Blessed are you when people insult you and falsely accuse you because of my Name.
Matthew 5:11,12
11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 10:22
22 You will be hated by everyone because of My name. But the one who endures to the end will be delivered
Ever-Present Energizing Power
What a comfort to know the Spirit of God indwells you – the very same Holy Spirit in the first chapter of the Bible, who hovered over the dark, formless, earth that was void, now inhabits your earthen tent! His power energized the entire universe and empowered our planet to be transformed at the Word of God into that beautiful Garden of Eden.
Now it is that same Holy Spirit powerfully at work in your life, hovering over your heart and mind to receive the love of God and comprehend the truth of His Word. He hovers over your will, equipping you in your decision making. By the same power of His Spirit, He enables you to live a life that is pleasing in His sight. The same power that formed the Milky Way and propelled the stars in place is prepared to energize and empower you to be all He has destined you to be.
“We have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God.” (1 Corinthians 2 :12 NKJV)
Perhaps at the start of this year, you have already experienced suffering and loss, or you have just received news of a dreaded disease in your family, or some other crisis.
I am reminded of the Apostle John, alone on the Isle of Patmos, at the very end of his life, he must have longed to be restored to his family and ministry. But God didn’t answer his plea. Yet, it was in that desolate season of his life that God drew near to him, and John received a glimpse of the glory of the Christ. Now that is the vision recorded in the last book of the Bible, for the edification and encouragement of believers of every generation, since that time. From this we learn beyond a shadow of doubt, that the Lord Jesus was with John even while he was in exile on the Isle of Patmos!
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you,
we have not stopped praying for you and asking God
to fill you with the knowledge of His will
through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
And we pray this in order that you may please Him in every way:
bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
being strengthened with all power.” (Colossians 1 :9-11 NIV)
Today, are you at that place of exile – cut off from those you love and all that is familiar to you? Are you confined to a hospital bed? Are you behind prison bars? Is your heart heavy with the pain of parting? Then look up. Step up to higher ground. The same Holy Spirit of God that was present to form the world, the same Spirit who was present with John the beloved is with you today – with His ever present, energizing power.
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