Thursday, December 4, 2008

I've Got The Power!

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." (Luke 10:19-21)
I got the power! Do you guys remember that old song from the 90's? It was a really fast-paced dance tune. I don't remember the lyrics but I do remember the title of the song, "I've Got The Power". It's repeated constantly throughout the song. I was reminded of that song today as I continued my study of Luke chapter 10. After Jesus sent out the seventy two to spread the gospel, He gave them a Word of wisdom which was not to rejoice in their gifts but rather in the fact that they belonged to the Giver of the gifts and we know that all good and perfect gifts come from above.

I don't know about you all but it breaks my heart to watch someone misuse their power or position in the name of the Lord. It's one thing to have an authoritative position and execute your authority when necessary and it's another thing to "call shots" just because you can. It's another thing all together to see our sisters and brothers flaunt their spiritual gifts and abilities. In Luke chapter, Jesus explained to the disciples that He had given them all power and invincibility from the attacks of the enemy. Notice that just as Jesus told them how powerful they were, He cautioned them that the power they now had was not as important as the fact was that they would someday reside in Heaven. You see, the Lord knew that there would be people that would be distracted by the manifestation of the blessings and forget that they gained their positions as a result of their being blessed and not the other way around.
But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. (Matthew 23:11-12)
Many times we get caught up with the temporal blessings and get stuck in the here and now. Although we should be grateful and appreciate all that God has given us and is allowing us to do, we must never forget that this is not the end. There is so much more for us ahead. Perhaps you posses the ability to lead, teach, preach, prophesy, sing, discern spirits, speak in tongues, write or exhort. If we must boast, let us boast in the Lord.

17 comments:

SLC said...

So true Shanita. Some people got the power and seemingly forgot Who and where they got it from and what they got it for. The sad side affect is that people coming to Church see so much of what they're trying to get away from. It's good to know that God is continually raising up humble servants with no agenda but His.
That would be you.
Thanks again.
SLC

Runner Mom said...

Hey, Shanita!
Wow...what thoughts you gave me to ponder while reading your post. Unfortunatley, a few names come to mind of those who are being prideful rather than humble. Not trying to judge, but this a great reminder for us all.
blessings,
Susan

Runner Mom said...

THanks for your sweet comments! I wish you were closer too! We'd have some fun!!! Many thanks for your prayers over this ministry!!
blessings,
Susan

A Free Spirit Butterfly said...

I pray that I possess at least one of those qualities to allow God's light to shine through me. Although I'm a supervisor at work, I don't know how much of a difference I'm making.... most people say how happy and pleasant I am so maybe that lead them to asking me how I came to be that way. I don't want to force religion on anyone and at work, I'm really not suppose to. So I have my bible on my desk if they so choose to borrow it.

Love the post.

WHITEShadow said...

Nice blog...I am happy to know that there are more and more bloggers who devote their time to spread the good news and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Please visit my blog and I will be honored to hear you honest remarks.
Keep the faith.

HALLELUJAH said...

Sister in Christ, Shanita!!!

Your cup has to be overflowing; it takes me a couple of weeks to post.

I think the moment we take a gift and misuse it, GOD takes it away. It takes awhile to receive one, but a twinkling of an eye to lose it.

Stay endowed.


GOD Bless~~~

Kelly said...

Getting, getting, getting kinda restless...I got the POWER!! I loved that song.

Good words today, Shanita!

Sharon said...

Amennnn, Yes I do know what you mean. Some can allow the authority to go straight to there head instead of there heart.

I so remember that song! We have to remember the power comes from the Lord and his word.
Great,great post, thanks for sharing this.

Have a blessed weekend my friend
Hugggsss
Sharon

Spring M Fricks said...

Oh, this is so true. You hit the nail on the head.

I love that your posts contain so much "meat". I truly enjoy them.

Shanita Waters said...

Hi Everyone.... Happy Friday!! Thanks for stopping by and chatting with me.

@ SLC - this is SO true. I didn't even think about what the Babes in Christ see when they see the so-called "season saints" ego tripping. I believe this is why we have to pray even more for those in positions of power that they may remember where their power comes from - from the Lord.

@ Susan - A few names came to mind after I read your comment (**smiiles**). I was sure to pray for them and myself as well that I may stay humble so that I can be used by Him to His glory.

@ Free Spirit - I think that's a good idea to leave a bible around and available just in case someone wants to borrow that. Your light is shinging, Sista. You are the salt of the earth. I pray that they will thrist for what you have - the Living Water.

@ Whiteshadow - it was a pleasure to visit your blog. Thanks for the invite.

@Hallelujah - My cup is overflowing. I just can't tell it all. I write from the heart or share whatever I may be studying. Thank you for your encouraging words.

@ Chatty Kelly - I'm singing right along with you. LOL

@ Spring - thanks for the encouragement. Your posts are poetic. I can't wait until you post again. I want to read more "Letters to A King". I enjoyed that a lot. See, I still remember it. (**smiiles**)

If I'm not able to blog for the rest of the weekend know that you all are in my prayers. I pray that you have a relaxing, happy LONG weeked.

Spring M Fricks said...

Hi Friend,
I was thinking about you today so I thought I would check your blog.

There's a letter waiting for you. :-)

Hope you have a blessed weekend!

Joyfulsister said...

Amen Amen!! my Sistah!!

I really pondered on this and so blessed to see this in a new perspective. The Pride comes before the fall and sad as it may be I've seen it happen in the Christian enviroment one too many times. Gifts and power is temporal on earth. My soul longeth to be with the the source of eternal power in heaven one day.. Jesus Christ.

Hugz Lorie

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Oh Shanita,

This is a very good post. I love Luke chapter 10! One of my favorites. We do need to be careful not to boast becasue we are all nothing without the saving grace and power of God!

I also think that He was cautioning them to not rejoice in the fact that they were able to crush demons, because Jesus goes on to say how He saw them being thrown out of heaven. They, too are created beings and I think it was hurtful to God when He had to throw them out of heaven, so don't rejoice when you see that any creation is going to be burning in the lake of fire one day.

Just a thought. Like I said, I LOVE Luke Ch. 10.

Be blessed this Sunday!
Sonya

Shanita Waters said...

Hi Sonya! Happy Sunday to you too. I agree with you 100%. That's what I love about the Word of God. There is just so much there and He gives each of us a different revelation so that we can discuss it.

Enjoy your day!

Joanie Butler said...

Shanita,

Your post on power is some awesome stuff! And, I enjoyed your post on counting your blessings equally. You are talented and know how to capture the reader from the get-go.

Keep telling it for the Lord sister, as that is obviously what He designed you to do!

I'll keep checking in on your blog as I would enjoy getting to know you as well, and thanks for stopping my blog.

Melanie said...

Thanks for your comment on my blog!
I see you like Yolanda Adams' music. Me too!
I have one of her Christmas songs on my playlist.
Scroll to the bottom and click on her title to hear it. I love it!
I sing one of her songs: "Let Us Worship Him" in my church.

LISA VAZQUEZ said...

Hey there!

You know you betta preach onnnnnnnnn!

Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa