The Power of God IN YOU

Last night at Bible study we talked about the power of God inside of us. We don't talk about that much it seems, but I often use Ephesians 3:20 in prayer. Scripture tells us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). I heard once in a message that we are "a walking Ark of the Covenant"!!! How does that strike you?

If you have a moment, read through 1 Samuel 5:1-12 and then consider that the power inside of the Ark is the power inside of you if you are in Christ Jesus. It is a profound reality isn't it?

As Joshua started out his leading role with Israel, and led them into taking the land the Lord had promised them, he was encouraged to "be strong and courageous" several times from the Lord. God kept reassuring him that His PRESENCE was with him. In Joshua 3:3 the people are told that the Ark would be their leader. God's presence would be leading them and in Joshua 3:7 God is promising to exalt Joshua as leader among the people that they would KNOW that God's presence was with Joshua.

Now read Joshua 3:9-13

⁹ Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the LORD your God. ¹⁰ This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. ¹¹ See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. ¹² Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. ¹³ And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.”

Look at the power of the Presence of God and the assurance it gives! Wonder at the reality of the Spirit living inside of you! Is there an area of life are you feeling defeated in right now? What are you feeling discouraged about today?

If we believe/ trust that God is with us and in us...we need never be discouraged or afraid. In fact we will lead others into victory in the battles they face in their lives. 

Spend some time asking God to give you a greater revelation of His Presence in you and in your life and how He would have greater access to work through you to expand victory in the kingdom of God on earth today! Also, please share ways you have seen the power of God at work around you, in you, or through you!

Darkness to Light...Death to Life

...Jesus, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross scorning its shame.... Hebrews 12:2

We have all heard the expression {and benefited from its message of hope} "there's a light at the end of the tunnel"

Keeping our eyes on the "other side" of a period of darkness is our strength to continue on and to go through any valley we might find ourselves in. 

While on a recent flight, I was thinking about what it might feel like the moment that you die...that one space of time since our spirit doesn't die. The body feels pain from the death, but our spirit feels instant freedom from the body.

One reason I love to take photos of the sky is the reminder that the sun always is. It may be cloudy and dark during the day in my world {as it would be underneath the clouds in my photo} but the clouds break, they are temporary and I look forward to sunny days. 

I'm so glad that is true for the painful and trying things! They are temporary as clouds, as this life on earth is temporary and on the other side is a great expanse where Light never ends.

Jesus got through the temporary, barbaric terror of the cross that day for the "joy set before Him". 

He was looking toward the light on the other side where He would be restored to His place on the Throne and His people would be restored to His Kingdom.

As we celebrate His endurance of His dark hours today, we have the JOY set before us of Sunday! His resurrection from darkness and death and our own!

Linking up for the first time today with Five Minute Friday hosted by Lisa Jo.