The Power of the Promise
by Yesenia Menjivar
Have you ever recognized what occurs in worship when the focal point of the lyrics is solely the name of Jesus?
As a mother of three (and one on the way), I often have an eventful home with my family. There’s never a dull moment. Play-time can get wild at times amongst my children, especially when they’re not directly under my range of sight. Play-time becomes survival of the fittest! Yet, often I notice how my kids respond when their father or I walk into the room in the middle of their entertainment. They stop all shenanigans and wait to hear from mom or dad. Whether it’s correction, redirection or affirmation. The atmosphere of the room changes.
In the same way during worship, when we focus solely on Jesus putting away all distractions; and in faith when we hear from the Lord, the atmosphere deeply changes. His presence alone brings forth life and begins a transformative work in us each time.
For me, the power of God is so prominent in two accounts from the bible: The Creation and The Pentecost. In writing this devotional today I recognize a commonality. They both point to life and transformation through the Spirit.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said…” Genesis 1-2:1-4
“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like a roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
Acts 2:1-4
Like our brothers and sisters that came before us, when the focal point of our lives is truly Jesus, we have access to the power of God that is manifested through the renewed and truly transformed mind, body and spirit (Romans 12:2). Jesus said, “Pick up your cross and follow me…” As we surrender our lives to Jesus allowing that sanctification process to take place and against all demonic opposition; we do begin to see circumstances change, battles won, illnesses healed, relationships restored, and miracles begin to unfold. Jesus doesn’t hold his power back from us. We may need to step out of a temporary mindset and into an eternal one. The power of Jesus on earth has eternal repercussions.
So as the Lord continues to do something “new” in us during this fast according to God’s will; let us be encouraged and reminded as a body, that the Spirit not only hovers over us, but dwells within us. Less of us and more of him. Jesus is the manifested power of God. Those who faithfully surrender their lives to him, receive and see the power of the promise (Acts 1:8).
Have you ever recognized what occurs in worship when the focal point of the lyrics is solely the name of Jesus?
As a mother of three (and one on the way), I often have an eventful home with my family. There’s never a dull moment. Play-time can get wild at times amongst my children, especially when they’re not directly under my range of sight. Play-time becomes survival of the fittest! Yet, often I notice how my kids respond when their father or I walk into the room in the middle of their entertainment. They stop all shenanigans and wait to hear from mom or dad. Whether it’s correction, redirection or affirmation. The atmosphere of the room changes.
In the same way during worship, when we focus solely on Jesus putting away all distractions; and in faith when we hear from the Lord, the atmosphere deeply changes. His presence alone brings forth life and begins a transformative work in us each time.
For me, the power of God is so prominent in two accounts from the bible: The Creation and The Pentecost. In writing this devotional today I recognize a commonality. They both point to life and transformation through the Spirit.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said…” Genesis 1-2:1-4
“On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like a roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.”
Acts 2:1-4
Like our brothers and sisters that came before us, when the focal point of our lives is truly Jesus, we have access to the power of God that is manifested through the renewed and truly transformed mind, body and spirit (Romans 12:2). Jesus said, “Pick up your cross and follow me…” As we surrender our lives to Jesus allowing that sanctification process to take place and against all demonic opposition; we do begin to see circumstances change, battles won, illnesses healed, relationships restored, and miracles begin to unfold. Jesus doesn’t hold his power back from us. We may need to step out of a temporary mindset and into an eternal one. The power of Jesus on earth has eternal repercussions.
So as the Lord continues to do something “new” in us during this fast according to God’s will; let us be encouraged and reminded as a body, that the Spirit not only hovers over us, but dwells within us. Less of us and more of him. Jesus is the manifested power of God. Those who faithfully surrender their lives to him, receive and see the power of the promise (Acts 1:8).