New strength for the journey!

God is our source of strength. Throughout our journey in life, we will experience many trials and disappointments. We must learn to encourage ourselves in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6), because He is our source. Many trust in the strength of their youth, only to be let down as they age. It is then that they realize that their physical strength will only take them so far. However, God gives strength to anyone who trusts in Him, regardless of their age. Isaiah 40:29 says: “He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength.” Psalms 18:32 in the King James version says: “It is God that girdeth me with strength.” The word “girdeth” also means: equips, encircles, gives, wraps, arms, clothes and fills. So today, God is reminding us that if our strength has been depleted, we can ask Him and He will gird, equip encircle give, wrap arm, clothe and fill us with new strength. Be strengthened today!

Isaiah 40: 29-31He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Let your works speak for you!

There is a very powerful truth in Matthew 7:16. It says: “You will know them by their fruits.” When Jesus read the scroll in the Temple, it revealed His purpose. Luke 4:18 says: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are [j]oppressed.” Note how the anointing led Him to do GOOD WORKS! Many call themselves Christians, yet their fruit, or their works are evil or selfish as they are only interested in what can be done for them. They are not involved in any form of ministry, nor are they interested in doing so. Acts 10:38 says: “how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.” See once again how the anointing and power led Jesus to do GOOD WORKS. So the key here is not to say that you are anointed, but to manifest the anointing with good works, healing others, showing others the love of God by your actions and testimony, preaching and discipling others. If you are truly anointed, let your fruit or works speak, not your mouth!

Matthew 7: 21-23 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’