Wednesday, June 22nd
Pastor Chris Oyakhilome PhD DSc DD
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ (Acts 9:22).
Years ago, while I was having a lot of opposition, I set my face like a flint and focused on something God had told me. He said, “Be courageous; I will not fail you, and I will not forsake you.” It was an instruction from God. Therefore, it made no difference who was against me or what was happening around me; I couldn’t be bothered. There wasn’t going to be any fear. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, I was endued with courage and I’ve been ever since.
When God tells you to be courageous, it’s because He knows there’s trouble out there. He knows some things will try to frighten you, discourage you and dissuade you; so He says, “Be courageous.” I made up my mind that I was going to do what God said; I was going to be very courageous.
Our theme verse says, “Saul increased the more in strength….” To increase in strength means that the Lord enabled him. The Greek actually expresses it as “to be made strong.” He was increased in strength; this is an inner strength. He was empowered from within to be able to accomplish more. This is what the Lord does for His children; He strengthens you from within.
As you increase in strength, you increase in glory. This is what has happened with the Gospel of Jesus Christ in these last days: it has increased in strength and it has increased in glory. We’re in a special time in the world today with Rhapsody of Realities reaching billions of people in their native language. Millions of ministries are partnering together with us for the common goal of taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth!
These aren’t the kinds of things anyone could have planned. They’re happening by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. That grace is at work in you today to accomplish more than you’ve ever done for the Lord. You won’t be afraid; you won’t falter. You’ll rise up to the occasion and win, because you’re empowered from within. Hallelujah!
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for your supernatural grace that’s at work in me. I’m strengthened and energized for increased productivity and greater effectiveness by your Spirit today. I can do all things and change the circumstances of my life to conform to your perfect will for me through your Spirit that’s at work in me mightily. Hallelujah!
Further Study:
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Colossians 1:29 AMPC
“For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles and works within me.”
Acts 18:9-10
“Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.”
Joshua 1:7
“Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it [to] the right hand or [to] the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.”
1-Year Bible Reading Plan:
Acts 10:1-23;
Ezra 4-6
2-Year Bible Reading Plan:
2 Corinthians 7:9-16;
Isaiah 9
