Is It Me Or Thee

"And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal." - Luke 9:1-2

Living the Christian life is both a natural and a spiritual experience. Or it can be if lived according to God's design and intent. The spiritual part requires the power of God to be lived. Like Jesus sending the disciples out. Recall that He sent them out before His resurrection and before the Day of Pentecost. God the Father had not yet sent the Spirit of God as an enabler and helper.  Apart from Jesus giving them the power, the implication in Luke 9 is that the disciples would not have been able to do what He sent them to do. In the same way, we cannot do what God has called and sent us to do apart from the power of God in us.

"Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts." - Zechariah 4:6

For many Christians the spiritual aspect of their lives is limited to sin management and passively asking God for help for themselves and others.

"And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart." - Luke 9:3-4 

Not only did Jesus send them out, but he told them to not reply on themselves but trust in God's provision. All too often we try to make it happen - or work out. Trusting in God means not trusting in yourself. Where God guides, God provides. I first heard that from some dear friends, retired missionaries that mentored Martie and me in the mid 90's. Living like that requires faith. Like the faith that saved you.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:9-10

We are God's workmanship. New creations in Christ Jesus. We cannot live this new life and do what God has purposed for us to do - apart from the power of God.

"And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.  And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere." - Luke 9:5-6

As you walk in the Way - you will not always be well received. You may care greatly for some people who reject you and your message or help. No surprise for God! People like that crucified Jesus. Jesus told his disciples not to persist with them. It is Jesus they are rejecting. You are not wise enough, eloquent enough or persistent enough to soften a hard heart. It is a spiritual issue and not a natural one. In fac, most people will send you on your way. If they are friends or family, they may patronize you and tolerate you - but in their hearts, they have sent you on your way.

"For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned." - Romans 12:3

So the title of this devotion is "It is Me or Thee". Martie and I have been privileged to join God in some amazing work. We have received many accolades for our work and our sacrifices - for what people have seen us do. We have had to be on our guard that we do not believe that what has been accomplished can be credited to us. We are on mission for God. Like the disciples, He has sent us and you out and given us the power to do what He sent us to do. Be careful that you don't rob God of His glory. When God said "go and do", the only thing that any of us can take credit for is saying "Yes, Lord to Your will and to Your way. Yes Lord yes I will trust you and obey. When Your Spirit speaks to me with my whole heart I'll agree and I will answer yes Lord yes!"  

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone