Apicontent

“God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5, NIV)

We live by the Spirit. When we are filled with the Spirit, we will not fulfill our own desires, but those that God has given us. We are talking Son Power here, power that enables us to accomplish all that God has for us to do and be.

Paul said it well in his letter to the Corinthians: “That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets” (1 Corinthians 2:9–10, NLT).

You and I are like ink pens. An ink pen is an instrument to be used by another. Without ink, the pen is useless. A pen without ink is left on the desk. Only with ink is it fit for use by the writer and prepared for the mission it was designed for. The Spirit is the “ink” in us. In order for us to be instruments God can pick up and use to continue “writing his story” in our world, we need to be filled with the ink of the Holy Spirit. When we are filled, we can flow with the Spirit into our daily lives with his power. This Son-powered life overcomes our sinful nature. For as Paul said in his letter to the Galatians, “Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit” (Galatians 6:8, NLT).

In what ways is Son Power currently giving you strength to persevere?

Son Power enables you to accomplish all that God has planned for you.

Link to chapter 9 “Facing Spiritual Opposition Head On” and/or article “Facing Spiritual Opposition Head On” under Supernatural Power

Use the Armor of God

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10–11, NLT)

Ephesians 6:12–18 presents one of the most powerful truths in the Bible: we have the ability to protect ourselves against the attacks of Satan.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (NLT)

This passage identifies the various pieces of armor that will protect us from Satan’s attacks: belt of truth, body armor of God’s righteousness, shoes of peace that come from the Good News, shield of faith, helmet of salvation. All of these represent defensive armor. When we are under attack, we often don’t think about using God’s truth, righteousness, peace, Good News, faith, or salvation. These words seem to lack power. But we need to remember they are not words; they are tools in the hands of the Holy Spirit to empower us.

There is one offensive item listed in this passage, and that is the Word of God. Paul calls it the “sword of the Spirit.” It is the weapon used to aggressively counter the overtures of Satan as he attempts to ensnare us in his strategies of stealing, killing, and destroying. It is only when we soak our hearts in the Word of God, so much so that it actually becomes a part of our spiritual DNA that we will be able to use this weapon effectively. God has given us an incredible weapon that can and does thwart the enemy’s attacks. Therefore, we constantly need to be soaking our hearts and minds in the Word of God because it will work on our behalf when we allow it to be used as the sword of the Spirit.

Which piece of God’s armor do you need to specifically focus on today?

Son Power employs the weapons of the Holy Spirit for protection against Satan’s attacks.

“Christ will make his home in your hearts as your trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.” (Ephesians 3:17–18, NLT)

When we are in the middle of a spiritual attack or trial we can firmly stand on God’s Word. I like to use acrostic words paired together with Bible verses to remind me of the truths that apply to my life. The word GRACE reminds me that God is working in my life in powerful ways.

G God’s Greatness 

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, NKJV)

R Rejoicing

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NLT)

A Acceptance

“And the seed that fell on good soil represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!” (Mark 4:20)

C Compel

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” (2 Corinthians 5:14, NIV)

E Eternal Rewards

“Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds.” (Revelation 22:12)

It can be difficult to remember to turn to God and to his Word when we are experiencing difficult times. However, God’s power is what we need more than anything else in those times. Take time to soak your heart and mind in God’s great promises, so that you will have them ready when you need them.

Try and come up with your own acrostic word and verses to remind you in times of struggle of God’s great power working on your behalf.

Son Power is available to you at any time.

“Teach us to number our days.” (Psalm 90:12, NLT)

When you think about it, time is the most equalized resource available to us. Some people may have more talent, and some may have more treasure, but we all have the same twenty-four hours in each day. It is natural to look at that time as a resource to be used for oneself, but as we learn to partner in life with God, we become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in the use of our time to fulfill God’s purposes.

God can use even the smallest portion of your time to make a difference for his kingdom.

Our time has been given to us by God—all of it. As we embrace this important principle, we need to evaluate how sensitive we are to the Spirit’s direction in our daily lives in using our time.

When our time is infused with Son Power we will find the Holy Spirit giving us wisdom and discernment as he directs our decisions about how to schedule our time. As we continue to follow his leading, we will become sensitive throughout the day as to where and when God is calling us to change direction and when he is reassuring us to persevere with our time commitments.

