What The Power Generation Knows

In 1992 I was part of a ministry called Power Generation. At one of our new member gatherings we discussed five truths about God that, as The Power Generation, we were to know and keep as foundations for our faith in God.

First, we know GOD IS LIFE. God’s greatest act of life giving power was sending His son as our Savior.  In doing this, His gift DEFEATED DEATH. Yes, this includes eternal life but it also includes defeating death in our everyday lives. What Jesus did on the cross was to take the punishment for all of our sin, forever.  Sin leads to death; and death can come in many forms – death in relationships, livelyhood, health, mental health, and in our relationship with God the Father. God’s power of forgiveness and redemption for sin restores life to those areas we have damaged or destroyed.

Second, we know GOD IS PEACE. The peace that we gain through Jesus is a peace that DEFEATS FEAR. This peace gives us freedom in Christ.  When my kids were teens we frequently stressed this corelation between peace and freedom.  We would remind them that if they did their chores early when a friend called and wanted them to come over they would have the freedom to go. They would also have no fear of and be grounded for not getting the chores done. This is just an example of a certain kind of peace.  Jesus told us that he brings a peace that is not like the peace this world can offer through ease of circumstance, but a peace that comes from the Holy Spirit directly into our souls.

Third, we know GOD IS POWER. Going through life in this world means we will encounter times of diffculty. The power that God gives DEFEATS FRUSTRATION.  Knowing that God is in control means we can relax. Think about the story of Jesus in the boat with His disciples during a storm.  The disciples were franatic on the top deck when Jesus was alseep below. Jesus knew God was in control of his life. When we adopt the mindset of knowing God is in control of calming the storms in our own lives, we can rest. This doesn’t mean we always escape the storm, but as we go through the circumstances, the frustration is lessened.

Fourth, we know GOD IS HOLY. Holiness is a bit tricky. Because God is holy He can’t be in the presensce of sin.  Even the priests in the temples noted in the Old Testament had ropes tied on their feet just in case they weren’t really pure when they entered the holiest part of the temple.  The rope was for friends to pull his body out, if needed. Holiness DEFEATS SIN. Not sure about you, but I know I sin occassionally and we can’t all walk around with rope on our feet…  So how do we get close to God?   Jesus has got this covered.  Literally, He covers us and covers our sin when we ask for forgiveness.  God only sees His son standing in our place and the sin is moved far far away from us.  Also, in 1 Peter 1:13-16 we read, “ Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written:  ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”   This verse reminds us to do our part in our actions.  But it also reminds us (it is written) in the Old Testament Leviticus 11:44,45; 19:2  we can be holy because God is Holy. Our actions do not define our identity in Christ, which is assured through His blood but our choices need to be made with a mind that is alert and respectful of God’s holiness. As imitators of Christ, holiness is available to us – Be Holy! 

Lastly, we know GOD IS LOVE. His Love covers a multitude of sin and this love DEFEATS HATRED.  In the Bible we are told that showing love tells others we are Jesus’ disciples and that showing love is a fragrant offering back to God for the love He showed us in giving His son.  Jesus calls loving each other the greatest commandment. When people hate it is usually because they have been hurt. Hate is actually just as passionate a feeling as love. Love can heal those hurts that are displayed in hate.  Most people think the opposite of love is hate but actually it is indifferance.  Love and hate mean you care. Let us care in the most Christ-like manner with love and compassion for others.     

**Lord, I choose to be a part of your power generation.  Forgive me for those times I acted as an agent of death with fear and frustration birthed from my sin and displayed in hateful decisions. I desire a life of peace guided by your power bringing holiness and love to everything I do and say.  Arm me with a mind set on you - filled with purity and freedom from sin as I walk with you daily through my circumstances.**

“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:21-22

BONUS – Read these 5 verses listed below.  Then write, type, or copy from the internet but get the verses infront of you everyday this next week.  Let God’s life, peace, power, holiness, and love infuse your spirit.

Romans 6:4   Romans 6:16   Romans 6:18   Romans 6:19   Romans 6:17

 

Click here to see how lightning is formed – as you listen, imagine they are describing our spiritual lives as believers and God as the power source…. LIGHTNING