|
| You Can't Work It In - But You Can Work It Out |
|
| |
You Can't Work It In - But You Can Work It Out
It's very seldom anymore that I listen to secular music. But for some reason tonight I grabbed my Eagle's Greatest Hits CD off the rack and popped that bad boy in the player. Those are just some good ol' tunes.
Anyway, I was browsing around a couple of blogs while I was listening and the following lyrics from the song entitled "Already Gone" really penetrated my heart. Here's what they say:
So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains
And we never even know we have the key.
I don't know about you, but those few words speak volumes to me . So many people I see and so many blogs I read reveal that a majority of the body of Christ are still out there searching and begging God for the key. They are looking to the external hoping and begging and praying for something that you already have in your possession.
God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, right? Do y'all believe that? Well, it's not true. I mean it is partially true, but that's not what the bible says. Here's the way that verse really reads:
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, According to the power that works in you! Yes, it's God's power, but that power isn't going to come from trying to work for it, or pray for it, or beg for it. For God to answer prayers of that nature, or for Him to be able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, He would have to first take what He has already given you away just so He could give it back again.
Friend, you may in fact be living your life in chains. But the news, the good news, the gospel is that within your very own born-again spirit lies the key. The victory you are seeking to obtain in your life is not going to come from working it in. The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the dead dwells on the inside of you. You have the victory already. You hold the key.
So how to release all that power? Well,one of the first things required is to simple believe that you have it. And another, yet not the only other way, is by praying in tongues. In your born-again spirit is where all that God-given power lives. To put it biblically, it's contained within your bowels. Your inner most parts. It's in your belly. It's in your spirit.
For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth...... He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. You have the power my friend, The only thing you have to do now is learn how to release it.
You Can't Work It In - But You Can Work It Out
Michael |
|
| To add a comment to "You Can't Work It In - But You Can Work It Out" |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
 |
|
|
| Awesome work Michael and so true. |
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Well Mike, you just hit the nail right on the head! This is what I have been telling people for such a long time but they just don't seem to get it. They still have to analyze and dissect and rationalize and make excuses but all they really have to do is just do what the word of God says. It is so simple yet people have to keep trying to figure it out which is just more bondage. Thanks for the great insight! Shalom |
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
|
|
|
Thanks Kitten. I appreciate you.
Hi Marcella. It's so good to see you again. What a powerful scripture, eh?
Hello J. Thanks bro. The gospel really is simple. So simple in fact that we often have to have someone help us to misunderstand it! |
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
|
|
|
| that's a good one Mike! Help someone to misunderstand the bible! |
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
|
|
|
Hi Michael and everyone:
I like what Malcolm Smith says about "according to." It's the "elevator" word; when the elevator gets level with the target floor then the elevator is "according to" that floor...it is level with it. The power that dwells within is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead!
Ephesians 1:16-23 ( ESV )
I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.
We should note that this prayer begins with thanksgiving and is asking God to give us a spirit of wisdom and revelation is the knowledge of the One, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge; basically so that we would know what we have! One of the things I am pondering is the fact that Paul seems to be asking God for something different than the Holy Spirit. I am also reminded that wisdom and knowledge are also gifts of the Holy Spirit. Anyway, it one of the things on my "ponder before the Lord' list. Why "a spirit of?" And what does that really mean?
Blessings!
Craig |
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
|
|
|
Powerful Word my friend. I am really feeling this line....
He would have to first take what He has already given you away just so He could give it back again.
On this journey toward singleness, I know God did this for a reason and that so I could have a closer more intimate relationship with Him instead of him. He needed my attention and all that I have lost or am losing...So Be It (right PJ) I know within me is more power than I have ever released and I have God to thank....LOVE IS THE KEY. I had to learn to LOVE Myself all over again and WOW did that give me POWER.....AMEN
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
|
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
|
|
|
Yes! I think this is a message God is putting out this message to the entire body.
