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Superhuman Energy

“For this I labour (unto weariness), striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me” (Col 1:29; AMPC). Wow! If God could do that for Paul, He can do it for any one of us.
The Greek word translated “superhuman energy” is “energeia” and can be translated as power or strength. We also find this word used in Ephesians 1:19, it is part of Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians; he was praying that they would experience this supernatural power or strength in their lives. Then in verse 20 we are told that it is this same power that raised Jesus from the dead. (See also Col 2:12). We find this word again in Philippians 3:21, “He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like His own, using the same power with which He will bring everything under His control” (NLT). In this verse “energeia” is translated as power. I believe this is referring to the second coming when God will transform our bodies with His superhuman energy. However, we don’t have to wait for the second coming to have our bodies transformed, the process begins here on earth as we are transformed into His image. (Rom 12:2; 2 Cor 3:18).
I don’t know about you but I could definitely use some “energeia” right now! Like every other promise of God, we receive it by faith. Believing it, confessing it, receiving it.

Rest

Do you ever labour, toil and wrestle with life’s challenges and turmoil? “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt 11:28; NKJV). The word “rest” here means to cease, to stop, from our labouring and toil and experience a refreshing of our soul that is our mind, will and emotions. In Genesis 2:2 we read that God rested after His work of creation. In Hebrews 4:1 the writer tells us that we too here and now and in heaven, can experience the same blessed, heavenly rest that God enjoys.
The disciples of Jesus were crossing the Sea of Galilee when a violent storm promised to sink their boat (Matt 8:23-27). Gripped by fear, they woke Jesus who had been asleep in heavenly rest. Jesus stilled the storm and calm and rest were restored. Jesus teaches us not to be troubled and fearful as He has given us His peace, a peace that surpasses anything the world can give us (John 14:27). In the world we face tribulation, pressure, fear and stress but if we walk closely with Jesus, we can enjoy His peace because He has overcome all the evil the world has to offer (John 16:33).
How do we walk in God’s rest and peace? It doesn’t just pop up in our lives. “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You” (Isa 26:3; NKJV). This verse describes a believer focused on God, full of God’s word and strong in faith; this requires commitment, discipline and dedication. “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Ps 37:4; NKJV).

Manna from Heaven

In Exodus 16:14 we read, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “I am going to rain bread from heaven for you.” The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day” (NLT). We read later in that chapter that when the children of Israel saw it, they said, “manna” which means, “what is it?” And that is what it was called from that day (Verse 15). (See also Psalm 78:24).
In Deuteronomy 8:3 Moses explains to God’s people that God fed them with manna to teach them that “man does not live on bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (CSB). Jesus reiterates this Himself in Matt 4:4, quoting word for word what Moses said.
The manna of the Old Testament points to Jesus in the New Testament because in John 6:35 we have the amazing declaration from Jesus that He Himself is the bread from heaven, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again, whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (NLT). Jesus is the bread that nourishes our spirits; He is the word and He can satisfy our spiritual hunger. However, just like the Israelites and the manna, we need to take enough manna or word for each day, fresh daily. Jesus is not only the bread that gives spiritual life but also the bread that gives us eternal life (John 6:51). We are reminded of this every time we take communion.
Fill up with some manna today! Eat until you are satisfied and remember to keep getting fresh bread every day!

What are your giftings

In the New Testament various gifts are mentioned that God has given to His church to enable His people to grow, serve, evangelize and live an abundant life. The Father’s gifts are listed in Romans 12:6-8. These are the gifts of prophecy, ministry or practical service in the church, teaching, exhortation, giving, leadership and mercy or compassion. These gifts are known as creational gifts, talents or qualities we were born with. People may exhibit several of these gifts but usually one is dominant.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit edify and benefit the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:7-11), These gifts are not owned by anyone but given to individuals as and when the Holy Spirit desires. These gifts are: words of wisdom, words of knowledge bringing clarity and direction, and a special power of faith. Other spiritual gifts are those of healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, good or evil, tongues and the interpretation of tongues.
Finally, there are the ministry gifts of Christ: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers (Eph 4:11-16). These last gifts are to edify, build up, equip and bring unity to the church.
It is so clear that we all need to discover our creational gifts, be open to be used by the Holy Spirit and eager to benefit from the ministry gifts in our churches and discern if we are called to operate in any of them. The church is strongest when we all understand and correctly embrace God’s gifts.

Generosity

“The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself” (Prov 11:25; NKJV). The meaning of “made rich” is actually prosper or grow fat! Proverbs 19:17 tells us that when we are generous to the poor, we are actually lending to the Lord! According to Prov 22:9, a generous person is a blessed person. (See also Ps 112:5).
This is all confirmed in the New Testament in 2 Cor 9:6-10. Let’s see what God is telling us in these verses. Verse 6 tells us we are blessed according to the measure that we give (see also Luke 6:38). Verse 7 says that God loves cheerful givers, not those who give begrudgingly. In verse 8 we learn that God will supply our needs abundantly, so that we have enough left over to give to others. In Verse 9, we see that our generosity whether in giving money or good deeds will be remembered forever. Finally verse 10 teaches us that God will multiply our resources so we can keep on being generous. All very encouraging!
The reason we should be generous is because God’s love compels us (1 John 3:17). However, no one can outgive God; He gave his only Son to die, and Jesus being obedient gave His life, so we could enjoy eternity with Him.
Keep these scriptures in mind as you go through your day and “be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others” (1 Tim 6:18; NLT).