In Need of Strength by Larry Davenport
SEE (Introduction)
Can I interest you in a drain cleaning bladder? I honestly had never heard of one until a couple of years ago.
We were under a severe thunderstorm warning when I noticed that the drains on the back patio between the basement sliding doors and the pool were not draining. The water was inching ever closer to my basement and I thought I was in trouble. Fortunately the water never breached. But I had to clear the drains.
I tried everything you can imagine until I discovered the drain cleaning bladder. It is piece of rubber that attaches to a water hose and it has a tiny hole at the other end. You then insert the assembly into the drain and turn the water on. The rubber inflates from the pressure and seals against the pipe. The resulting blast of water pressure pushes the clog through the drain. Amazing.
I do have a theory that the drain cleaning bladder would be useless if it were not connected to the source.
WHY
Just like the drain cleaning bladder must be connected to a source to clear the debris from the drain, we absolutely must be connected to our power source – Jesus – to have the strength and the tools we need to keep our path clear.
1 Corinthians 1:24-25 But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.
When you make the decision to plug in to the strength of Christ, you become a different person and His strength is shared with you.
In the video, we discussed thoughts, imaginations, and strongholds.
Since it is the thought that begins the process, lets begin there. We must be prepared and equipped to capture that thought.
Will evil thoughts come – Yes or yes? So what do we do? Replace the thought. This is why we must strategize right now. Go ahead and get a favorite Bible verse in your mind. Do you have a favorite devotional song? Put it on your heart. Now when the bad thought enters your mind, replace it with that scripture or that song.
Take some time now to discover your Scripture weapon and your song weapon so that you will always be ready.
Jesus told his disciples, “In the world, you will have tribulation.” (John 16:23).
Once when I was in the Navy, the ship I was on was dropping anchor. I remember watching the anchor chain unwind very quickly as the anchor dropped. The water was very deep because the chain kept rolling out. Suddenly, I saw the last link roll off and the anchor and chain sunk to the bottom of the ocean.
Well, you and I both know enough to understand that the anchor must remain connected to the ship to provide strength and stability, keep the ship from crashing into a reef, and keep their position strong and secure.
Staying connected to our source of strength – Jesus – may mean dropping some anchors at times to secure our position. Consider the following anchors:
- A Strong Family – God said in Genesis 2:18, “It is not good that man should be alone…” If you are looking to get married, find someone that will help you get to heaven.
- A Strong Faith – Luke spoke of “things surely believed among us…” Luke 1:1 – How grounded in the truth are we? What would we give “in exchange for our soul?” Matthew 16:26
- A Strong Group of Christian Friends – Paul said in 1 Corinthians15:33 that evil companions corrupt good morals. The friends we choose to hang out with will have a profound impact on our manners, our morals, and our character.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 talks about the value of good friends when the enemy comes. Solomon says that one might be overpowered, two can provide a defense, but that a group of three is difficult to break. Imagine what four, five, six friends all connected to the same source of strength i.e. Jesus can withstand.
SEE
Are you connected to the source – Jesus?
Let’s say you have a car. It is beautiful. It has the latest technology, great engine, brand new tires, key in the ignition, but it is useless without a battery right? Why? Because it must be connected to a source.
Cars, computers, your smart phone, and even drain cleaning bladders must be connected to a source if they are to be effective.
I hope you are plugged into the Word of God. I pray that you become a child of God (if you are not already) . Admit that Jesus is the Son of God and be baptized for the remission of your sins as God commanded. Then stay connected to the source – develop your spiritual weapons so you can capture your thoughts and remain obedient and faithful all of your life.