Power

The landscape of any city is filled with power poles. Large structures carry high voltage wires from power plants to substations where the power is dispersed to businesses and our homes. In fact, there are power poles in the country, too. Lines carry needed electricity to farms and farmhouses.

At night, when the sun goes down, what do we do? We turn on the lights. It’s a little after 1:00 AM now, and I have the lights on. That little switch causes a demand or a draw on the power and applies it to the light bulb in the socket.

“And there was light.”

The power has actually been there all day, waiting… every amp and volt anxious to do the work it was created for. In fact, the power is there all the time. We can turn the switch on at any moment, but until we do, we will live in the quiet darkness of our homes. Turn on the power, and there is music, … light, … life, … communication on all of our ‘i’ things. You know, ipads, iphones, ipods, . . .

Jesus ministered in power.

Jesus returned from the wilderness ‘in the power of the Spirit…’ Luke 4:14

“Power was coming from Him and healing them all.” Luke 6:14

“And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick.” Luke 5:17

And then, before He ascended to heaven, Jesus told the disciples,

 “… you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;… Acts 1:8

The power of God's Spirit is resident in believers. We are supernaturally wired for power! Paul says in Rom. 8:9-11 that the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells in those who are in Christ. Now, that is power!

So why do we walk in the dark? Why do struggle in our own weakness, living in defeat and caught in the trap of sin? We simply do not draw on the power available to us.

There is another way.

Flip the switch and walk in the light. Engage the power of the Holy Spirit and you will be able to walk in the Spirit, bear the fruit of the Spirit, receive the gifts of the Spirit and minister in the power of the Spirit.

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:6-7

Holy Spirit, move in me…in power.

Enjoying the Journey,

David

If Only

Some people think I’m a little outspoken.

Maybe somewhat. But, as with everything else, there’s a story behind it.

Many years ago I had the opportunity to speak up and didn’t. A friend had made some comments that concerned me. “…Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” Jesus said. (Matthew 12:34) What came out of this friend’s mouth probably would have been dismissed by most people as harmless ‘boys will be boys’ talk. But it was inappropriate talk for a Christian.

I never said anything.

I never challenged my friend on his comment, or what could result if this is what was really in his heart. Years later, I look back and wonder, “What if I had spoken up then? Would my loving accountability have been the wake-up call to bring repentance and perhaps have spared the damage that occurs when the seeds of sin reap the inevitable harvest?”

Since then, I try to speak up. I'm not one of those sign-carrying demonstrators who declare that everyone is going to hell. I don't think that's an effective evangelism method. Sinners sin. That's their nature. But Christians are supposed to be holy, and the Scriptures clearly differentiate between the deeds of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.

As a pastor:

I’ve spoken up in leadership situations, because the Bible gives leadership principles.

I’ve spoken up when counseling couples preparing for marriage.

I’ve pointed out those ‘nothing good can come from this’ relationships.

I’ve spoken up to other friends who even appear to be wandering from the truth or making bad decisions.

We all must follow biblical guidelines and the direction of the Holy Spirit on everything from purity, to relationships, integrity and church leadership. When we do, we position ourselves for God’s blessing. When we don’t, we’re headed for destruction, . . . or at least way less than God has intended.

When we don’t throw the penalty flag for 'behavior unbecoming to a Christian' or allow toxic attitudes that don’t reflect Jesus, we contribute to the unhealthy state of the church, allowing those attitudes and sinful behavior to spread through the body of Christ. That's bad enough, . . . but we also reinforce the opinion of the world that Christians are no different. When professing believers talk like the world, act like the world and have the priority system of the world, . . . we are of the world.

Unfortunately, since I’ve started speaking up, it seems that too often, my biblical counsel, sometimes accompanied by desperate pleading is ignored. I'm starting to get a complex! When we don't listen to God's instructions in any area of life or ministry, there will be the inevitable downfall. It grieves me to see lives destroyed, relationships shattered and churches go through difficulty. But, at least I don't have to wonder if things would have been different . . . if only I had spoken up. At least I did what I could to try to spare the relationship meltdown, church crisis, moral failure, family tragedy, etc. How the counsel is received or acted on is, unfortunately, out of my hands.

I feel just a tiny bit better knowing the Apostle Paul and I have at least one thing in common. His counsel was ignored, too in the practical matter of 'to set sail, or not to set sail'. . . that was the question. Against his advice, they set sail. . . and disaster struck. And Paul said in Acts 27:21b. “Men, you should have listened to me…”

So, let's heed the counsel of loving brothers and sisters who may point out something in our lives that run counter to God's Word. It also may be that they've walked this road before, and in their experience have gained wisdom we do not have. We all are susceptible to blind spots. On the other side, consider joining me in speaking out. Not to criticize (there are already plenty with the 'gift of criticism') but to say what God's Word says, to hold up the biblical standard against unethical behavior, gossip, immorality, pride, bitterness, etc. . . even with our friends.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

If we don’t, who will? 

Enjoying the Journey,

David