Dear Daily Message Readers,
READ: Ephesians 3
Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."
One of my three-year-old niece's favorite books to read with me is the compilation of Thomas the Tank Engine. For those of your unfamiliar with this timeless children's series, Thomas is the epitome of positive thinking. With determination and a positive attitude, the little engine encouraged himself to climb the steep hill by chanting, "I think I can. I think I can." And then, as he gained more resolve, "I know I can. I know I can."
As society moves to a variety of positives to improve the human condition, it is easy to become attached to looking at ourselves as the sole source of strength and power. But Scripture refutes this prideful idea over and over again as we are reminded to seek the power of the living God and not our own talents and abilities. For instance, in John 15, Jesus explained our need for complete dependence on Him when He said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing (15:5, NIV)". And we read in 1 Peter 4:11, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever" (NKJV). Peter reminds us here that all-surpassing power within us is from God and from Him alone.
As a Christian, you have the power of the Holy Spirit. You can do whatever God asks of you through Him. He takes our faults, inadequacies, and meager efforts and uses them for His glory. We can base our confidence not in our own abilities but in the absolute promises of a mighty God.
Before you worry or fret about a situation in your day or the day in general, remind yourself that you can do "all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
Faith Lesson: God gives us the power and strength to do anything He asks of us...just trust!
In Christ,
Darin Smith
READ: Ephesians 3
Ephesians 3:20 (NKJV) "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."
One of my three-year-old niece's favorite books to read with me is the compilation of Thomas the Tank Engine. For those of your unfamiliar with this timeless children's series, Thomas is the epitome of positive thinking. With determination and a positive attitude, the little engine encouraged himself to climb the steep hill by chanting, "I think I can. I think I can." And then, as he gained more resolve, "I know I can. I know I can."
As society moves to a variety of positives to improve the human condition, it is easy to become attached to looking at ourselves as the sole source of strength and power. But Scripture refutes this prideful idea over and over again as we are reminded to seek the power of the living God and not our own talents and abilities. For instance, in John 15, Jesus explained our need for complete dependence on Him when He said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing (15:5, NIV)". And we read in 1 Peter 4:11, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever" (NKJV). Peter reminds us here that all-surpassing power within us is from God and from Him alone.
As a Christian, you have the power of the Holy Spirit. You can do whatever God asks of you through Him. He takes our faults, inadequacies, and meager efforts and uses them for His glory. We can base our confidence not in our own abilities but in the absolute promises of a mighty God.
Before you worry or fret about a situation in your day or the day in general, remind yourself that you can do "all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Phil. 4:13).
Faith Lesson: God gives us the power and strength to do anything He asks of us...just trust!
In Christ,
Darin Smith