The Power That Works Within

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. – Ephesians 3:20 

A takeaway from the study of 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 in the post “Ordinary to Extraordinary” is that the new covenant of the gospel builds upon and provides a way to abide by the law given to Moses.

Be confident in the ONE that has made the impossible possible. You are being transformed daily to engage in a future beyond what you could even imagine. So step ahead; feel free to explore and discover ways to dispense this power given to you. 

So many obstacles may be put in the way. Impossible deadlines at work, trying to grasp a hard subject in school, bad relationships, uncontrollable anger, or poor health are just a few examples. The Good News is that you have the power that works within as the song Break Every Chain by Jesus Culture points out.

With this power, you can passionately believe in what you are doing, let nothing hold you up in your work, and know that one day at a time the impossible will become possible. 
 

 

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Ordinary to Extraordinary

The two dispensations introduced in 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 are the law given to Moses and the new covenant of the gospel established by Christ. Paul explains that the new covenant of the gospel improves upon and even surpasses the law given to Moses for several reasons. It not only shows what sin looks like but provides a better way to be freed from sin and gain everlasting life.

I saw this video one time of a horse with his front legs chained together. The horse had been that way for a long time but one day the chains were taken off and the horse was set free to run in the green meadow like life was meant to be for a horse.

The gift of Christ on the Cross has freed us so we are not held back and life works like it should. We are no longer chained up by sin that limits our potential. God has freed us so we can be all that He made us to be. The new covenant of the gospel takes the ordinary and turns it into something extraordinary.

Day by day, take in the lessons of God’s word. Step ahead to freedom, explore, and discover new ways to dispense the power of the Holy Spirit given to you. Gain the confidence given by the ONE who can make the impossible possible and be transformed so you can engage in a future you can only imagine.

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This day with You Lord, the ordinary can become extraordinary because we have invited You into our everyday experiences. There is a spirit of freedom and we are transformed day by day into Your image. Because of our devotion and fellowship, You will turn simple things into amazing things. Much will be done today Lord because You are in control and things will fall into place for an amazing day. Amen.

 

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Big Plan

This day with God, Be freed from pessimism and be optimistic because by the grace of God we are allowed to stand firm in Christ and possess the Spirit in our heart.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Human plans in life
Are just that … a plan
But the plan of God
Is bigger than.

A plan set in stone,
Solid as a rock,
And a plan assuring
Confidence in our walk.

Creating joy
For the yet to come
With the plan of Christ
For everyone.

The negative past
Is washed away
And the present joy
Highlights the day.

The future brighter
Each and every day
As we worship You
And continue to pray.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-07-2019

Every arrangement in life may not have worked out but as in the song Today is the Day by Lincoln Brewster, we can rejoice for today and be glad in it.

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Letter of Recommendation

There were many disappointments and changes in plans during the ministry of Paul. Reading in 2 Corinthians 2:12 through 3:6, many questioned his qualifications for being a minister of God’s word but there was proof that made him qualified. The proof was the transformed hearts of people.

The knowledge of God was spread through the character of Paul. The way he treated others, what he said to others, and how he encouraged others. His letter of recommendation came from the Corinthian people in the way he changed their lives for the better.

Each changed heart was a letter of recommendation from Christ and we all can be a letter from Christ by our character. There will be days of frustration when your hard work does not pay off. When others question your qualifications. When things fall apart around you, just be like Paul and turn to the Lord to receive direction to fulfill your purpose for His glory.

The knowledge of God can multiply because of your character. If your day gets off track, how you handle the situation makes all the difference. Continue to be optimistic and upbeat when going through issues knowing that with God, it’s going to work out. The way you treat others, what you say to others, and how you encourage and affirm them makes a huge impact.

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This day with God, we are humbled by Your creation. You have created over 100 billion galaxies with each galaxy having billions of stars but it is Your people that are Your greatest creation. Help us today to treat Your people with kindness and build them up with words that encourage. Amen.

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Document Lessons Learned

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – James 1:5

As explained in the post “Lesson of Loving Your Neighbor and Forgiveness”, Paul changed his plans on visiting because the timing was not right. He was Spirit led as God spoke to him in what best to do. He then uses the occasion to teach the Corinthian church leaders about loving your neighbor and forgiveness.

As in this lesson and others throughout God’s word along with the experiences you go through, document lessons learned. Like a lake that collects rain water, you can collect a reservoir of thoughts and ideas from your life over time to be used in the decisions you make.

Take inspiration from the song Word of God Speak by MercyMe because things fall into place when we follow the ways of God. Everyone needs God’s grace and once received, one can gain wisdom to live the way life is meant to be lived. 
 

 

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