In Oswald’s Feb 1 reading, he says, “Jesus Christ travailed in redemption to redeem the whole world and place it unimpaired and rehabilitated before the throne of God…The one passion of Paul’s life (as is mine!), was to proclaim the Gospel of God. He (Paul) welcomed heart-breaks, disillusionments, and tribulation for one reason only, because these things kept him in unmoved devotion to the Gospel of God.” Remember now, Paul did not ask for heart-breaks, disillusionments and tribulations, but once upon him, he welcomed it and did not turn away and run from it…he faced it! Now, how could he possibly do that? He could face all that because Paul knew that something greater was in him than what he was facing in the world. Paul (and you and me) are anointed, as followers of Christ, to be God’s very own and set apart to His service. I John 2:20, “You have an anointing from the Holy One…” Our hearts and minds are empowered by the Holy Spirit with God’s truth and life. That truth is recorded in Scriptures and uniquely confirmed to each and every one of us by that same Spirit. Let me take a moment aside here and remind us about some key points regarding the Bible… • The Scriptures were started about 1400 years before Jesus was even born. • God spoke to Moses – who was once a Prince of Egypt (then gave it up). • Moses was 120 years old when God revealed to him what he was supposed to write down (so think you’re too old to do anything great for God!). • Moses, at God’s command, not his own whim, picked up the old quill pen and papyrus (or whatever he used) and wrote Genesis through Deuteronomy (the first 5 books of the Bible). • Then, over the next 1500 years, God spoke to about 40 different men and women who continued to write after Moses started out there in the Sinai desert. • The writings were wrapped up by a former fisherman, John the Apostle, writing the final book while on a lonely, windy island in the middle of nowhere! • There are 66 divinely inspired books…from Genesis to Revelation. • I find it amazing and quite confirming that in spite of all the variations of time, people and their talents and backgrounds, that the completed Bible shows such a superb blend and unity of history, theology, geography and biographical facts and information. • These men and women never had a meeting about what they were writing; most had never met or even knew each other; they never contacted each other and discussed what they were writing. Yet, the Bible’s content harmonizes and coincides so precisely in so many details regarding what was happening and what was going to happen that it just eludes comprehension! • That alone should have us fall on our faces in humble awe at the greatness of God…and the wisdom, direction, teachings and truths of the Bible underscore that greatness. How can we read about: • Noah and his family being the sole survivors of the flood • Moses parting the Rea Sea • The lepers being healed • Peter walking on water • Mary’s virgin conception, etc., etc. How can we not come to the realization that it wasn’t those people being great people, it was those people with the powerful Spirit of God in or upon them that allowed those things to happen through them…whether it was writing the Bible or doing some amazing acts that are recorded in the Bible. Remember – in the Old Testament accounts, we see that the Spirit of God descended upon them – they did NOT have the Holy Spirit dwelling within but they got the same results of the manifestation of God’s power. Numbers 11:26, “…and the Spirit rested upon them…and they prophesied in the camp” Judges 14:6, “And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily (Samson when the lion attacked), so that he tore him as one tears a kid (small animal) though he had nothing in his hand…” Judges 15:13-15, "So they said to him, 'No, but we will bind you fast and give you into their hands; yet surely we will not kill you.' Then they bound him with two new ropes and brought him up from the rock. When he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met him. And the Spirit of the Lord came upon him mightily so that the ropes that were on his arms were as flax that is burned with fire, and his bonds dropped from his hands. He found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, so he reached out and took it and killed a thousand men with it." What a holy privilege WE have, being born after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus left us the Comforter –the Holy Spirit – to DWELL within…and WE become the Temple (the dwelling place) of the Spirit of God. And that is why it is said, “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Read 1 John 4:4 out loud together only, this time say ME… “Greater is He that is in ME, than he that is in the world” AGAIN… “Greater is He that is in ME, than he that is in the world” So no more fussing and complaining that you can’t do something… • That you just can’t forgive someone • That you can’t take it anymore in a troubled relationship No more fussing and complaining • That you can’t stick to proper eating habits (uh-oh – gone from preachin’ to meddlin’ now!) • That you can’t be financially wise No more fussing and complaining • That you can’t kick that addiction – whatever it is – food, drugs, alcohol, pornography, gambling etc. No more fussing and complaining • That you can’t break your bad habits • Or that you don’t have time to go to church • Or that you don’t have time for daily prayer and devotions No more fussing and complaining • That you can’t help out with your church and community needs • Or that you just can’t tithe to your church ministry – real tithe – real 10% No more fussing and complaining • That you are sick or tired or confused or doubtful Stop – NO MORE FUSSING AND COMPLAINING! “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Matthew 19:26, “…but with God all things are possible.” Luke 18:27, “…The things impossible with men are possible with God.” Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Him (Christ Jesus) who strengthens me.” Do you just sing-song repeat these verses? Do you just memorize them as a Sunday School class assignment? Or do you really know the great power of God and that in His greatness you can face and defeat each and every trial, temptation or challenge? You CAN do all that God requires of you in the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual areas of your life. Don’t be a whiner…be a winner in Christ Jesus! Let’s say it together one more time – only put the “me” in it again… Greater is He that is in ME than he that is in the world! NOW GO LIVE IT!If you have never put your complete faith in Jesus Christ for your eternal salvation, why not believe what God's word says and call on Jesus Christ to save you right now? Click here and let us show you how you can KNOW JESUS.
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