Friday, November 14, 2008

THE SAME POWER...

Are YOU, the reader of this fledgling blog, aware of the Power you have? There are only two "Followers" to this blog as of late, and I know them both to be Christians. Having said that, when we know Christ, we are given more than just a title of "Christian". We are given a new identity. With that new identity comes a new family, the body of Christ. With that new identity comes a new indwelling, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. With that new identity, comes a new home, Heaven when we die or are taken up to be with Him. And with that new identity, comes a new POWER. This power is not our own, but is from God, because of our relationship with Christ, through the POWER of the Holy Spirit. 

Hillsong and Hillsong: London have both sang the song "You are Here (The Same Power)," the lyrics to the chorus of that song start, "the same power, that conquered the grave, lives in me, lives in me..." What awesome and powerful lyrics. It's not MY power, it's the power of Christ. Christ conquered the grave because God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). We were given such power; power that we normally don't tap into. This can be for lack of trying or simply because of lack of understanding, both of which the Bible tells us we don't have an excuse to have. 

We, as those who are in Christ, are not to be ignorant to the truth.  We have the truth, it's called the Bible. Period. If you don't read, you don't know what it says, sure, but your still not given a free ride because of that. We are called to be different. We are set apart for His work.

We have a POWER like no other. Some of us have the power through finances; we can get things done through financial means. Maybe blessing an individual or an organization, or helping a building, such as a church, get built. Some of us have the power through our time and energy; resource power. This helps people, lending an extra hand. 

Even if it's not man power or financial power, ALL of us have the same power through our WORDS and DEEDS. True, some are better orators than others, some can electrify a crowd with smooth words and a dashing persona, like a Barack Obama, or a Billy Graham. Some speak with power and influence such as a Jerry Falwell, or John Haggie. Some have influence over the airwaves such as Dr. Phil and Oprah, Regis and Kelly, or Richard Simmons (I kid on the last one). 

But in every instance, it is amazing to see the Power of words and deeds in the life of an organization, a fellowship, and the individual. We all have great Power in our words and deeds. This is why the Bible talks at length about taming out tongues because bad things can come forth, and that leads to actions, which adds together to be sin. 

However, on the reverse, if we choose to use our words and actions for good, IMAGINE the impact. God has given us such power, and since there is scripture dedicated to the tongue, we know that our tongues, our words have great impact. Sometimes, we need to be forceful with our words and actions. Sometimes we need to take a stand, standing up for what is right.

But most times, we need be slow to speak, and quick to listen. This is how we tame the tongue. When we are slow to speak and quick to listen, we hear the person talking or we hear God speaking, and can direct our action to a more positive outcome. Think about it. You ever had someone smile and it just changed your day? Or a well timed hug that filled you with warmth. A listening ear at a time of need? These are all actions that don't require speech, and make a positive impact.

However, when one does speak in those situations, because of the time taken, it is usually well placed and well received. We have that POWER, and we need to use it, for the good. But we need to be weary of what we say, and that our actions back that up.

If you say you will pray for someone, DO IT! Don't pray imprecatory prayers (against) but pray for them as you said they would. If you say you'll be there for them, then be there for them. You may not be able to change a situation for a person, or make something terrible go away, but you can do what God has enabled you, through word and deed, and trust HIM for the rest!

So the challenge, for my two followers, and anyone else who may stumble upon this page; Speak as God leads and Act on what is spoken! For yourself, and for all of us! This is how we make this world a better place, and this is truly how we see the Same Power that conquered the grave, living in US!!!!

Again, I leave you with wence we started, Are YOU aware of the POWER you have? 


2 comments:

Nikki Usher said...

I think your post is really moving and you can count me as a Jewish follower of your blog via facebook, but re: John Hagee.. I just can't help but disagree about his words. His views of Jews are totally twisted so it makes me sad to see you put that up there:

for instance:

"It was the disobedience and rebellion of the Jews, God’s chosen people, to their covenantal responsibility to serve only the one true God, Jehovah, that gave rise to the opposition and persecution that they experienced beginning in Canaan and continuing to this very day."

and

"How utterly repulsive, insulting, and heartbreaking to God for his chosen people to credit idols with bringing blessings he had showered upon the chosen people. Their own rebellion had birthed the seed of anti-Semitism that would arise and bring destruction to them for centuries to come."

uthpastorswife09 said...

This was a great post sweetheart! So true... to all of it. We are new creatures as christians and therefore should act as such!