Power is lost through self-indulgence. The one who would
have God's power must lead a life of self-denial . . . . I do
not believe that any man can lead a luxurious life, over-indulge
his natural appetites, indulge extensively in dainties and enjoy
the fullness of God's power.
The gratification of the flesh and the fullness of the Spirit do
not go hand in hand . . .
If we would know the continuance of the Spirit's power we
need to be on guard to lead lives of simplicity, free from
indulgence and surfeiting, be ready to "endure hardness as a
good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2 Tim. 2:3). I frankly confess
I am afraid of luxury; not as afraid of it as I am of sin, but it
comes next as an object of dread. It is very subtle, but a very
potent enemy of power. There are devils today that 'go not
out but by prayer and fasting.' " (Shelhamer, Heart-Searching Talks, 124-27.)
The Holy Spirit always reaches out to others, is always sensitive to the welfare of the entire church and of the world. Self-centeredness is the opposite of Christ-centeredness and kingdom-centeredness.
In numerous ways Christians may spend their time or indulge themselves, ways that are contrary to the sacrificial spirit of holiness, the recognition of the needs of a hurting world, and the extension of Christ's kingdom.
His "insomuch as you did not" will be said to evangelical Christians of our generation as truly as it was said to some of His generation. How can the Spirit bless us with outpourings of His power when we are so little concerned about what concerns Him?
6) Self-sufficiency and pride will deplete spiritual power. Power can be almost instantly lost through pride. God will not share His glory with any other. God condescends to work through Spirit-filled people, but if anyone reaches out his proud hand and takes to himself the glory of which only God is worthy, He will withdraw His power, often instantly. That is one reason Satan tempts you so constantly to pride.
Billy Graham has repeatedly made such statements as, "If God should take his hand from my life, these lips will turn to lips of clay." We are only earthen vessels, "jars of clay to show that this all- surpassing power is from God and not from us" (2 Cor. 4:7).
God could reveal Himself so fully to Moses in a more face-to-face relationship than with any other human being (Deu. 34:10), and could work more mighty miracles through Moses than through any other person (Deu. 34:12) because Moses was the most humble person on the face of God's earth (Num. 12:3).
Satan's own down fall was through his pride (perhaps Ezek. 28:2,5,17; 1 Tim. 3:6). Pride makes us more like Satan than like Christ. Pride will cause God to turn His face away from us. God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6; 1 Peter 5:5).
Any step of self-sufficiency is the first step to pride. Any
acceptance of praise for oneself is probably denying God praise
due Him. Self-confidence can be humble if based on God's usual help and if we remain in complete dependence on Him. But self-confidence can be carnal, can become a carnal form of self-reliance, and can rob us of God's sweet presence and His mighty power.
7). Excessive levity can deplete spiritual power. Humor is a gift of God to us, but it must be used only in appropriate ways and to a modest extent. God is obviously a God who Himself enjoys wholesome Humor. That is why He created us to enjoy humor and to be able to laugh.
But there is a time, a place, and a limit on the humor God will bless. Even too much wholesome humor can dissipate God's power. I have noticed that just before a special spiritual responsibility, even when I was not aware that it was just ahead, Satan has at times tried to get me and others so amused that we lost the spiritual preparation we had made.
Satan delights to rob us of God's anointing and power just before a spiritual crisis for time when we will greatly need His power. The presence and power of the Spirit available to a person through several hours of prayer can be lost by five minutes of improper humor, or humor at the improper time.
8). Sin always depletes and destroys the power of the Spirit. Conscious disobedience, sin against light, sin against another, and all forms of failure to walk in God's light will stop the awareness of the presence and smile of God's favor. Sin stops the Spirit's power from filling you and using you. Sin robs prayer of its effectiveness.
"If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened" (Ps. 66:18). This refers, of course, to sin according to the Bible definition of 1 John 3:4, a willful breaking of God's law in spite of clear light.
Thank God, there is forgiveness and cleansing available. There is always a way back to God's favor, presence, and power (1 John 2:1-2). Contrition, humbling ourselves before the Lord, repentance where necessary, and forgiveness can open the gate to God's full favor and the flood tide of His power upon us again.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Used by permission of the author and Duewel Literature Trust, Inc., Greenwood, Indiana. Creative reading style by Jean.
#23 How Spiritual Power is Depleted or Lost 5-8
by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
(pp. 88-91) ZondervanPublishingHouse
I've updated 2017 listings , and 2016 in my PAGES
#9 "You Can Intercede", has been posted on Healing Thoughts and Prayers
Today's Guest blog post:
"When we allow and cooperate,
Jesus makes us sparkle with His love . . .
Jesus makes us sparkle with His love . . .
Each of us shines in our little place and each stands out to our Maker. He individually chose us."
Father, help us understand that the gratification of our flesh and the fullness of the Spirit do not go hand in hand.
Our self-centeredness tends to be the opposite of Christ-centeredness and kingdom-centeredness. Forgive us! Make us aware of the way we spend our time indulging in ways that please ourselves; ways that are contrary to the sacrificial spirit of holiness. Help us remember that Satan's downfall came from his being prideful, wanting things his way over God's, and seeking to be in charge of everything. As the Lord God has a good plan for each of us, that He designed before the world began, may we seek His guidance, so as to fulfill His plan for us, so our spiritual power is not depleted through our selfishness and pride. We pray this for Your glory, and for the sake of Christ's kingdom and power planned for each of us. In His name I pray. Amen.
Today's Bible verse-
Ezekiel 28:15 (Speaking of Satan) "Thou was perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. (v 17) Thine heart was lifted up because of they beauty, thou hast corrupted thy wisdom by reason of thy brightness: I will cast thee to the ground, I will lay thee before kings, that they may behold thee."  Mark I. Bubeck- "Revival begins to happen when believers hear God's Word speaking to their own hearts: 'You're the one! This is what the Lord God says. It's your prayerlessness, your carnality, your indifference, your bitterness, your hardness, your unfaithfulness!'
When revival awakening comes near, God's Word begins to speak personally to each individual. 'You're the one!' begins to echo in the heart of each believer." (Pg. 211, THE SATANIC REVIVAL)
Upcoming posts-
#24 Love - the Secret of Your Leadership
2/1- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
The Price of the Promise
3rd- Saturday's post by Lee Forbes
#25 Ablaze with a Passion for Christ
6th- Tuesday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
#26 Loving Jesus will Transform Your Life
8th- Thursday's post by Dr. Wesley L. Duewel
(Jean's published book)
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