on July 26, 2012
Luke 4:14,15 – Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside. He taught in their synagogues, and everyone praised him.
In verse one of this chapter Luke has already written that Jesus was, “full of the Holy Spirit,” that he was, “led by the Spirit,” and now He returns to Galilee, “in the power of the Spirit.” The fullness of the Spirit of God directed His every word, thought and action! It was the power of God’s Spirit in Him that effectively resisted the devil in His hour of temptation. This same power emanated from His being as He returned to minister among the people of Galilee, and it was glorious! As John declares in his gospel, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” (John 1:14). The fullness and power of the Spirit in Him was proof that Jesus was God very God – in the flesh! (Colossians 1:19) – “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him…” (Colossians 2:9) – “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…” Wow! Think about it!
And news about Him spread through the whole countryside! There are precious few who have not heard the news about Jesus now – especially in America! However, knowing about Him and knowing Him intimately are two different things! John 17:3 reveals to us just how important it is to personally know Him, not just ABOUT Him – “Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” How will they get to KNOW Him if they don’t hear the news ABOUT Him? Jesus commissioned us as His followers to declare this GOOD NEWS to all the world with the intent that those who would hear should come to the knowledge of eternal life through Him. Matthew 28:19,20 assure us that He will be with us in the fullness and power of His Spirit as we spread the news and make disciples.
The fullness and power of God’s Spirit showed plainly through as He taught in their synagogues! No one ever taught like this “Man!” He spoke with authority and grace – like, maybe He had created everything and knew all things! His words were TRUTH mingled with such loving grace that EVERYONE PRAISED HIM! With His Spirit indwelling you, “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).
Thursday:
- Meet together with at least 1 or 2 other believers to enter the Throne Room of Grace.
- Join our 6:00pm Thursday night prayer team.
Friday:
- Thank God for the Word that became flesh and dwelt with us humans!
- Pray for the Good News families of the week: John & Christine Fargo (Giovanni, Isabelle, Claire), Sara Fellows, Dave & Ilene Fetzner.
Saturday:
- Praise God that all the fullness and power of the deity was living in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Sunday:
- Thank God that, in Christ Jesus is life, and that life is the light of men!
Monday:
- Celebrate the fact that all who receive Him and believe in Jesus are given the right to be called children of God!
- Attend “In Touch” Prayer meeting at GNCC at 10:30am or join in prayer at that time.
Tuesday:
- Pray that you will appreciate the precious gift and power of the Spirit as you resist temptation and spread the Good News about Christ Jesus.
Wednesday:
- Pray that the power of the Spirit will fall on others, convicting them of sin and righteousness and judgment to come, so that they will turn in full faith to the One in Whom dwelt all the fullness and power of the Spirit of God!
Prayer Challenge: Remember that – “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:3-8).