[I am praying that God] may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

Ephesians 1:15-23 

[I am praying that God] may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:16-21

I continue my study of Paul's prison epistles - Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.  Today I focus on Ephesians 1:15-23 where Paul thanks the church at Ephesus for their faith and love of those in the church, and also prays for the church to have the wisdom to appreciate what their faith provides for them.  Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.  

• What do we learn from the text about God?:  V17: God is the source of wisdom and knowledge - all good and perfect gifts are from above (James 1:17) - we must pray that He help give us wisdom and knowledge.  Scripture gives us this wisdom and knowledge because it is the basis for our faith, and our relationship with Him.  He renews our minds through our knowledge of Him and aligns our thoughts and desires to be like His (Romans 12:2).  V18: God gives us hope and a rich inheritance - this same inheritance (e.g. eternal life, etc.) that is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. Vv19-20: God gives us power that is "immeasurab[ly] great" and it is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and "seated him at [God's] right hand in the heavenly places." V21: God does not just reign - He does so at a level that humanity cannot fathom - God rules "far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named...." eternally.  V22: God put everything under Christ's feet and made Him head of the church and the church is His body.    
• What do we learn from the text about people?: Vv15-16: Paul thanks the church in Ephesus for their faith - once again - see post yesterday;  he also prays for them in vv17-23 that they have wisdom from God to appreciate what their faith provides to them. 
• Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Ultimately, as Revelation 2:4-5 points out, the faith of the church in Ephesus weakens and this happens to everyone - we must avoid weakened faith by remaining in Him and a focusing on spiritual disciplines of corporate worship, prayer, daily study of His Word, etc. We must claim the promise of our guaranteed rich inheritance in Christ. We should follow the example of those with faith and those who love God and others (most important commandments).  

Comment and discuss this post

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God reveals Himself through Your Word and through the Holy Spirit who guides us and renews our mind. Thank You for my salvation and for the blessings You pour out every day for me.  I am not deserving of how You love and save.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God....Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.

Acts 3-6

 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God....Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Acts 4:24, 29-30

Day 323 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on rapid growth of the church, opposition from the Jewish leaders, the Apostles response to such opposition, and initial problems within the early church.  My commentary* notes: "[b]ut persecution from without is not the only challenge facing the early church. Problems arise even within the church itself. Luke records, for example, that on one occasion some rather drastic discipline befalls a husband and wife who lie about a contribution they are making to the church. But not even such weaknesses of individual believers can slow the pace of this revolutionary spiritual movement. Not less than a dozen times throughout the historical record, Luke carefully notes the incredible growth of the church. Acting without formal organization and prompted only by their commitment to Christ, these early Christians repeatedly multiply their number by sharing the good news of Christ with all who will listen."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Scripture indicates twice how Peter and others are "filled with the Holy Spirit" and "power" (Acts 4:8, 31, 33, 6:8). Just as my commentary* notes Luke's emphasis on rapid growth of the church, one must note how all believers have the "same power that raised Jesus from the dead". This power gives us an undeniable urge to share and serve Jesus - just as it did the early church.

As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard. Acts 4:20

With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Acts 4:33

We must obey God rather than human beings! Acts 5:29

Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. Acts 5:42

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:7

Of note this morning is how the disciples prayed for boldness.  This is a call to action for all believers - to pray for boldness.  

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has created the heavens and the earth and You have worked many miracles in my life - I am blessed beyond what I deserve!  Thank You Jesus!  But, again, I am not deserving.  My sin, including, worry, etc. continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me be bold in prayer and action!  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Acts 1-2

I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay. You make known to me the path of life;  you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. Psalm 16:8-11

Day 322 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on God's sending of the Holy Spirit, as promised, to the Twelve.  My commentary* notes "[t]his occasion heralds not only the special power of the Holy Spirit in the ministry of the apostles, but also the formal beginning of Christ’s spiritual body, the church."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®). Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Luke's account of this occasion records Peter's words to those present with the Apostles. Peter explains how all of what has happened was a fulfillment of prophecies as recorded by many in the Old Testament, including Joel and David. Peter specifically uses David's words (Psalm 16:8-11) as a means to encourage and stir up passion and joy for Jesus - The Promised Messiah. Acts 2:42-47 are some of my favorite verses in all the Bible as these verses portray the early start of the church and give us a powerful example of "The Fellowship of Believers". 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God and You have sent me the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, and I know this gives me power - the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.  You give this to me to work in me and through me for Your glory.  I am grateful that You give me freedom from sin and death and I am prayer that I be who You intend for me.  I am not deserving of how You bless me.  My sin, including gossip, worry, etc. continues.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Matthew 9-11, 14, Mark 6, Luke 9

