Zechariah 4 : 6

Then he said to me : "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel : Not by might, and not by power, but by my spirit says the Lord of hosts.

Meditation

Not by might or power is the complete opposite of how our world is run today or at anytime in history. Leaders seem to be all chosen based on their power and might. Think about it; how do we choose our government, who should be in charge, whether be it in a prayer group or at work etc ? How do we deal with those we are having difficulty with?  Do we pray about it or do we use threats and force to intimidate our enemy ? The Lord says that someone who is led by the spirit, in complete communion with God and His precepts can have power and might. Through the Holy Spirit God continues to transform His church, the body of Christ, into His eternal dwelling place ! 

“Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don't know the Scriptures, and you don't know the power of God.” (Matthew 22 : 29)

 “For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” (Colossians 2 : 12) 

Do we truly believe in the strength and power of the Holy Spirit ? 

Meet the Challenge

For Christians the New Year should begin with the celebration of Easter and the ressurection of Christ. Easter is just around the corner, so how about "making a new start" in your relationship with God? How about trying to live your life completely led by the Spirit? 

Here are a few ideas taken from Rick Warren, an American pastor :

• Stop making excuses. Excuses are our biggest barrier to change.
• Set goals as it's an act of faith in your future. God is interested in who you want to become and NOT who you were.
• Change your thoughts. Thoughts are only thoughts and are not always true. Remember that your failures are where you learn your lessons. Don't become a victim or prisoner of your past.
• Trust in the plan God has for you. With Him you can do the unthinkable. 
• Take the time to PRAY, PRAY  and PRAY.

The End

This is the last publication for our community of prayer as we have come to the end of the Old Testament. A new beginning for all of you who have come to know the Holy Spirit over the past year. 

For those of you who have recently joined and even for older members, I strongly suggest going back to the first publication and taking the time to meditate and pray upon what you read every two weeks just as you have been doing so far. 

I will continue to keep you in my prayers. May the Lord fill you with His Spirit especially at Pentecost this year ! Amen. 

Let's Pray

"Spirit of wisdom and understanding, enlighten our minds to perceive the mysteries of the universe in relation to eternity. 

Spirit of right judgment and courage, guide us and make us firm in our baptismal decision to follow Jesus' way of love. 

Spirit of knowledge and reverence, help us to see the lasting value of justice and mercy in our everyday dealings with one another. May we respect life as we work to solve problems of family and nation, economy and ecology. 

Spirit of God, spark our faith, hope and love into new action each day. Fill our lives with wonder and awe in your presence which penetrates all creation. Amen."

Let's Praise Him