THINKING ON ….... STRENGTH FOR THE YEAR AHEAD!! (Part 2)

(Read Part 1 with points 1-4 to bring you up to speed)

5. A strong spiritual life is committed to the Body Of Christ – His church!

The scriptures indicate that we not only draw strength from the Holy Spirit, but we draw strength from each other. This is why we’re instructed in Hebrews “..not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together!” – and watch this – “even more so as we see the day approaching!” (Hebrews 10:25). Come together more, not less. Many churches have one Sunday morning service a week and never meet at any other time. I remember on the African mission field when we had morning, afternoon, and evening services, home group, and a mid-week se

rvice. It doesn’t have to be in the same format but we need to recognize that we are able to strengthen one another in our walk when we meet together more rather than less. Encouragement of each other is a key to our spiritual strength. Are we committed to build up one another as we experience do life together? Scripture reminds us, “..build one another up.. “ (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

6. A strong spiritual life is committed to being fruitful in the kingdom!

When we’re actively applying God’s Word we will not only display the fruit of the Spirit in our character (Galatians 5:22-23), but our very lives will be multiplied. As others observe what God is doing in and through us, they will want to find out what He can do through them (Hebrews 13:7). There have been many people whose lives we have watched over the years who motivated us in our own ministry. Remember that the fruit we bring forth can have results bigger than ourselves. John 15:1-5 reminds that that God is not just interested in fruit or more fruit, but ‘much’ fruit. To accomplish that with His help takes being committed to cause and committed to the task! It is also interesting to note that people in the medical field tell us that we contribute to good health if our lfie is dedicated to purpose, involvement and consistent activity.

7. A strong spiritual life is committed to waiting on God for the fulfillment of

prophetic words spoken over us!

For those who at some point have received a prophetic word spoken over their lives or through a passage of scripture we need to make sure that we let God fulfill the Word and not try to manipulate its fulfillment ourselves. Sometimes waiting is not easy. As a matter of fact it can be really hard. In this our faithfulness to wait on Him can be severely tested. But when it comes to strength in this area note the words of David who said, “WAIT on the Lord and be of good courage and HE WILL strengthen your heart!” – i.e. your resolve! (Psalm 27:14)

8. A strong spiritual life is committed to learn the valuable lessons that come

through the storms!

Instead of complaining about hardship and questioning God’s love, spiritually strong believers understand that the Lord’s purpose is not to remove all trials but to use them to strengthen, transform, and equip us as His people to accomplish His purposes. Storms are never meant to destroy us but to increase our faith (1 Peter 1:6-7). We must remember that every trying situation is a glorious opportunity for God to prove who He is and for us to believe what God has said in His Word and apply it to our thoughts, attitudes and behavior.

9. A strong spiritual life is committed to the belief that Christ alone is our true source of strength!

When the Apostle Paul was in jail, he wrote these words: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!” (Philippians 4:13). Why was Paul not discouraged? The revelation truth here is important for us to absorb and hide deep in our spirit. Nothing could discourage Paul because his strength did not come from within himself but flowed from his relationship with Christ. That’s the attitude all of us as believers should have. We must be convinced that whatever He has called us to do, He’ll empower us to accomplish. Wherever He sends or wants us to go, He will lead the way. As the Psalmist said, “The Lord is the strength of my life” (Psalm 27:1)

To conclude, let’s face the facts: we are each building our lives and ministries on something – either the firm foundation of God’s ways or the unstable sand of our own. One thing is really always helpful to remember that no matter what we’ve done in the past or how old we are, it is never too late to begin building on the rock, Christ Jesus. And, just for reality sake it’s good remember that this construction project that God has you in won’t end until the Lord has completed His work in you and through you!!

Mmmmmm………. Think about it!!!