Not By Might Or Power, But By The Holy Spirit

Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless.

– Charles Spurgeon.

There were times in my life that when I achieve something. I get excited and proud of myself that I have done a good job. But now, everything changed when I got to know more about the Father, Jesus and Holy Spirit. Our Heavenly Father gave me all the things I achieve, receive and earned. Moreover, the skills and intelligence I have are all coming from the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Do you feel the same way?

Bible Reading

Today’s devotional reading is from the Book of Zechariah 4:6. Please, read our recent devotional from the Book of Revelation 22:5: The Light Of The Lord God Will Reign Forever

The Holy Spirit empowers us

The Holy Spirit empowers all of God’s people. For example, in Zechariah 4, God gave a vision to the prophet Zechariah. The purpose of the vision is to encourage Zerubbabel to complete the temple rebuilding (The MacArthur Study Bible). Although, in today’s verse we can see that God reminds Zerubbabel to the accomplishment of the tasks is not depending on his might and power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts.

A similar example is given to us by the apostle Paul when he wrote, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me (2 Corinthians 12:9). Let this be a reminder for us.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you always

If the Holy Spirit empowers and guides us. Why most of us are not calling out to Him for help? Pride. Our pride hinders us from asking the Holy Spirit to guide us, specifically intellectual pride. We think we know everything. Hence we can do anything. But that is very wrong. All our capabilities are not our own but gifts of the Holy Spirit. As Corrie Ten Boom said, trying to do the Lord’s work in your strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.

Do not let pride take over your life, rather ask the Holy Spirit to empower and guide you always. Take time every day to thank Jesus for asking the Father to send the Holy Spirit to be with us until His second coming. Furthermore, ask the Holy Spirit every day to lead you in your ways. 

Reflection

This is the time for your journaling. Reflect on these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit to test your faith and your walk with Christ.

Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? — 2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV.

1. Do you consider all the things you have as a blessing from God?
2. How do your might and power relate to your achievements?
3. What are the things that you are proud that you have?
4. Why are we different in skills and abilities?
5. Have you asked the Holy Spirit to come into your heart? Accept Jesus Now.
6. How do you encourage others that are discouraged?

Related Posts

• God’s Guidance And Providence For His Chosen People
• To Whom Do You Commit Your Challenges In Life?
• Lord, Your Word is My Guide
• Healing Power(Opens in a new browser tab)
• Is The Work Of The Holy Spirit Evident In Your Life?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, You are God. I praise you because you are holy, and I thank you for dwelling in my heart. Thank you for working in my life. You guided me into salvation, renewed my dead spirit, and you opened my eyes to the Truth. Thank you.

Help me to see you more clearly – to recognize your movement in my life. Make me more sensitive to you so I can follow you more closely. Still, I know that I am selfish and rebellious. I need you to help me be obedient when I recognize your leading. I need you.
we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

(from Crosswalk.com)