January 4: Genesis 9-11; Luke 4

Gaining Strength

Scripture: Luke (NIV) 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.

Observation: In the first three chapters of Luke we read that Jesus had been conceived by the Holy Spirit, greeted by the Holy Spirit, filled with the Holy Spirit, and led by the Holy Spirit. It is interesting that only after being tempted by Satan do we read that Jesus returned from the wilderness “in the power of the Spirit.”

Application: The opposition of weights against the muscles results in the strengthening of those muscles. Similarly the devils opposition and temptations can be used to increase my spiritual strength. That is probably why James (1:2) tells me to count it all joy when I fall into various temptations.

Prayer: Lord, living for you does not mean a trouble free life. But it does mean that you are with me and that the troubles will work for my good. Amen.

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!