Thursday, March 9, 2017

March 10, 2017

                                               
DAY SEVENTEEN

March 10, 2017

Power!

“…His incomparably great power for us who believe.  That power is like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the Heavenly realms…” Ephesians 1:19-20


One of the greatest needs in the church today is power; not political power, not manipulative power, not fleshly power, but heaven-sent, Holy Spirit anointed power.  The source of all power is the Holy Spirit and the Word of God.  The Bible tell us in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”  The Bible continues to state this truth again in I Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

If the Bible is the source of all power, and there are lots of copies out there, then why are there not more changed lives?  Could it be that we are missing the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Acts 1:8 it says,But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

How is it possible to read the Bible and yet be unaffected by it?  The root of the issue is what you define as truth.  Do you believe that everything in the Bible is true and that it is from God and that the power of the Holy Spirit is for you?  For the Christian, power and truth are inseparably linked together.  Paul says in Ephesians 6:17, “Take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”  God gives us spiritual power when we are filled with the Holy Spirit. We understand the operation of the Holy Spirit through Scripture.  Consider today’s devotional a challenge to be filled with the Holy Spirit and memorize a new Scripture verse.  Then you can claim the promise of its power. Why not start with Acts 1:8?

Prayer Focus: Pray that the people of Fredericksburg Wesleyan Church will be a powerhouse for God because we daily put on His armor and are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.  This armor includes the belt of truth, the body armor of God’s righteousness, the shoes of peace that come from the Good News, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, and that we will be a people who pray at all times (see Ephesians 6:10-18).  Pray that we will have a genuine love for God’s truth and will claim its power.



March 9, 2017

                
March 9, 2017

DAY SIXTEEN

How Much Is Too Much?

“She broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head.” Mark 14:3b

The story of the Bethany anointing is one of the few stories of Jesus’ life that is contained in all four of the gospels.  So impressive was this event that it was indelibly written upon the disciples’ hearts so that they never, ever forgot this act of devotion.  Mark uses it as a prelude to the passion events.  It contrasts the hatred and rejection that Jesus was receiving at the hands of the rulers and the people.  This act of worship and devotion stood out as an act of love that the Lord deserved from all, but was only given by a few.

May this deed be received as a call to worship for us today.  May this deed make us ask ourselves the question, “How much is too much?”  This woman’s act set a standard of sacrifice, which none can better, but all can match.  That alabaster bottle was very valuable.  It was worth a year’s wages.  Plus, it was to be saved for the most important occasion of one’s life.  What is the most extravagant thing you have done for the Lord?  What can we learn from this Scripture?

  • Real love is always extravagant.
  • Extravagant love is always criticized.
  • Jesus always comes to the defense of those who are criticized for being extravagant in their devotion towards Him.


Prayer Focus:  Pray that the people connected to our church will love Jesus so much that they will be extravagant with their giving of their time, talents, and treasures.