Crossing the Jordan

 Todd, my daughter and I are preparing a missions trip in Aug. to go to Rochester, NewYork with 13 other people.  As I was thinking about our trip and what God is wanting us to do I read several different scriptures.  My main focus was on Ephesians 1:18-21 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may KNOW the hope to which HE has Called YOU, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, vs.19 and HIS INCOMPARABLY great POWER for us who believe.  That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms vs. 21 far ABOVE all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given not only int he present age but also in the one to come.  ( PRAISE THE LORD) Friends... what incredible power God has placed with you.  It is like a mighty power that raised Christ from the dead ( Eph 1:19-20) This is overwhelming!  We must Realize this!  God's power is immediately available to you.  Question is are we using it?  We have all been given an assignment; bring healing to the wounded and hurting ( Mt.10:8), offer freedom to those in spiritual bondage ( Isa 42:6-7) and spread the gospel, which is the power of God for salvation ( Ro 1:16, 1 Co 1:18) We are not capable of doing these things on our own we are only able to do them in the power of God.  So my question for you?  Is your power and authority limited? Yes it is, however by God's will just as Jesus power was  Jn 5:19.  The degree to which God can use us is determined by his discernment of his will.  We must line up our will with his and ask according to his will.  1Jn 5:14. We can discern Gods will in order to effectively use the power and authority God has given us.  We must develop a close, intimate relationship with the father.  If we lack the power necessary to live out the assignment God has given us then follow the example of Jesus and his disciples:  We must ask for and wait for the Holy Spirit power and develop an intimate relationship with God in order to discern his will and move out in faith, NOT human wisdom the flesh.  Remember our faith plays an important role in regard to power.  It is God's power in us, but it is appropriated through your faith.  So lets ask God to fill us with power through his Spirit.  Pray for his wisdom.  Pray for the faith to go out and be his disciple.  Then Go!   One more time! Reflect on this! vs.19 and HIS INCOMPARABLY great POWER for us who believe.  WOW!  By Kris Smith