I had a sermon this week that sin no longer has any power over us. Jesus was sent because God wanted us to be set free. My Bible tells me that no temptation has come upon me other than what is common to man and that the Lord will never put more on me than what I can resist against and that if I resist the devil he will flee. It's all about that faith, exactly as you said "believe". It's within us. That Holy Spirit is in us to give us that winning power. The children of the Lord have the victory and it's time to stand up and use it! No more should we let that devil push us around. It's time to refuse him what is ours. The best thing is that when we pray in the Spirit that devil can't understand a word we're saying but he knows what it is and oh man at how he shakes! Salvation is more than just a covering of blood that is a ticket into heaven, it's a victory and a ressurection over death. We were once dead but now we, through He who is the truth, the way, and the life, are risen above that power of sin. Yes, some things will take persistant work to overcome in some cases but you'll get over it if you keep up faith and continue to refuse. Tell the devil straight, like the song goes, I want it all back in the name of Jesus! He's been stealing Christians joy for too long. We've been listening to lies from him for too long. When is the church going to have enough of this and put a stop to it? It's time for a massive revival to sweep. Before we can see our country change - before we can see souls saved - we need to get on track. We must begin this revival because there is no one else who will. The Lord is wanting His people to stand up.
|
|
|
| April 10, 2009 |
|
|
|
Michael,
All you babbling Pentecostals are alike... PSYCH! I'm a babbling Pentecostal too, bless God!
The more I listen to Andrew Wommack, the more I appreciate the gift of tongues. Ever since I received the gift of tongues, I always enjoyed praying in tongues but I didn't know it was actually benefiting me. Wommack showed me the benefit of praying in tongues.
We have the key to unlock the chains around us. Some use the key but most don't. Those who don't use the key have their own reasons for not using it. Some don't know it's available. "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge". Some "humbly" accept bondage in hopes that God will appreciate their willingness to suffer for Him.
My wife's ancestors owned slaves. When the slaves were set free after the war, most of them stayed on the plantation. It was the only life they knew so they stayed in bondage.
Sin, sickness, poverty and lack are the bonds of the devil. God has given us the key to victory over all of these. It's up to us to use it.
Rob |
|
|
| April 11, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Michael, a great blog and Word. God bless! |
|
|
| April 11, 2009 |
|
|
|
Hi Craig!
I kind of see what you are saying about Paul asking for something other than the Holy Spirit. But I tend to believe that what he was praying is that we would have more of a disposition of wisdom. Sort of like "team spirit" or something. More or less an attitude of wisdom. Because just a few verses before that in verse 8 he writes: "Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; "
Almost all of Ephesians is written from the mindset that we already possess in full everything that God has available. I do see that the exact phrase "spirit of wisdom" appears in three Old Testament verses and it will be interesting to read those in context for a better revelation. Thanks!
Hi Terry. I am glad to see you walking in a higher level of victory. And yes, love is the key. As long as it's the God kind of love. While it is better to give than to receive, in the area of love it's crucial for us to first receive His love in abundance and then we are much more equipped to give it away, and that's power.
We can't give away that which we don't have. Thank you and bless your heart!
Thanks Tyler.You definaitly said a mouthful and I appreciate your comment. I personally believe that a strong revival is inevitable. And we, we ARE the ones to kick-start it. Praying or asking God to send revival is just wrong. That implies that He's holding back something that He has already given us. God wants revival more than we do! You said, "Salvation is more than just a covering of blood that is a ticket into heaven, it's a victory and a resurrection over death" - Amen!
Rob, fancy seeing you here! I, like you, am starting to see more and more benefits of using my prayer language, it's powerful. Praying or speaking in tongues is one of the tools or keys that we have to unlock and release and utilize this other amazing gift we have, The Mind Of Christ.
I was thinking last night about chains. And then I was led to the thought that a chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. And that led me to think that too often we try to become one of the links in this God-chain by performing works and trying to live Holy. So if you think about it, we shouldn't even try to put "ourself" (Inside joke) into the mix. Our efforts only weaken the life supply.
Thank you Joyful Servant. It's good to see you.
|
|
|
| April 11, 2009 |
|
|
|
its amazing what pearls we find when we REALLY read the WORD. Matt 6:12 forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. Matt 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. Matt 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| I'm not even gonna get into it with the tongues thing, but amen to the rest. :) |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
I had an idea this might rattle your cage a little Lara.