God has the ability to bring things into our lives that he wants dealt with, and he has the ability to rearrange our schedules, when we allow the Holy Spirit free access. We often view these types of situations as “interruptions,” but they are in reality “divine appointments!”

The Holy Spirit is the great provider of strength and wisdom. When you are feeling overwhelmed, you can depend on the Holy Spirit to help you with your time management and time commitments. I have actually found that the Holy Spirit can provide

me with more available time by intervening on my behalf so what I need to do takes less time. I have also discovered that the Holy Spirit can give divine flashes of insight that reveal steps to be taken, obstacles to be removed, or resources to be used to make things go faster. The Holy Spirit can also direct people to come alongside me to take on some of my work or responsibilities. Finally, the Holy Spirit can orchestrate events and circumstances that create a favorable environment for accomplishment.

The Holy Spirit can also protect us from distractions that absorb time. He can expose the thoughts and desires that get us off track and break our concentration on what God wants us to be doing (see Philippians 3:13–14). He can also guard us from the schemes of Satan who often uses other people to draw us away from what God wants us to be doing (see Nehemiah 6:1–16). Finally, the Holy Spirit can protect us from personal crises that require immediate attention such as health issues, financial problems, or relational tensions that ultimately take our attention away from the things that God wants us to accomplish.

As you stay in tune with the Spirit’s leading, he will keep the current of Son Power moving through you. Look for God to use your time in a supernatural way as you trust in the Holy Spirit’s intervention in you as you pursue God’s purposes in the use of your time.

In what ways are you expecting and allowing God to maximize your time?

Son Power maximizes your time.

“In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.” (Romans 12:6, NLT)

Every person has been given a gift or talent from God (see 1 Corinthians 12:4–11). Some people may even have multiple gifts. The use of talent resembles the use of time and treasure in that it can be spent achieving earthly goals like fame, prestige, pleasure, stuff, money, and power, or it can be invested in the kingdom of God.

God has created each one of us for specific purposes and consequently he has designed us so that we can accomplish them. If you are uncertain about the talent or talents God has entrusted to you, ask the Holy Spirit to show them to you through Scripture and fellow believers. Get involved in doing things for God’s kingdom by serving others in various ways. As you do, the talents God has entrusted to you will emerge and become obvious to those around you.

Your talent may surprise you. It may be something that is easily recognized, such as musical ability or organization or speaking. It might be something less visible, such as the ability to be encouraging or to show mercy or the ability to see and help those in need in basic, practical ways.

The abilities that you have been given are designed so that God’s work might be accomplished and his kingdom expanded. Each one of us has a choice: we can either use these abilities to accomplish whatever we choose, or we can allow the Holy Spirit to use these gifts. God-given gifts can accomplish a lot when they are used naturally, but when we allow the Holy Spirit to permeate those gifts with his power, supernatural results will occur.

God is waiting to use you. You may be busy, you may have responsibilities, you may have little time, but God can and will still allow you to use your talent for the expansion of talents and abilities in the wrong places. Why? Partly because a need has come before us and we’ve jumped in without really taking time to listen to the Spirit’s leading, and partly because we haven’t thought carefully about where God might best use our talent. Need does not equal involvement. There is need everywhere!

Seek the Holy Spirit’s direction as to where God wants you to be involved. At the same time, don’t be afraid to take on something that really does need to be done that you might not seem totally gifted for. God will provide whatever it is you need to get the job done. Ultimately, ask for the Holy Spirit’s direction and guidance.

The Holy Spirit can create opportunities where your abilities will have far greater results than anything you could imagine. He can also increase your talents for a supernatural effect.

The Holy Spirit can also protect you from the misuse of your God-given talent. He can show us when fleshly desires are motivating us to use our abilities in the pursuit of fame or fortune. He can also make us aware if our ego is manipulating us to use our giftedness to elevate ourselves while devaluing others. The Holy Spirit can help us overcome the fear of failure that holds us back from situations that might stretch our abilities.

The Holy Spirit works within us, infusing our talents with his power, and accomplishing supernatural results. Allow Son Power to enable you to use your gift in a supernatural way. Trust the Holy Spirit to provide opportunities for you to use your talent for God’s kingdom work.

In what ways are you embracing your God-given talents and abilities as a resource to be used for God’s plans and purposes?

Son Power infuses all of your God-given talent.

