Forget your past (Romans 8:1)
Operate in the Spirit (Romans 8:2,5)
Concentrate on the things of God (Colossians 1-3)
Understand the Sovereignty of God (Romans 9:18)
Stand in position (Romans 8:17)
Yesterday, we discussed the "F" in the F.O.C.U.S. acronym which represented the need for us to forget our past in order to stay on track in this vocation we have been called to. Today we will explore the letter "O" and it's representation of the word "Operate".
We need to Operate in the spirit of Christ. We can not do anything in our own strength. The bible tells us that we don't even know how to pray as we should so we even need the Spirit of God to pray for us. We need the Spirit of God active in every area of our lives. No matter how minute the detail may seem to us - we need Him.
If we proceed without the power of God backing us, we are sure to fail. The first biblical example to come to mind is the story of the Seven Sons of Sceva. They saw the Apostle Paul laying hands on folk and casting devils out in the name of Jesus. They thought that they could do it too. The problem was, they didn't have the Spirit of God. They were operating in their own strength. As a result of them operating in their own limited strength, the demons sent them away crying and wounded. (Story)
Some folks may believe they are "getting away" with operating in their own strength perpetrating as if it were the Spirit of God but sooner or later, God will expose you just like He did the Seven Sons of Sceva. Just because their father was a Jewish Priest did not make them priests. We cannot get the Spirit of God simply by association.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:2-5)
In this life, our flesh is our biggest enemy. It isn't the devil. The devil has no power over us only that which we give him when we chose to yield to our flesh. Jesus has bore the curse on our behalf and made us free from the law of sin and death. There is no need for us to operate in the flesh or in our own power. We don't have to anymore. We now have access to supernatural Holy Ghost Power.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.(Luke 10:19)
The power of God is much stronger than any of our own goals and ambitions. If you are weak, He can make you strong.His strength is perfected in our weaknesses anyhow. If you are strong, He can make you stronger. As you go about the course of the rest of your day, I challenge you to operate in the Spirit of God and see how much better things go for you. As you are walking out this vocation God has called you to be sure that the power you are operating in is of the Lord. Our strength and wisdom is nothing compared to the Lord's.
Have you ever moved before God told you to move? How much trouble did it cause you?
8 comments:
Feeling a bit "weak" today...so thank you. I had an interesting morning, but God is good, no matter what!
So glad you could Sit a Spell on my brand new blog. : ) looks like you have the pink version of my green!
Thank you so much Shanita for your prayers.
Also, I love photography...but don't know anything about it. I love God's creations...He's an amazing artist!
I enjoyed your teaching Shanita. How was your speaking engagement? Are you a member of a Toastmasters Club? b
This is a terrific post! It is my own flesh that is my worst enemy. And I need to remember that when I am weak, He is strong. If I just allow Him to be! :)
Nice to meet you!
Sonya
First of all thank you for commenting on my blog; Destination.
My vision is getting clearer to understanding book of Romans, we are now up to chapter six in our Bible Study.
How important, I often tell my son that is in college to stay FOCUS-ED; the enemy is busy in taking our eyes off the prize.
Great Post, I will be watching for the remaining letters.
GOD Bless~~~
@ B - thanks for the info on the Toastmasters club. I'll definately B looking into it. I live in PA so I'll see if we have any chapters located nearby.
@ Sonya - Thanks so much for dropping by. I'm glad to meet you too!
@ Halleujah - (great name). Thanks for stopping by. The book of Romans is one of my favorite in the bible. Chapter 8 is my favorite chapter in the bible. It's amazing how much God loves us and all that He has in store for us. Who wouldn't want to serve a God like that? I can read the book of Romans over and over again and learn something new EVERY time. Then again, this is true with all of the bible but there's something about this book that really speaks to my spirit.
The enemy is busy but God never slumbers and never sleeps and He's got our back. I pray that that the Lord will continue to shield and protect your son and that He will help him to stay F.O.C.U.S.-ed on what He as called him to be. I pray that God will help him to walk by faith - not by sight and to meditate in the law of the Lord.
Once again, thank you all for stopping by and May God continue to bless you all richly!
Hey girl! Love the post. I have been studying Esther for a couple of days now since she has been on my heart and your post just reminded me of how much she totally operated in the Spirit. Keep up the good work and keep praizin' girl, keep praizin'....
Nicole
I fell behind but I'm catching up.
This is like a class for me.
Biblical Edification 101.
SLC
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