You and I have been down that road before haven't we? |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| There are times while driving, that I get such a strong urge to pray, or sing, and I start in tongues. It is such a great gift..... it is like spiritual lightning.... like tongues of flame.... hey where have I read that before (lol) |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| lol Yes, we have, bro. I just like to see the proof in the pudding of all these ppl who "pray in tongues" and I've seen little difference in them and in others who don't. In fact, I've seen more power in other's lives, soul winning and whatnot. Kathryn Kuhlman NEVER spoke in tongues, ya know? Yeah. Point made. ;) |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| People I know personally in tehe"real world" I might add, not my internet friends. Just so you know. :) |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
Amen Gary..... I almost didnt see you and thanks for the comments. This one and the one earlier!
I hear ya Lara. There has been a great mis-use of praying in tongues. But it is very real and it is a great way to not only speak to, but hear from God. |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| Yes, it IS real. You know I know that's true. I've just seen very little of it that seems to have fruit in it, or rather in the person's life. Fruit or POWER. When ppl cram it down your throat and tell you you gotta get it, and then they say it does this and that, but you look at their lives and think, 'where's the power? Where's the fruit?' Surely you can understand where I come from. I have heard from many ppl I know well that it edifies them, personally, when they pray in tongues, and that's about all I've heard or seen among ppl I know, personally, except one who had the "gift of faith". He spoke in tongues, stopped the snow storm, raised the dead, was healed of his stroke, and so on and so forth. I personally know this man, and he's the only person I know personally who has walked in such power....the gift of faith. But yet we all should be walking that way...since Jesus said GREATER works we'd do than He did. Crazy thought, eh? |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
it is faith Lara, just like salvation.... there is no "proof" that salvation is real, or heaven, just faith..... you have it or you don't.....(faith in speaking in tongues..that is) I don't know if all early Christians spoke in tongues, but it is mentioned a few times in the Word. Some say it is a different earthly language that you don't know, others say it is a heavenly language... I have recorded mine before, and it sounds kind of Aramaic. But not quite. I know that the main-line demonations (Baptist, Methodist, ect) believe that it was done away with, like healing, apostles, prophets, gifts, ect, when the last apostle (new testament) died, or when the New Testament got written. But I believe that the Lord is the same yesterday, as He is today. anyway... my opinion..... |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| I agree, it should never be crammed down someones throat, just that it does edify (personally). And yes, there is abuse, and even fakes, i have seen the fakes personally. the evidence MUST be in the fruit. If there is no good fruit, then the branch is either dead or dying.... |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
Hi ya all! A gift is merely a gift...not a stamp of approval on one's doctrine nor a sign from heaven that we have arrived. It is a given that the Corinthians were into tongues more than the other edification gifts. Paul, however did not accuse them of loving the gift rather than the giver. He merely encouraged them, not only to edify themselves (with the gift of tongues) but also to pray that they might also walk in the gift of interpretation that the assembly might be edified. :-) I am thankful that this was not controversial during the Charismatic Renewal. :-) Nevertheless, lets seek for the greater gifts as we are admonished to do by brother Paul. And just because I may prophesy in the assembly, and the word is judged to be good, does not mean that there may not be sin issues in my life. The gift is a gift of grace not something that is earned. So it is with all the gifts. The only way to not fulfill the works of the flesh is to walk by the spirit...not prophesy, pray in tongues, or lead people to the Lord. "Many will say to me: Lord! Lord! Did we not prophesy..." You know the Lord's response! Blessings! Have a great week!
Craig |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
| good note earthenvessel...... |
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
I hear ya Craig. That's why I specifically stated that "one" of the ways to release God's power within us is by praying in tongues.
We ain't "got" to pray in tongues. We "get" to pray in tongues.
And, praying in tongues personally helps me to walk in the spirit, thereby not fulfilling the works of the flesh. And it helps me keep myself in the love of God. And when the love of God is perceived in our hearts, who wants to live in sin, right?
And when we are walking in the spirit, and able to perceive God's love, then we are much more able to become channels of His power thereby impacting not only our own lives, but the lives of others.
Not to mention that the bible says when we pray in tongues we give thanks well!
|
|
|
| April 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
Before church service (at my cool new church), the men pray before we begin. We stand in a circle and hold hands. While other men are praying, I'm usually whispering in tongues. It's cool because I get to multi-task. While I'm listening to them pray, my spirit is praying as well. Try that w/o speaking in tongues.
I find that I cannot speak in tongues if I try. It's only when I kick into a certain mode that I can pray that way. The first time I started praying in tongues, I was watching the History Channel (or something). It was very strange but it felt good. |
|
|
Follow this blog
