Psalms 127:1 - If God is not doing the work we are wasting our time.
Zechariah 4:6 - ONLY God can bring the desired result. We are not strong enough, wise enough, to accomplish anything.
Acts 10:38 - Jesus was effective in ministry because God had empowered Him, and was with Him.
John 8:28; 14:10 - It was not Jesus, but the Father in Him Who did all of the works which were done. Jesus spoke only what He had received from the Father.
Mark 16:17-19; Acts 1:8 - The baptism of the Holy Ghost, brings supernatural power which enables us to be effective witnesses to those we go to and preach to.
Acts 2:39 - The promise of the Holy Ghost baptism, and the power which He brings to the believer, belongs to EVERY person, not just a few individuals.
1Corinthians 4:19-20 - Supernatural power flowing out of the individual because of the Holy Ghost in them, is a primary indicator of those who are true representatives of God's Kingdom.
1Cor 2:1-5 Paul points to this same standard of measurement in his own ministry, and outlines why it is important.
Acts 6:1-6 Being "FULL of the Holy Ghost" as they knew it based upon Acts 2, was the standard the Apostles established to define who was qualified to serve.
Acts 8 - shows what all of this looks like in practical application, and is the demonstration of what a true Man of God looks like when he walks into a village, town, city preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
ALL of us have a choice.
Humble ourselves and fast and pray for God to do to and in us what HE has told us He will do, and shown us in His Word,
or
Exalt ourself, reject what He has said, and demonstrate our arrogance in acting as if we do not need Him, we are qualified and capable pf doing the work on our own strength, wisdom, power.
Which choice will we make?
What does that choice declare about our character?
Jamess 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Jas 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Power to overcome the devils, our true enemies, only comes to the humble.
Who are you... behind the curtain... where no one can see... God sees. Who are you REALLY?
