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When we first meet Stephen in the Bible, he is selected by the early church apostles to take care of the needs of the widows in Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-6). Later we see him standing before the rulers of Israel and powerfully admonishing them for their unbelief in Christ (Acts 7:2-53). Also consider Priscilla and Aquila, who are introduced as tent makers (Acts 18:1-3). Later we see them open their home to the formation of the church, invite missionaries to stay over, work shoulder to shoulder in ministry, and forge ahead fearlessly in service to God, even in the face of persecution.
Where did Stephen and this dynamic couple get their power for ministry? The answer comes from Jesus. Before He left earth, He explained, “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you” (Acts 1:8).
In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit empowered a small number of individuals – like Moses and David – for specific purposes. But from the New Testament onward, the Holy Spirit has come into the life of every follower of Christ. That means you have His empowerment available for a lifetime – for a ministry, for living a God-honoring life, at all times! It gives us the conviction, courage, and confidence to live for Christ.
My friend, when God asks you to accomplish something, He provides all the resources you need to succeed. Like Stephen and Priscilla and Aquila, God gives you His Holy Spirit so you can be a witness for Him and accomplish great things for His kingdom.
Read From Jim’s Heart – Spiritual Power on Elizabeth & Jim George.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
When something difficult happens in your life, are you ever tempted to ask, “What good could come out of this?” The event looks like a disaster. It feels like a disaster. Therefore, we quickly conclude, it is a disaster! But God did not forget His people who were suffering in Babylon. And, my friend, He won’t forget you!
Too many times in the past I’ve told others “I’m fine” in order to hide my pain and sorrows from them. The truth is, my thoughts pulled me down so far that, in private, tears regularly streamed down my face. Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? Being a woman after God’s own heart is all about “minding your mind.”
As a young mother, I endeavored to “train a child in the way he should go,” so that “when he is old he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). A decade later, however, I wasn’t reaping the results I had expected. Angrily, I said to God, “But this isn’t the way it was supposed to be! This isn’t the way it went for this family here or that family over there. And this isn’t the way it was supposed to be for my family!”