“Make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5, NLT)

No matter how you define your personal “treasure,” it is important to remember that these things in and of themselves are not wrong. However, if they take the place of Godin your life, then you have a big problem. As our heart and mind become more in tune with the Holy Spirit, our desire to invest in God’s kingdom should increasingly trump the desire to keep investing in the perishable things of this world. All that we have been entrusted with needs to come under the direction of God. Son Power can transform us from the inside so that we will be able to discern the ways in which God wants us to use this treasure.

Treasure is an amazing tool. But it is a tool that can be used for temporary earthly pleasure or for the imperishable goals of God’s kingdom. I’m quite sure God is not so interested in how much money we have or don’t have, but rather how much we are willing to give away. It is not the amount that matters, but the attitude in which the giving is done. God is more concerned about our spiritual development of faith in him, than he is about the money or treasure that is given away. The heart holds the real value here.

Jesus with the little boy who was willing to let Jesus have his lunch of five loaves and two fishes is recorded in all four gospels (see Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:31–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–14). This is an important story. It was just lunch. It was just a little boy. It was just five loaves and two fishes. And yet, Jesus took what that little boy gave him and multiplied it into lunch for a multitude. Satan would have us keep our resources for ourselves. But this little boy shows us that in the hands of Jesus our treasure can bless a lot of people. God can multiple anything that we are willing to give him when it is to be used for his plans and purposes.

Possessions require responsibility and care. The more stuff you have, the more stuff you have to maintain. There are many ways to use treasure. It takes wisdom and discernment to know how and where and why we are investing our treasure in someone or something. Allow Son Power to enable you to use your treasure in a supernatural way as the Holy Spirit provides opportunities for your treasure to be invested in God’s plans and purposes.

Are you willing to ask the Holy Spirit to provide insight and discernment in how you can best invest your treasure? If you are, he willshow you how to use your treasure for God’s glory.

In what ways are you depending on the Holy Spirit to help you manage and invest your treasure?

Son Power helps you to discern the ways in which God wants you to use the treasure that he has entrusted to you.

“Rise, let us go from here.” (John 14:31 ESV)

When Jesus was on this earth, he knew where he was going. He had a plan. He had a purpose. He was on the move. He had work to accomplish for the kingdom and he had only a short period of time in which to do it.

I believe Jesus is saying to each one of us, “Rise, let us go from here.” We are his ambassadors to an unbelieving and dying world. We have the good news of Jesus Christ. We have a role to play in the great story of God. It is time for us to put on the armor of God and point the way to the cross and eternal life. Now is the time for our opportunity.

The Lord is counting on us to use our time, talent, and treasure for the advancement of his kingdom and we have been empowered by his Spirit to accomplish his purposes.

Eternity is assured for everyone, whether we believe it or not and whether we like it or not. Eternity is the real world to come and there is nothing temporary or perishing about it. King David said, “Whom have I in heaven but you [God]? I desire you more than anything on earth” (Psalm 73:25, NLT). David realized that in the end his only possession would be his relationship with God.

In the New Testament, Paul tells us: “For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies. Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory’” (1 Corinthians 15:53–54, NLT).

In the meantime, let’s not be afraid. Let’s live the Son-powered life. Let’s allow God to use our time, talent, and treasure to make a difference for all eternity. Let’s press forward toward the goal for which God is calling us in Christ Jesus (see Philippians 3:14).

What are you going to do with the Son Power that God has made available to you? Are you going to rise, go from here, and live as the Son-powered vessel God wants you to be? Or are you going to settle for a life of mediocrity and low impact? It is a decision that only you can make. My prayer is that you will allow the Holy Spirit to infuse all of your life and that you will make a difference in this world and in the world to come. Because at the end of our lives, our goal is to

hear these words, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master” (Matthew 25:21, ESV).

In what ways are you living the Son-powered life? What impact have you experienced because of it, personally and in your world? What steps do you need to take going forward to continue to depend on the Holy Spirit’s power?

Son Power empowers you to live as God’s ambassador to an unbelieving and dying world.

“Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:10–11, NLT)

Ephesians 6:12–18 presents one of the most powerful truths in the Bible: we have the ability to protect ourselves against the attacks of Satan.

