One of the main things we have been talking about here in Cornesti is walking in the power of the Spirit. So, I decided I wanted to study Paul. I have started reading Acts and plan to continue from there. While reading, I came across one of the most amazing passages I think I have ever read. I don't think I have heard it before (at least not that I remember). I want to share it with you.
“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” Acts 19: 11-12
Did you catch that? Read it again. Paul was so filled with God's power, the power of the Holy Spirit, that even touching his hanky could heal you. Imagine your sock or bandana or something being used to cast out demons. That is power. And that is open to all believers. Paul was just an ordinary man, but he walked in the Spirit. He let himself be used. He didn't let what others thought of him or even self-doubt get in the way. Brother Vitalli (our contact) said that when the first church preached the gospel one of two things happens: persecution or repentance. Today, when we preach, we don't usually experience either of those. We get an almost politically correct response. “That's nice, but that's not what I believe.” or “I'm happy you are sharing what you believe.” etc. Brother Jerry (my pastor at home) says our spirit should either bless or convict people when we walk into a room. When is the last time you remember that happening when you walked into a room? I don't think I can remember a single time that has happened because of me (unless you count my kids at work jumping suspiciously when I walk in!). How sad is that? Our church has become a bunch of sissies! Jesus said we would do greater things than he did yet we are sooooo NOT walking in that power. How can we expect to send the Devil packing in our current state? We are called to be soldiers. Soldiers don't take breaks. They have to be constantly on alert. Satan doesn't rest. He is always planning (or planificating as Vitalli says). We need to up the ante. We should be “training”, readying ourselves for spiritual battle. There is a reason its called the Armor of God, not the PJ's of God. I plan to change this about myself. I am done with being mediocre! I don't want to be just another Christian. I want to know what it is like to walk in the power Paul walked in. My goal is to be able to get myself out of the way so God can move. I am my own hindrance and I'm tired of it. I choose to be different.
