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Scripture for the day: Daniel 11:32; 1 John 4:4; Philippians 4:13 "the people who know their God shall be strong, and carry out great exploits." … because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world … … I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.”
Thought for the day: I wish - probably two of the saddest words in the English language. Yet, they are words we have found ourselves uttering far too often in our lives, whether in anticipation or in regret.
- I wish I hadn't said that............I wish I had said that.
- I wish I could gain a few pounds................I wish I could lose a few pounds.
- I wish I were stronger, bolder, smarter, better looking, taller, shorter, more dependable, less angry, a better Christian.
- I wish I could stand up against temptation better, be less likely to give in to my own wants and desires. And on and on the wish list goes.
How many times do you think Peter said those same words or something similar during the three plus years he spent with the Lord? He was forever opening his mouth to speak before his brain was ready and, when he did, he most often said the wrong thing. Take the time when he and James and John were on the mountain with Jesus and they were privileged to see Him talking with Moses and Elijah. Discretion would have demanded that he keep silent as he watched and waited for Jesus to reveal their next move. But no, Peter had to speak up and offer to build houses for the three of them to stay in. I can almost see the words forming in his mind immediately afterward: "Peter, you idiot! What a dumb thing to say! Why couldn't you just keep still? I wish I hadn't said that."
Or take the time when he brashly assured Jesus that, "even if all the others leave you, I will never deny you. I'm ready to die with you." The next morning, and for several mornings afterward, those same sad words rang through his mind every moment of every day: "I wish I hadn't said that. I wish I could have been stronger. I wish I hadn't denied Him." And how they must have cut like a knife, reminding him of his utter failure.
So what made the difference between that Peter and the one who faced the Sanhedrin, the same group of whom he was so fearful just months before, to say, "If it is better to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard." There is only one event recorded that could have made such a difference - Pentecost. The experience they had in that upper room provided purity of heart which showed itself in their attitudes toward one another and toward the Gospel message they were to share. But it also provided the power they needed to carry out that mission to the world.
The Holy Spirit, when He came upon them there, provided the missing ingredient in their lives. With purity comes power; not for the sake of the one receiving this gift of the Spirit, but for the sake of the One giving it. They became continually connected to the source of all power, God, through the abiding presence of His Holy Spirit. All they had to do was to keep connected. And the same is true for us.
Mountains become molehills in the face of the weakest saint who is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Difficulties become inconveniences; enemies become mission fields; trials become adventures when the Holy Spirit is our strength. We are never admonished in God's Word to simply "be strong". We are always told, whether in print or by implication, to "be strong in the Lord." Zechariah tells us, “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” It's not our strength, but His in us that makes the difference. Jesus told His disciples – and us – “Without me you can do nothing.” But He also said, “With God nothing is impossible.” With His Spirit abiding within you can......
Go take on our world. - Bill