Tuesday: God’s Presence Brings Strength

CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT SERVICES TODAY!!:  We hope you will join us for one of our Christmas Candlelight Services.  Today’s services are at 5:30pm and 7pm.  

Scripture from 1 Kings:  

1 Kings 20:13 (ESV): "And behold, a prophet came near to Ahab king of Israel and said, ‘Thus says the Lord, Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will give it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’"

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Wow…..it’s crazy to see how God still had grace for Ahab and protected him from Syria. He was totally undeserving of any blessings or a military victory.  But even with misplaced priorities, Ahab receives assurance from God that He will provide victory over Syria. Isaiah 41:10 similarly promises God’s strength for those who find their strength in His presence.  

As we read this, we can be reminded of how truly AMAZING God’s grace is!!  We are undeserving of blessings, but God still allows us to benefit from them.  Not only that, but He has given each of us a second, third, and 100th chance.  This should motivate us to carry the joy of the Lord, even when we are going through great challenges.  

And when Christ came to the earth, God took it to a whole new level!!!  Jesus, through His birth and ministry (God actually came and lived here on the earth WITH us!), reveals God’s commitment to empowering us with His strength. In Him, we find the strength to overcome difficulties and to follow God’s will.

Action Step:  

Identify a challenge where you feel overwhelmed or even disappointed. Invite God’s strengthening presence into that area, trusting that He will uphold you.

Prayer:  

Lord, thank you for reminding me of the extent that you go to bring victory into our lives. I see and realize that “the victory is mine when the battle is the Lord’s”.  Help me to believe and carry that truth with me today.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Song of the Day:  

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"

Phil Wickham - Hark The Herald Angels Sing (Official Audio)