From the Edges – Claiming Power – Morning Devotional

From the Edges – A Morning Devotional

Pastor Calvin Cook

April 16, 2024 – CLAIMING POWER

Scripture focus – John 6:27-29 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

My thanks to the one who just recently asked “Why does it seem that some have the resurrection power and others do not.?” In answering this question, the first resolution that we must come to is self. It rests with each of us to determine through our sanctifying grace where we are in our relationship with God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May we be very clear, that none of us are able to determine another’s faith or where they are with God. Again, I stress – none of us.

Which brings us to answer the question – “why does it seem that we are in different places in our faith journey.” I believe it is because we are all in different places in our relationship and commitment to be followers of Jesus. Have we accepted the power of the Holy Spirit, and to be faithful to God in all that we do. The second part being where have we placed our priority.

John chapters 5 & 6 give us some rather clear instruction on this relationship and where we are in our thinking and our commitment. The first place that we must be in this process as John 6:29 describes in Jesus words – “to believe in the one”. Who is the one? That one is Jesus!

The basis is to experience Jesus we must receive Jesus through a commitment to follow, believe and trust. Not just believe that God will show up when needed, but a daily walking with, listening to, following commitment that is not in second place or an afterthought. Secondly that all things are done to the glory of God. I believe that this becomes the way that we claim and receive power, especially the power of the Resurrection.

The answer is simply this, as I tried to explain this past weekend. It is available to you, salvation through Jesus, abundant life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, resurrection power, eternal security, and so much more. The way has been made; we simply must accept. If you are lacking in your faith or in your relationship with God, it is on you!