12.23.8 "Through the Power of the Spirit"

"Through the Power of the Spirit"

Zechariah 4:1-5:11
Revelation 14:1-20
Psalm 142:1-7
Proverbs 30:21-23

"Through the Power of the Spirit, Live the DREAM!" That's been the closing line for these DEVO's for quite some time. Because of it's familiarity, it can very easily lose it's impact.

We all know we need to mature in Christ. We know that comes through the study of God's word, and although we don't like it, but we know that it comes through the "pure joy" of trials that James talks about.

We also "know" that salvation is not of works, but sometimes we may not look like we know that. For instance, we can try to apply each of the DREAM principles to our life, but do it in our own strength. "I'll do my best to obey God's Word, get along with others, try to read my bible, join a ministry group, and pass out a couple tracks. I'm 'Livin' the DREAM!'" If we're not careful we can find ourselves living like those in 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power."

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you will succeed because of my Spirit" Zech. 4:6 This is a verse that needs to be ingrained in our DNA. It must be a part of who we are.

God desires us to be who he has created us to be. He has sent his Spirit to complete that work in us. Why would we try to accomplish anything without the Spirit?

Over the past few years, I've gotten into doing construction projects around the house. We've finished the basement and built a deck. I know just enough about electrical, masonry, carpentry, etc. to THINK I can accomplish it on my own. I've come to learn oh so well the importance of having the right tool for the job. I tend to be creative, so I'll often use something for a task other than for which it was intended. Like doing finish carpentry with a hack-saw... not the smartest thing. Nothing a little putty wont cover up... Worse yet was when i couldn't find a saw, I thought I'd just pound a chisel through a board... almost needed stitches for that one. Through this process I also learned that there are those who DO know the way things should be done... they are on my speed dial. As I called one friend he said, "my goodness... I hope someone's takin' pictures of all this!"

We are created for a purpose. We are formed for the purpose of the Spirit working through us. Why do we so often try to accomplish things on our own? Why do we attempt to accomplish things in a manner other than we were intended? What are we thinking?

We must operate completely dependent on the power of the Spirit. Then something like the DREAM can be a powerful tool in our life! The Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship becomes a life of obedience, radical faith, and glorious praise. Relationships Devoted Unity experience breakthroughs and we deal with people the way the Lord would. Empowered through Biblical Training becomes much more than cold ritual as God's word comes alive! Active Ministry Involvement becomes a phenomenal experience of God working through us as we use our resources for His glory. Our Mission to Reach our World for Christ becomes powerfully effective to the world around us.

Zech 4:7 says, "Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God's mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone."

What needs to be accomplished in your life? What breakthroughs are needed? Your name probably isn't Zerubbabel, but God has called you into his service, and there are probably mountains in your way. Live in the Power of the Spirit, expect great things, & see what happens!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