Faith that Rocked Jesus

[S] Matthew 8:10 --
10 Now when Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who were following, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith with anyone in Israel.

[O] What a statement from Jesus!  This centurion's faith marveled Jesus not because of his knowledge of the Bible, or how much he gave to the poor, but because he was able to apply the simple truth of authority which he was familiar with.  He wasn't even a Jew (i.e., who knew a lot about God).  He converted his practice of authority to believing in Jesus as the one with the full authority.  He gave Jesus the blank check.

[A] First I felt jealous about the centurion's faith getting the praise from Jesus.  Then I realized how selfish my faith comes down to be.  I really need to learn how to empty my own agenda in order to fully recognize His authority over my life and all that's around me.

[P] Dear Jesus, my faith may not get get such a praise as this centurion but may my faith stay pure, sincerely seeking to bring out Your authority in my life as I ask in Your name.  Amen.

Live a Life with Full Authority Given

[S] Luke 10:19 --
19 Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.

[O] I am given a powerful authority in this world to tread over the enemy's power and I will have 100% protection from God.  The key is not how much authority God gave me but how much of my life reflects such an authority in my daily living.

[A] Live a confident and powerful life with authority over all the enemy's power.  I need to remind myself how much authority God has given me to live in this world.  So, let's use it!

[P] Dear Father, thank You for empower me with such a great authority over the enemy.  Thank You also for protecting me.  I feel I'm getting beat up these days by the enemy but I will claim this word from You about not getting injured at all.  I am going to stand up for You and to shine Your light in this world.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

King's Mule is More Than a Mule

[S] 1 Kings 1:43-44 --
43 But Jonathan replied to Adonijah, "No! Our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 "The king has also sent with him Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the Cherethites, and the Pelethites; and they have made him ride on the king’s mule.

[O] The power of King's throne is displayed here when King David anoints his son Solomon as the king while Adoniajah was scheming to make himself the king.  When the people heard this news, they were fearful to associate with Adoniajah because the new king has been announced by King David and even Adoniajah himself was afraid of Solomon.  In this display of the royal power I can't help but to notice the mention of king's mule because it signified the approval of the king.  When did mules used for such a prestigious position?  For me the image of mules is about carrying heavy load up the mountain or to a distant location.  Although they strong, they are not fast or good looking like horses.  Nevertheless, when such an animal is known as the king's mule, it carries the king's authority.  As I was reflecting on this, I associated with the mule merely because it's not what I do for God that is so fabulous but rather God's amazing strength and authority abiding in my life shining through me will put me in a position of strength and authority.

[A] As even a mule is used to display the power and authority of a king, not what I do but how the Heavenly King labeling me as His own should be sufficient for me to take part in His ministry.  Nothing of my doing but all of His doing will shine through.

[P] Dear Father, it's so good to know that I carry Your Name by receiving what Jesus did at Calvary.  Even though I seek other people's recognition, I'm no better than a mule.  However because of Your Name engraved in my life, I am significant.  Thank You for making my life significant in this world.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.

Reverent Leadership Authority

[S] Nehemiah 13:22 --
 ²²And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the sabbath day. For this also remember me, O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness.

[O] Nehemiah's command to Levites that they should purify themselves came not only with authority but also with reverence to God.  He displays the leadership who is foremost reverent before God and out of that brings forth the authority required to lead people including rebuking when they are out of line with God's principles.  There is a fine line between leading by fear vs. leading by conviction but Nehemiah's leadership was honored by others because of his right motivation before God.  After his commanding the Levites, he humbly falls before God and recognizes his privilege because of God's compassion and lovingkindness.

[A] Being in a leadership role at church, I need to learn to balance these two like Nehemiah.  I must not just abuse my role/position but to lead them to see the motivation for my leadership comes from my on-going experiences of God's compassion, grace, and love for my own life.

[P] Dear God, please make me a leader with the compassion heart like Yours and for me to always balance the authority and compassion.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.