For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (NLT)

This passage identifies the various pieces of armor that will protect us from Satan’s attacks: belt of truth, body armor of God’s righteousness, shoes of peace that come from the Good News, shield of faith, helmet of salvation. All of these represent defensive armor. When we are under attack, we often don’t think about using God’s truth, righteousness, peace, Good News, faith, or salvation. These words seem to lack power. But we need to remember they are not words; they are tools in the hands of the Holy Spirit to empower us.

There is one offensive item listed in this passage, and that is the Word of God. Paul calls it the “sword of the Spirit.” It is the weapon used to aggressively counter the overtures of Satan as he attempts to ensnare us in his strategies of stealing, killing, and destroying. It is only when we soak our hearts in the Word of God, so much so that it actually becomes a part of our spiritual DNA that we will be able to use this weapon effectively. God has given us an incredible weapon that can and does thwart the enemy’s attacks. Therefore, we constantly need to be soaking our hearts and minds in the Word of God because it will work on our behalf when we allow it to be used as the sword of the Spirit.

Which piece of God’s armor do you need to specifically focus on today?

Son Power employs the weapons of the Holy Spirit for protection against Satan’s attacks.

“God stirs up the sea with His power, and by His understanding He breaks up the storm.” (Job 26:12, NKJV)

When we take time to reflect on God’s power, we’re amazed. And this in turn expands our vision of what God can do in us and through us. Images of God’s power are presented throughout the entire Bible. His power gives us confidence that he can overcome anything that is causing difficulty in our lives. His presence can dissolve any obstacle. Since he is the creator of all things, he knows all about our world and has the creative ability to deal with anything that is in need of repair.

God sent Jesus Christ into this world to bring us salvation and hope. I have often heard it said, Jesus is “God with skin on.” Jesus Christ is God incarnate; God embodied in human flesh. Because of Jesus Christ we have seen God at work in our world: loving people, healing disease, doing miracles, raising people from the dead. It is this power that we can rely on.

I am a huge fan of acrostics, which are poems, word puzzles, or other compositions in which certain letters in each line form a word or words. An acrostic can help bring to mind important topics. For me, most often my acrostics are words associated with key Bible verses that help me remember key attributes of God. Here is one of the acrostics I have developed that helps me remember that when I call on the power of Christ, he will, through the Holy Spirit, provide what I need. The word is CHRIST, with each letter giving me a key attribute of God. I’ve then associated a key verse with each attribute. This word is important to me, but it is not a formula. You can put an acrostic together on your own.

C Companionship … “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’ So we say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’” (Hebrews 13:5–6, NIV)

H Hope … “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NKJV)

R Revelation … “He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:22, NKJV)

I I … “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, NLT)

S Submission … “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:4–5, NKJV)

T Trust … “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.” (Psalm 37:3–6, NIV)

When I soak my mind and heart on this acrostic and its accompanying verses, I experience the wonderful peace and power that only come from God. I also use these verses in my conversations with the Lord, sowing my conversation with its contents. The Holy Spirit has often quieted my heart and mind. We can be freed and empowered when we use the Scripture in this way.

What situation in your life is requiring that you focus on God’s power?

Son Power expands your vision of what God can do in and through you.

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)

Talking to God about all of our life and believing he will answer our prayers is critical for the life of every Christian. As we talk with God about our life situations, the Holy Spirit empowers us with wisdom, guidance, and the strength to deal with each one. The Bible is clear that God will answer our prayers as we take time to soak in his Word.

Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened” (Matthew 7:7–8, NIV). And later in the New Testament we read, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14, NIV).

So often we want God to accomplish our will. It is important that we align ourselves with his will. As we pray, we need to ask God to enable us to see how he sees our current situation and pray for his solution. Whether we are facing everyday life, difficulties, or ministry opportunities, I believe Son Power is available to us in equal measure.

No matter what I am experiencing or what kind of decision I need to make, I use this equation to help me remember to rely on Son Power:

PRAYER + SUPPLY OF THE SPIRIT = DELIVERANCE

The principle here is that prayer (talking to God) about the problem or situation plus the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ will result in our deliverance. It is the supply of the Spirit that gives us life and empowers us to confront life. Paul described this in his letter to the Philippians: “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:19-21, NKJV).

As we face each day, we can be confident that God hears our prayers and is working in us to take care of us.

Honestly, are you daily seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength from God? What changes do you need to make in your habits to make this more of a priority?

Son Power gives wisdom, guidance, and strength through prayer.