when trouble comes run to God before you go anywhere else. The just shall live by his faith. God has declared us righteous on the basis of our faith in His Son, Jesus.  (Justification). Because of this we now have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We are no longer his enemy. We are on His side. He who died to save us when we were yet His enemy will do ALL to see us through every one of the trials we will face in this life.

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?—Romans 8:32

But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.—Hebrews 7:24-25

Because of Jesus I not only enjoy peace with God but I also stand permanently in His grace or favor. My faith in God’s Son is my access into this grace in which I stand. Jesus, by His death on the cross, has made this possible.  As a resident of earth I fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) but because I am, by His grace, also a citizen of heaven, I can rejoice in the anticipation of sharing in His glory when someday He brings me to the place He has lovingly prepared for me in heaven.

For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.—Romans 8:29-30

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.—Colossians 1:27

We can, therefore, even rejoice in our afflictions and our troubles because we know that the final fruit of what our trials will produce in us is hope. Christ is our access to the grace which is sufficient for all that we face. 

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong—2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Let’s look at the “chain reactions” Paul writes about here.

knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Tribulation or suffering brings about or produces perseverance. Perseverance or steadfastness is the ability to remain under difficulties without giving in. I love that definition so much because the only way that happens is if (as I said in the beginning of this devotional) I run to Him and depend on Him in my trials. 

Perseverance produces character that has been tried and approved. Tried faith is precious faith.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.—1 Peter 1:6-9

Tried and tested character produces hope. Hope is the confidence we have that God will see us through this life.  Hope that is centered in God does not disappoint. It is not a pie in the sky kind of hope, but one that is sure and certain because it is grounded in the very word of God.  Walvoord says that “disappoint” means “put to shame because of disappointment” in unfulfilled promises.

Beloved…All of God’s promises are yes and amen in His Son. The more our faith is tested…the more we run to Him…the more we trust Him.  Why?  Because we have seen and experienced His faithfulness each and every time. Those who look to Him will never be put to shame. (Ps 25:3; Ps 34:5)

Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:14-16

Finally, this hope doesn’t disappoint because God by His Spirit continually and abundantly pours out His love for us in our hearts. This encourages our hope because the reality of His love in our heart gives us assurance that our hope has not been misplaced. It will not fail. God has given us His Spirit as a down payment and a guarantee. (2 Corinthians 1:20-22; Ephesians 1:13-14)

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.—Romans 8:16-17

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling,

And to present you faultless

Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

To God our Savior,

Who alone is wise,

Be glory and majesty,

Dominion and power,

Both now and forever.

Amen.—Jude 24-25

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.—2 Corinthians 1:20-22

In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.—Ephesians 1:13-14

By Whom We Cry Out, “Abba, Father”

 

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified.—Romans 8:15-17

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.—Romans 8:18

In this world where evil seems to abound on every side and threaten all that is good and right and innocent and pure, these verses remind me that this world is not my home. God is my Father and I am His little child. I cry out to Him and He comforts me. His word here reminds me that I am not destined for wrath but for glory. 

Psalm 91:14-16 is inked in the margin of my bible next to these verses.  My early morning eyes, however, think they see Psalm 94:14-16.  I turn there and read exactly what I needed to regain my perspective in a world where evil and lawlessness rage.

Blessed is the man whom You instruct, O LORD,

And teach out of Your law,

That You may give him rest from the days of adversity,

Until the pit is dug for the wicked.

For the LORD will not cast off His people,

Nor will He forsake His inheritance.

But judgment will return to righteousness,

And all the upright in heart will follow it.

Who will rise up for me against the evildoers?

Who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity?

Unless the LORD had been my help,

My soul would soon have settled in silence.

If I say, "My foot slips,"

Your mercy, O LORD, will hold me up.

In the multitude of my anxieties within me,

Your comforts delight my soul.

Shall the throne of iniquity, which devises evil by law,

Have fellowship with You?

They gather together against the life of the righteous,

And condemn innocent blood.

But the LORD has been my defense,

And my God the rock of my refuge.

He has brought on them their own iniquity,

And shall cut them off in their own wickedness;

The LORD our God shall cut them off.—Psalm 94:12-23

The Lord will not cast off His people.  The Lord is my help. His mercy will hold me up. His comforts will delight my soul. He is my defense and my rock of refuge. The wicked will be cut off in their own wickedness. The Lord our God shall cut them off.

Here are the verses from Psalm 91 (where I was suppose to turn)

"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation."—Psalm 91:14-16

What beautiful promises!  Beloved… God will see us through. He will never leave us nor forsake us. He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. 

Nothing can separate us (me) from His love.

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written:

"For Your sake we are killed all day long;

We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:31-39