Monday, June 2, 2008

Words of Encouragement

NAIC Convention. Many women come to learn how to decrease so that God can increase in them. Seeking God for his help is the source for strength.


He must increase, but I must decrease - John 3:30





"God is exalted in his power. Who is a teacher like him? - Job 36:22



More Jesus. His power not mine. As I sat in service today, this scripture came to mind. I thought about what does this really mean for the life of the believer. What does this call for you and I to do. As I sat I wrote on a piece of paper. Then I drew several arrows pointing up. At the top of the arrows pointing upward I wrote, JESUS.


I then drew a number of arrows pointing downward and at the top of those arrows I wrote, ME. Under each of the arrows going up and down I wrote several things. The first arrow was power. The up arrow had "His Power" the down arrow had "My Power".

In order to decrease, something has to get smaller. In this setting that which gets smaller has to be me. When I want to show myself powerful, I actually am weak. I am weak because I want to walk in my own way and in my own understanding which is limited. When I humble myself or decrease my power (let it go) it is then that I become powerful.

I become powerful because God's power is functioning within my life. He teaches me and instructs me in his ways. I do not have to be afraid to let go of my positions, my agenda, my ideas because he will make me great in his own way. Too often as believers we are afraid to let go of things because they are "mine". We want to hold onto those things that we believe we are entitled to and in doing so we weaken our vessels. When we let things go, we become strong in what God can do and our vessels are not tainted by the stuff of this world.


Today, I pray that we let go of doing things in our own power so that we can truly hear what you are calling us to do. Have mercy on us today, help us to stop fighting for titles and power. It is not the power but the purpose that you want us to seek. Give your people clear vision today.