 

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. Ephesians 1:18-21

Day 302 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - focusing on Jesus' selection and sending out of the twelve apostles. My commentary* notes: '[i]nterestingly, Jesus does not appear to place particular emphasis on organization, methods of evangelism, or academic religious training. The 12 apostles are mostly of simple education, but the power of Christ is with them."

This morning's reading also includes Herod's act to behead John the Baptist.

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

Of note with regard to the sending of the twelve:

- Jesus gives the twelve authority (Matthew 10:1–4, Mark 6:7, Luke 9:1, 2)

- They are to proclaim the message and not focus on the outcome (Matthew 10:5–15, Mark 6:8–11, Luke 9:3–5)

- They will be opposed, just as Jesus was

Each of the above are noteworthy in and of itself, but for me this morning, how Jesus gave the twelve authority is key.  Just as Jesus gave the twelve authority, so it is with all believers.  We must understand that Jesus gave all believers that same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gave me the same power that raised You from the dead - You bless me beyond what I deserve.  I am grateful, but I do not deserve Your love and the many blessings You pour out on me.  Please forgive me for my worry, and my focus on the world.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength and energy.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”

1 Samuel 16-17

“You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.” 1 Samuel 17:45-47

Day 88 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on David's anointing as king, his initial service to Saul to play the lyre to comfort Saul with his torment from evil spirits, and David's victory over Goliath (including Israel's subsequent victory over the Philistines in the battle that followed).

We know that as believers we will face trouble and difficulties - see John 16:33 - but even if the world throws the "kitchen sink" at us, we have the Lord.  We should pray that we have the peace of mind and confidence that David felt that day - that we know that we have a supernatural strength that comes when the Spirit of the Lord enters our life (see also 1 Samuel 16:13).  This is the 

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

James 1

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. v9

Humility is a topic discussed frequently in scripture, emphasizing that others cannot see Jesus in us unless we remain humble.  Humility does not imply lack of confidence - on the contrary, believers have confidence.  Their confidence, however, rests in Christ as we have access to the same power that raised Christ from the dead.  This is similar to what John Piper sees as "The Happy Paradoxes of Christian Freedom and Slavery".

On the subject of paradoxes, it becomes interesting to look at the topic of mystery vs understanding - and Piper once again has a great post on this topic.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are that You love me and give me BOTH wisdom and mystery - causing me to draw near to You to depend on You for all things. I love You.  I am not deserving of such love and blessing that comes from You.  I worry...far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Colossians 2

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. v2-3

As he strives to help us best understand our identity in Christ and what we have in Christ, Paul wants us to grasp the "full riches of complete understanding" and the "treasures of wisdom and knowledge" that come from knowing and accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior.   Paul has previously referred to the "surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord" (Philippians 3:8).

The "value" of Jesus as our Lord and Savior, as well as the value of the Holy Spirit, the Word, etc. is frequently discussed in scripture.

See also

fruit [that] is better than fine gold...[it] surpasses choice silver" (v19).

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

2 Corinthians 10

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. v4-5

Drawing contrast to unbelievers who wage war with earthly weapons that cannot match God's might, Paul emphasizes how the Holy Spirit, prayer, and scripture provide divine power to "demolish strongholds".  All of us fight strongholds of sin in our lives and we have the same power that raised Jesus from the grave.  It is for us to be transformed by the renewing of the mind to "take captive every thought" for Christ.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves us and who provides us with power to demolish strongholds of sin - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessings.  I am selfish and I struggle with sin daily - please forgive me Jesus for falling short and help me turn from and overcome sin - help me turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.... Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers....This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.

