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Glory Seed Devotionals, 2016: Year of the Blessing…
Doing all things verses doing what must be done…
Shalom!
For me one scripture that becomes wishful thinking is found in Philippians chapter 4, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
(Philippians 4:13 ESV) Here’s how I think sometimes if I can do all things then that means I can with a bad heart, bad lungs, bad hips step out on a football field be a Running Back. However, reality steps in and says, “Sure you can do that but you’ll probably get killed in the process.
Now notice how the Easy-to-Read Version translates it, “Christ is the one who gives me the strength I need to do whatever I must do.” (Philippians 4:13 ERV) Jesus gives me the strength “to do whatever I must do,” and I must not play football in my condition because doing so will be detrimental to my well being. One version borders on doing things my way, the other version borders on thinking then using common sense.
The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians explains how we can do whatever we must do. “Christ's love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with everything God has for you. With God's power working in us, he can do much, much more than anything we can ask or think of.” (Ephesians 3:19-20 ERV)
I am sure every one of us has something overpowering us for which we need strength beyond our own. Remember the age old saying, “If at first you don’t succeed try and try again,” try this version, “If at first you don’t succeed get with God and get it done.”
With the Old Mule Parable from yesterday fresh in our minds Paul also pipes in with some timely advice on shaking it off and stepping up, “Pray in the Spirit at all times. Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need. To do this you must always be ready. Never give up, shake it off and step up. Always pray for all of God's people.” (Ephesians 6:18 ERV, italics mine)
“God, show mercy to us and bless us. Please accept us!”
GRACE and PEACE,
Gary
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Holy Bible: Easy-to-Read Version Taken from the HOLY BIBLE: EASY-TO-READ VERSION (c) 2008 by World Bible Translation Center, Inc. and used by permission. (Download your own free copy at www.wbtc.org.)
**Psalm 67:1, ERV