SEPTEMBER 16 – Reading 259

by Tim Satryan | September 16

“YOU ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH”
(Zechariah 4:1 – 6:15)

“So he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty.’” – Zechariah 4:6

Think about this. Solomon built the temple – but the Babylonians destroyed it. Davd fought many battles and collected the spoil, but the remnant didn’t even have an army. All the efforts, even of God’s people, when dependent upon their human strengths and abilities, would end up in nothingness. 

This is precisely the reason the Lord speaks to Zechariah the words “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit.” You see, the word “might” refers to the power of armies. The word “power” refers to the strength of an individual. 

All efforts that are dependent upon the strength of groups – an army or even a church – or built on an individual’s personal strength – no matter who they are – will fall flat. It is ONLY when we depend upon the strength we receive from the Holy Spirit can we have victory! It is not by the “might” of those you are with, and it is not by your own “power” that you will have victory. It is ONLY by His Spirit!

Simple Truth:
Don’t try to make it on your own strength, or even on the strength of friends or the church! You will only be victorious as you depend upon the Lord and the power of His Holy Spirit!

Reflections & Application: 

  • Being a part of the church, even attending church, is important! But, it is not a substitute for the infilling of the Holy Spirit in your life!

     

  • It is easy for us, when things seem to be going well, to think we “have it all together.” Don’t be fooled! Recognize that all you have and all you are is dependent upon God!

     

  • Make a habit of seeking God and His Spirit’s leading and guiding you every moment of every day.

     

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I realize that without You and Your leading, I am nothing. You are my total source for all I have today and for all eternity. I yield myself to You. Lead me and guide me in all I do and say, today, and forever. I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

About our Author

Tim Satryan has been in full time ministry since 1980. He has served five churches in four states. He has also served as the District Youth and Music Director for the PennDel Ministry Network of the Assemblies of God, was the Presbyter for the state of Delaware for over a decade, and for a number of years traveled with the AG Church Multiplication Network, teaching church planting and church revitalization.

Read More

READ MORE

March 29 – Reading 88

MARCH 29 - Reading 88by John Christian Pra | March 29“CAN THIS GET ANY WORSE?”(Judges 19:1 – 21:25 & Judges 12:8 – 13:25) “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” – Judges 21:25 The book of Judges ends in a place...

March 28 – Reading 87

MARCH 28 - Reading 87by John Christian Pra | March 28“WHO IS LIKE THE LORD?”(1 Samuel 4:2 - 7:1)“Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?”– 1 Samuel 6:20 One of the greatest dangers in a Christian’s life is becoming too familiar with God. Whenever you find...

March 27 – Reading 86

MARCH 27 - Reading 86by John Christian Pra | March 27“SAVE US! AGAIN!”(Judges 10:6 - 12:7) “And the people of Israel said to the LORD, ‘We have sinned; do to us whatever seems good to you. Only please deliver us this day.’ So they put away the foreign gods from among...