Acts 9

Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.... Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers....This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. v22,31,42

Once Ananias was able to lay hands on Saul (see post yesterday), Saul received the Holy Spirit and Peter was there when the Holy Spirit came during Pentecost (Acts 2). As we see in Acts 2:41 where three thousand believers were added in a single moment to the small but growing church, we see the same type of results in Acts 9:19-43. These are clearly results that ONLY God can deliver and once again we must remind ourselves as Paul writes about in Ephesians that we as believers - via the Holy Spirit - all have this power:

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.  Ephesians 1:18-21

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and I know You give me the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and ask me to use this power for Your glory - I am grateful and blessed that You adopted me as Your child and can use me as part of Your perfect plans.  Thank You Jesus!  I am undeserving of such blessings.  My continues - daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.    

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!

Acts 4

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! v8

As a follow up to yesterday and other recent posts, once again we read about the Holy Spirit and how the Holy Spirit was at work during Peter's defense of himself and John in front of the Sanhedrin.

In response to "[b]y what power or what name did you do this?", Peter boldly indicates that it was "by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed" (v10).  Peter then goes on to further clarify who Jesus is (quoting Psalm 118:22):  

"Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” v11-12

Even the Sanhedrin saw something special in Peter and John (v13), and Peter and John continued to demonstrate great courage and boldness (vs 20 - "As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”) in the face of threats from the same people who crucified Jesus. 

This snapshot of the Holy Spirit is supported elsewhere in scripture, including when Paul it writes that those who believe have the same power that raised Jesus from the grave (Ephesians 1:19-21) and when Jesus says He is "with [us] until the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me, who has given me the Holy Spirit to be with me and You are always with me - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such blessings - unbelieveable!  I worry and I have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.   Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?

Acts 3

Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? v12

In Acts 3 we see Peter's healing of a lame man and Peter's reaction to those who see Peter as having some special power. Peter's reaction and subsequent speech (including defense in front of the Sanhedrin in Acts 4) shows the difference the Holy Spirit makes in the life of Peter, who previously was held captive by fear of being recognized as with Jesus (see full chapters from references here). In less than 2 months time Peter is transformed into the leader of the new church through Jesus reinstatement (John 21) and the Holy Spirit.

Over the course of the last week or so, I've been posting on the power of the Holy Spirit and in Peter's transformation from ordinary fisherman and follower of Jesus to bold leader of the new church. This offers us great encouragement for those of us called to do God's work - it is not through us that we ever accomplish anything but instead through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

My Prayer: Jesus, You provide The Holy Spirit and it is an amazing gift among many You provide and You bless me far more than I deserve - thank You Jesus!  Yet again I am undeserving.  I gossip, worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” v33

Jesus continues to speak to His disciples about what they are likely to face, including being "put you out of the synagogue and kill you killed" (v2). In v33 Jesus promises troubles, and elsewhere in scripture we are told of trials, suffering and difficulties.  But through Jesus' death and resurrection, we have access to the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and it is through this power in Jesus Christ that we can take heart.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are the One True God and my personal Lord and Savior - thank You for adopting me into Your family.  I am grateful.  Yet I am undeserving.  I worry and I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church,  and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

Luke 10

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. v19

Jesus gives believers the same power that raised Him from the dead - the Holy Spirit.  With Jesus, we must remember that we have power - yet at the same time we must remember that this power exists for His glory.

This is why Jesus tell us to despite our troubles (that we WILL have), we should take heart, as Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who gives us as believers power - thank You Jesus!  I have seen this power in my life and in the lives of others - amazing.  Thank You Jesus for never leaving or forsaking us and for giving us help to overcome our troubles and to overcome the sting of sin and death.  I am undeserving of such blessings.  I daily miss the mark.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” v20-21

The disciples, although at least Peter recognized Jesus as Messiah, have not yet grasped the power of Jesus and the Holy Spirit has yet to manifest itself for the disciples.  For all of us believers at this point however, we SHOULD understand that we have the Holy Spirit - and this is the same power that raised Jesus from the grave.

Our faith should rest on the power available to us through Jesus Christ. 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has made available to me an awesome power and You are with me always - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessings.  I worry, I am quick to anger, I gossip, etc. among my many sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.