Putting Limitations on God

The following comments were made after the many miracles that Jesus performed.

“At that point some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Here he is, speaking publicly, and they are not saying a word to him. Have the authorities really concluded that he is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he is from.” John 7:25-27

“Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” John 10:22-25

“When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

“But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Matthew 16:13-15 (emphasis added)

Who do you say He is?

Part of the reason some of us can not develop a deeper relationship with the Lord is because we do not understand who He is or acknowledge His power.

“By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.” Acts 3:16

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:9-11

I do not know of anyone who has or will have a presence like this. You may tremble when your boss comes in or when a group of people from Headquarters comes down but I guarantee that a knee in Heaven, Earth nor Hell will bow at their name.

One of my favorite miracles that Jesus performed was healing the woman with the issue of blood (Matthew 9:20-22). This is the only miracle that I can recall where someone initiated their own blessing without the acknowledgement of Jesus. To clarify: she did not come to Jesus asking for healing, he did not sense a demon and drove it out, nor did he heal her as an example to the crowd.

This person recognized who Jesus was and acknowledged his healing power. She did not try to touch his face or any other body part. She went for the hem of his garment. Also, note the level of her faith compared with the level of her actions.

Huge faith + small action= miraculous results

As a believer in Christ I would like you to consider a few questions.

• Do you believe in the miracles and blessings that took place in Biblical times?

It is important that you do. In both the Old and New Testament display of grace, mercy, blessings, miracles, and protection when being obedient are the tools that you need for today. Seeing what God did back then lets you know what He is capable of right now. If anything now days it’s easier for God to work miracles. Tax money was in a fish now He sends blessings through the mail. Back then you waited by a fountain for the waters to move for healing. Now you can ask for healing where ever you are.

• Do you believe that miracles and blessings are happening today?

If you do not then you are limiting God to the past. Keep in mind where ever there is Satan’s destruction there is always God’s grace. When the levees broke not everyone perished. When the earthquake hit Haiti, not everyone was buried. You are living pay check to pay check but some how all your bills are paid and your account is not overdrawn.

• When you hear a testimony what do you think? How do you feel? If you choose not to believe, are you not believing the person or the power?

“Then came the Festival of Dedication at Jerusalem. It was winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade. The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:22-27

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:24-30

By being a believer and accepting Christ you recognize and acknowledge His power. If you do not believe He is capable of great things why do you pray to Him? If you limit Him and what He can do is he really who you believe He is?

The problem is not can or will He do it? It is why you do not believe He can?

New Believer- Rededication to Christ

Whether you have decided to rededicate your life or accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior publicly or in the privacy of your heart this will be one of, if not the most, life altering decisions that you will ever make. Most people do not immediately have a transformation that eliminates all sinful behavior and bad habits or willingness to honor the Great Commission. Through life you grow and learn, experience trials and success, and sickness and health. You will still experience these, however, the journey will be different with Jesus in your life. Just like with an infant the first years are the most formative, the beginning of your work with Jesus is equally as important. Here are four key actions that will help you on the beginning of your journey:

Read the Word daily.

This is the best way to draw nearer to God and to develop a relationship with Him. You will also strengthen your faith and learn scripture that you can recall when you need it. The Lord said that His Word shall not return void. (Isaiah 11:55). In order for you to know that God’s word has not returned void you have to know what he has said.

Spend time with the Lord daily.

You can do this through prayer, mediation, reading His word, reading books by spiritual leaders, and listening to and participating in praise and worship. Try to record your experiences, you never know when you may need to go back and reference a scripture or a song. Spending time with Him allows you to develop and strengthen a bond. It will change how you view things, interact with others, and cause to respond differently.

Change your lifestyle and surroundings.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” Romans 12:2 (NIV).

This can be hard in some instances and easier in others. If you really want to live for God have the courage to change and distance yourself from unhealthy relationships. Pray and ask for clarity before acting. You never know who God may want to reach through you. You cannot expect to change or for change to happen in your life if you are doing the same thing before you turned your life over to Christ. If you are rededicating your life again some of the activities you have stumbled with or have hang ups maybe things you need to change, avoid, or dispose of from your life.

“We therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raided from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Romans 6:4 (NIV)

Surround yourself around Godly people.

Join a group or ministry at your church. I was taught to surround myself around the people who are where I want to be. No, you probably will not be able to go shopping with the first lady or golfing with the Pastor, but there are other people in the church that you can bond with. By surrounding yourself and participating in a ministry or small group your create Godly friendships and help with the accountability for your actions. Your group will also be a spiritual source of advice.

Be obedient to GOD and HIS word.

“See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse-the blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your GOD that I am giving you today; the curse if from the way that I command you today by following other gods, which you have not known.” Deuteronomy 11:26-28

Sometimes the Lord says no or wait. You may not understand at the moment but remember “lean not unto thine own understand.” Proverbs 3:5-7. Remember “they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Isaiah 40:31. Personally there are many situations in my life were had I been obedient I could have avoided a lot of stress and hardships. It was not that I had not listened to him I did not even consult Him. If he knows how many hairs are on your head (Matthew 10:30) and knew you before you were born (Jeremiah 1:5) he cares about every aspect of your life. God loves you no matter what you have done and you have a purpose in His kingdom.