Tag Archives: Strength

Exceeding Greatness

3 Aug

CreationLaura Sotka 2008

“and what the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might.” Ephesians 1:19 (ASV)

I love walking out at night into the backyard, and looking up into the vastness of the star lit sky.  Truly amazing and beautiful.  I am in awe of the incredible God who put it all together, with the spoken word, in a moment’s time.  I am always speechless.

It is difficult for people to understand the “exceeding greatness” of God.  We may hear the stories, as a picture is painted in Genesis, and fully believe it as the truth, but do we understand the intricacies of creating something from nothing (Genesis 1:1), setting the stars in the sky (Genesis 1:16) before creating the sun to rule it (Genesis 1:14-16)?

In His exceeding greatness God created man and women (Genesis 1:26-27), all people specifically similar physiologically and yet all specifically different in appearance, emotions, intellectualism and spirituality.  He created man so intricately that every cell of his body and hair on his head is specifically aligned to each other to maintain perfect oxygen levels and heart/brain/lung function to sustain life; no portion of the body is without purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12).

In this chapter and verse “Greatness” means mighty, explosive, beyond measure.  It is the word from where we get the English word Megathon, which is what they measure atomic explosives with.  “Exceeding” means greatly enlarged, flourishing or to grow beyond measure.  Putting it together we have an event that is compared to an atomic explosion which grows beyond measure.  And that explanation doesn’t even touch the completeness of it, we can only compare it to an example that we understand; it is so much less that what God’s Exceeding Greatness truly is.

In this chapter and verse, “Power” relates to His authority, power and sanction.  It is far beyond Governors, Presidents, Kings and Queens.  It is far beyond anything we could possibly imagine.  He has the power to turn words into life.  With His spoken word animals, fish, gardens, earth itself, and man/woman came to life from nothingness (Genesis 1:1-3).  Nothingness.  Followed by the “Strength” of His Might.  “Strength” means His sovereign unlimited power and dominion over all.  And He invited me to be a part of it.  He invited you to be a part of it.  I am so overwhelmed trying to make sense of all of that.

I don’t know why God cares so much about us, why He loves us with unmerited grace; but He does.  I don’t know why He trusts us with His saving message, directing us to share it with all who will listen.  I don’t know why He chooses the most unlikely people to give the strongest anointing, to reach the hurting and the sick.  I don’t know why a God of such Exceeding Greatness would use His Power toward us, to give us encouragement and strength and hope to do the things He has called us to do, when He could just speak what He wants and it would come to fruition.  But, He did!

God cares so much about us. We must believe that He has the Power to bring supernatural healing, cleanse the drug addict, and banish depression; and He will.  He has the Strength to restore a broken marriage, bring families back together in complete harmony, and return the heart of the children to the parents; and He will.  He has the Might to make a Moses, a Peter, a Paul and a David, a witness of His kingdom, in a way that only a simple and imperfect person can do; and He did.

Lord, help me look into Your eyes and see my value, in its finished and perfected form.  Help me to remember the love you have for each and every one of us, so that none of us will look upon another with disdain.  Help me to maintain Hope for the circumstances that surround me, knowing that it is all being held in the palm of Your hand.  Help us all to stay thankful.

** A Journey Through Ephesians:  Chapter 1, Part 11

Written by Linda J. Humes

10-11-14

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REVOLUTION

16 Sep

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)   2 Corinthians 10:3-4 KJV

✝

Firmly we stand,

with pure hearts,

and cleansed souls,

fire coursing through our veins,

exuding the power,

of the anointing within.

✝

Are you ready for a Revolution?

✝

At battle status,

with sword and shield,

we take our positions,

as warring spirits,

in the battle ground,

for man’s soul.

✝

The army of God,

is cleansing a path,

for the graceful steps,

of the Bride of Christ.

✝

No enemy can draw near,

no dart can reach its mark,

for the strength of David,

the wisdom of Deborah,

and the faith of John,

take authority,

over all principalities,

and powers of darkness.

✝

Stand up, child of God,

renew your mind,

take your place,

as a Christian heir,

in the righteous army,

called to demand peace,

at all costs.

✝

REVOLUTION!!

Written 10/23/1999

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GRACE

12 Apr

 

“For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”    Psalm 84:11 

…

Ever so gently, the Spirit comes,

gently calling, gently waking,

the sleeping soul.

…

“Awake, Beloved, Arise,

join with me in sweet refreshing,

precious moments, you and I.”

…

And though I try,

to fight the weariness,

I fall again,

to senseless sleep..

…

“Awake, Beloved, Arise,

rest in the peace only I can give.”

…

My soul rocks,

battered by my own strengths,

by my own weaknesses.

…

The angels of light,

war with the angels of darkness,

fighting for the rights,

to my blessing.

…

Again I try to rise,

“Grace” – “Grace”

for spiritual strength,

to fight the demons,

that take their positions,

to stop the Rhema,

about to birth.

…

“Grace” – “Grace”

And with my cry,

a change begins,

a pounding pulse,

a surge of fire,

a rising up,

to the Spirit of truth.

