Gospel Of Power

Preaching With Power

Scripture

1 Thessilonians1:4,5

For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.

Devotional

Through this  scripture we see that sharing the gospel is also accompanied with power, the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. My desire is to see God move upon people in this way. I believe with all my heart,  that if we ask God to reveal himself  in these ways to the people we interact with, that he will. We all need to have  full experiences with the Lord that go far beyond  just another sermon about the bible. Experiences that are  filled with power, Holy Spirit and conviction. May God reveal himself to you in a powerful way today.

God Will Not Listen

God's Closed Ears

Psalms 66:17-18

I cried out to him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart,

the Lord would not have listened.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

Devotional

This is an important lesson to remember! If there is sin in our life, our prayers will be hindered. Genuine repentance, (recognizing our sin, and turning from it), will allow our prayers to be heard by God.  When we continue to live in sin, it hinders the effectiveness of our prayers.  Take a good look at our scriptures and see if you agree. Examine your own life, is there known sin that you have not yet turned from, this sin will prevent your prayers from being heard by God. God is a loving God and will hear us if we turn from our sin. Don’t allow sin in your life keep you from the blessings of God.

Give A Smile

Acts 20:35 the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' "

Devotional

What do you have to give to someone today?

There are two things I really like to give!

1) a smile

2) another smile :)

Some times the littlest things make the biggest difference.

Father Foirgive Them

Luke 23: 34

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

Devotional

I was thinking today of someone in my life who has treated me very poorly and who has chosen to hold bitterness and unforgiveness in their heart towards me. I sometimes wonder if this unforgiveness will keep them out of heaven.  The bible says in Mathew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Jesus’ words).  When I think of this possibility, I am quickly led to pray for them, father forgive them for they do not what they are doing, have mercy on them for the way they have treated me. Please Lord; do not send them to hell for eternity because of their unforgivness towards me. It is a mystery that only God has the answer to and only he can be the final judge of who will enter heaven and who will not. If God will not forgive someone for their sins as this scripture says, then it is possible they will not enter heaven, God is the final judge, and it’s my responsibility to pray for them.

Envy

Desire / Envy

Galatians 5:19

  The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy;

Devotional

Sometimes we can have a tendency to envy others. It is okay to desire to be like someone else, the important thing though is to not compare yourself to others and get discouraged  because you are not like them. Here is an example. Joe may be an incredible piano player and you don't play quit as well. When you watch Joe, if your desire is to keep practicing until you can play like him, it is okay to want to be like him. On the other hand, if you get upset ,discouraged and cry because you think he is better than you and you will never be that good, that is envy. Mixed in with your envy is jealousy as well. God has created you to be exactly who you are with unique gifts talents  and qualities. If   maybe you are unsure of what they are, ask God to help you understand and learn who he has created you to be in this life.   

Bitterness

Eph 4:31-32

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Devotional

We have very little control over how other people treat us. Often times we are betrayed by others through situations like loosing a job, people telling lies or broken relationships. What we do have control over is our attitude. Our scripture verse instructs us to get rid of all bitterness. There is another verse in Hebrews 12 that says, bitterness causes trouble. The best place to get rid of bitterness is in prayer and by reading scriptures concerning the subject.  Look for verses about love and forgiveness, that will wash away the ugly taste of bitterness.

Desire

James1:14, 15

But each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.


Psalms 119:113

I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love.


Devotional
Sin always begins with a thought. It is simple, we either decide to join with sin or we decide not to.
It is your choice today how you will handle your thought life

God Why?

Today's scripture ( understanding God)

Hebrews 12:7 and 11

7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons.

11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Devotional

Sometimes I get tired of having some kind of hardship in my life, but God is able to use them for good, and to bring him glory. Just by reading this verse, I am able to let go of troubling things in my life and trust that God is able to teach me something through this hardship. Eventually, things always get better. Once I have victory over the hardship, I am able to share with others how to overcome hardships in their lives. God teaches us in many ways, the bible says that he is working all things for the good for those who love God and are called according to his purpose.  No matter what is going on in my life, because I am sincere about committing my life to God daily, I know that he is working in every area of my life. He is a loving father who helps us walk and stand so we then can reach out and help others who may be hurting.

Victorious With God

Today's scripture

Proverbs 21:30

There is no wisdom, no insight, and no plan that can succeed against the LORD.

Devotional

No matter what life throws our way to defeat us, as long as we truly are surrendered and remain passionately in Love with the Lord, we will be on the winning side of life. There is victory in Jesus! Difficulties in life will happen, trials always come, but God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. He also has made it clear that nothing can separate us from his love.