Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Stepping Stones: Strength Through the Holy Spirit

Transformational Tip
Many of us have been or are in situations of great anxiety: Illnesses, surgeries, addictions, accidents, loss of jobs...the list goes on and on. We know that overwhelming sense of fear that wells up deep within. We are scared. That's when we listen to our flesh and Satan's lies. But know this: strength can be found. Courage can be discovered. Communities can come together. Hundreds of prayers can storm heaven...We move forward with a resolve that sometimes we are amazed that we have. Pray for a still heart that will listen to the Holy Spirit and follow him. The Holy Spirit is powerful, but we get in the way. Learn to sit still, listen to the Holy Spirit, then follow instead of getting in the way. He will direct better than you directing yourself.

Prayer
Dear Lord, you are an amazing God. We want to experience more of your glory in each one of our lives, but that means we need to trust you in, and through, every aspect of our lives, especially when life doesn't make sense. I ask that you would reveal more of Your glory in me as a result of my current struggles. I pray that You will honor your promise and my request. There are many skeptics who are watching me to see if I really trust you. Please give them the strength to trust you at all times. If we could taste just a drop of your glory, it would whet our appetite for more...more of you...more of you we pray. In Jesus' name we ask all of these things. AMEN

The Truth
The Lord GOD is my help; therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me, let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord GOD is my help; who will prove me wrong?
Isaiah 50:7-9
This dream I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw. And you, O Belteshazzar, tell me the interpretation, because all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation, but you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you."
Daniel 4:18
But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Titus 3:4-7