…

In sweet communion,

with the one true Lord,

all weariness passes.

…

Refreshing of Spirit,

refreshing of soul,

no weakened limb,

just tender moments,

in anointed splendor.

…

“Arise, My Beloved,

and receive the gift,

I’ve so longed,

for you to have.

…

GRACE!

 

Written 11-1-98

 

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FOR GRANTED

5 Apr

…

“The Lord liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”  Psalm 18:46

…

Have I taken you for granted, Lord?

Can You forgive me?

…

Do you understand the pain of Circumstance,

That clouds reason.

…

You patiently wait as I blame you,

For events You had nothing to do with.

…

You sing to me songs of Love,

When I feel the depths of worthlessness.

…

You send me tender arms,

When I feel unloved and unlovable.

…

You send me songs of joy,

When tears steal my night.

…

You wake me with a tender caress,

Inviting me to intimate times with You.

…

You speak into my life the words of strength,

Courage and wisdom,

As I open the pages of Your Word.

…

You fill my mouth with the tongues of Angels,

A private language that only we understand.

…

Lord, do I take you for granted?

Will you forgive me.

Written 6/15/2002

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KNEEL WITH US

22 Dec

“O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Psalm 95:6

—

As we come to You,

We seek the truth,

Our open hearts we give.

—

We lift our hands,

And take a stand,

in righteousness to live.

—

Help us speak for You,

In all we do,

Your words of peace we share.

—

Please hold us near,

And calm our fears,

And kneel with us in prayer.

—

Lord, we teach Your word,

Your truths are heard,

We walk in love and faith.

—

We share Your ways,

For strength we pray,

We’ve learned to kneel and wait.

—

Keep us in Your will,

Our own thoughts stilled,

Our old ways changed to new.

—

Please keep us close,

At any cost,

Our mind on only You.

—

 Lord, we lift our hands,

In love we stand,

A shout of faith we raise.

—

We reach to You,

Your touch renews,

Our words are songs of praise.

—

Seeking to be filled,

To know Your will,

Fills every waking hour.

—

Please touch our souls,

And let us know,

Your mercy, strength and power.

—

—

Written in 1991 as a song

 

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THE LOST

23 Nov

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”   Luke 19:10

—

The road before me seems narrow and unending,

Fear stands before me,

Regret trails behind,

Why must I travel this path?

—

To the right are green pastures,

To the left are mansions of gold,

Yet my feet won’t veer,

Destiny pulls firmly,

Is this the path I walk for me,

Or do I walk for another?

—

Fatigue drains the strength from my bones,

I thirst,

The green pastures call to my desires,

“Rest and Drink,”

Forward I walk, determined.

—

Mansions of gold call my name,

Fulfilled dreams, riches,

Reason fights the Spirit,

Think what I could do with all these,

What lives I could touch,

Forward I walk – steady.

—

Those who call me loved bite angrily at my sides,

Bitter words echo in my mind,

Must love hurt,

Throbbing starts in my palms,

In my feet.

—

Who must I walk this path for?

Is it for You?

Is it for me?

Is it for lives yet to be touched?

—

Forward, Lord, place Your hand in mine,

Let me walk in Your footsteps,

Let me see Your path,

Let me lay aside my selfish dreams,

So that I may reach the broken soul,

That sits at the side of the path,

That You have sent me to travel.

—

Anoint me, Lord,

With wisdom, with love, with peace,

That I may overcome the burden,

That You have placed in my life,

To reach the lost – for You.

—

Written 4-2-2004

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To Know

2 Nov

As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.    Ecc 11:5

The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.    John 3:8

—

At the breath of dawn

I raise my life to You.

—

I feel your warmth,

caressing the weary lines

that etch and pull

at the curves of my face.

—

Your light tenderly penetrates

the closed lids

of my eyes,

beckoning me to see,

far past the visible realm.

—

I raise myself up,

straight and tall,

pleading to you for the strength

I once had

of my own ability.

—

My own strength fails,

as it always has,

but Your strength overcomes

my weakness

as I step out for You.

—

I remain in sweet communion,

our spirits touch through

the gift of Your precious Spirit.

—

I absorb and regenerate

from the power of joining with You.

—

Your anointing oil pours

from the cup of Your desires

to the hope of my will.

—

I see what you have called me to,

but understand not.

—

I touch the oil that flows

down my garments

and wonder “Why”?

—

The oil glistens on my fingertips

as I take it to its appointed work.

—

I question and doubt,

every step of the way,

at why I was chosen for this work;

whether I could truly

make a difference.

—

As I reach the appointed place,

I reach out and touch the life

I’ve been sent to heal.

—

The anointing and the Spirit become one,

coursing through this vessel.

—

The Spirit speaks forth

as virtue flows out

through these fingertips

and into another called of God.

—

After the evening passes

and the shadows of doubt diminish

I return to the dawn

to seek You once again.

—

I so desire to know You,

to understand the plans

You’ve set in motion,

a plan that only you

can comprehend.

—

Forgive me, Lord,

in the dusk of doubt.

—

Help me to know that

my greatest mission

is to carry forth the touch

You have put in my hand,

And to take the steps,

You have placed in my feet.

—

Help me to realize that

all I need to know,

all I need to understand,

is that every move I make

is completely in Your will.

—

Written 6-17-99

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WHAT DO YOU SEE

15 Oct

For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13 KJV

 

Lord,

     In the drifting tides of time – you knew me.

     You were preparing a way – for such a time as this.

     What do you see in this tarnished,

               broken vessel.

     Why did you give so very,

               very much for me.

     What do you see, Lord?

     What do you see?

.

My Child,

     I see the saints – generations passed –

               paving a way for you.

     I see your family – speaking God’s Word –

               protecting your days.

     I see a child growing – strong in me –

               strong In love – strong in compassion.

     I see a vessel of clay – not broken, but repaired.

     I see a tender heart – humbled by a life of trials –

               fought and conquered – through me.

.

And I see tarnished, broken vessels –

     waiting for you –

     to breathe hope and life –

     into them.

.

I see you, Child – going forth –

     to be my hands, my words –

     repairing those tarnished broken vessels.

.

Just as another came to you –

    the night you first called –

               My Name.

.
Written 10/20/1994

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Virtuous

23 Sep

“She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31:26 (KJV)

Proverbs talks about a virtuous woman that most of us can only wonder about. In the hustle and bustle of the modern day life, most of us are tickled to get home from work, put dinner on the table, help with the kid’s homework, draw their baths and find 5 minutes to breathe before “hitting the sack.” I feel greatly accomplished if I can get an hour of prayer, Bible study and devotionals in before the family is up in the morning. How did life get this way?

The husband of the virtuous woman trusts her, and because of it he increases in his livelihood – but today the divorce rate (inside and outside of the church) is 50% in America in 2011, and many couples never marry at all, they just enjoy the “pleasure” without the commitment. Trust becomes scarce.

The virtuous woman works with her hands and brings food from “afar” – today, working with your hands ruins a $40 fingernail job and no one wants to travel more than a mile to go to the well-stocked grocery store.

The virtuous woman gets up while it is still dark and provides food for her family and servants – today, it’s a waffle or Pop Tart tossed in the toaster and everyone is still eating as they run out the door to school, appointments and work.

The virtuous woman buys land and plants vineyards – today, we’re trying desperately to keep our homes out of foreclosure. Inner city home lots are very small and growing a small garden is a true challenge with limited time and the cost of water. The time and financial economics doesn’t encourage the consideration, it’s cheaper and easier to pick up processed canned veggies.

The virtuous woman girds herself with strength – today, we are bombarded with ads about workout videos, the newest greatest exercise equipment, and classes that we attend a few times and then drop out of for lack of time and/or ambition.

The virtuous woman makes good quality products and works late into the night to finish them – today, we spend our days at a job in a business owned by someone else, hoping for a reduction in hours and an increase in pay. It is just an end to a need, no feeling of belonging, no pride in ownership, and little hope of success.

The virtuous woman makes sure her family is well clothed, and in “fine” clothing – today, there are charities and websites addressing the needs of the homeless and impoverished, begging for warm clothing and blankets because jobs are so scarce. People are living in their cars, in parks, in tents, or if they’re lucky, with relatives; trying to survive.

The virtuous woman has many other qualities that I do see clearly in the Church today, and even stronger as this economy rages. I see diligence in prayer, for themselves and for those in the community around them. I see honor in lending a hand to another, knowing that “but by the Grace of God go I.” I see developing and increasing wisdom through their relationship with Jesus. I see extended kindness to the hurting and lost through the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Although the times have drastically changed between the writing about the Virtuous Woman and now, we still have the choice of how we will live our lives and present ourselves to those around us. We can take on the armor of God, or find continued excuses to give into the way of the world. We can exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, or we can block out the needs of the helpless and dying; caring for “our 4 and no more.” We can be the hands and feet of Jesus – or we can prepare ourselves for the words “I never knew you: depart from me . . .” (Matt 7:23).

Lord, help me to strive to be virtuous, never forgetting that EVERYONE around me is your child, filled with dimmed hopes and abandoned dreams. Let me be your hands and feet.

By Linda J. Humes

Written 12-30-2011

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TEMPTATION

5 Aug

 

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.”     1 Corinthians 10:13

 

I gasp for air,

Shock electrifying my thoughts,

I have just seen the demon,

That torments my life.

 

Its reflection glanced past in a window glass,

And then another, and another.

I’m surrounded by the reality of it.

 

Can I pull free of the very evil that draws so near?

Do I have the strength to push away 

The sin that feeds it?

 

I search my eyes in a mirror,

The demons stares back.

 

Come Holy Spirit and chase away,

The darkness that tries to hide within.

 

Be gone temptation, 

Back to the recesses of time,

That I will sin no more.

 

 

 

Written 2-6-2002

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