For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (1 Co 4:20)

Jules and I had a great time in PNG sharing with the MAF family at their annual conference. They are such wonderful people and each year we go there is a new level of intimacy and power in which we can share. This year I shared with them some of the messages we have been looking at in recent weeks from Galatians. In particular I talked about the desire God has for us to be clothed with power so we can rise up with Him and fulfill our calling.

While Jules and I both love going over there, I must admit the thing I struggle with most is the flying. While I know there are more things that can go wrong when you are on the ground than when you are up in the air, the consequences are much greater when you are up in the air!!

The same is true for our spiritual walk and that is why too many of us are content to walk with God when we could be flying with him. It’s safer to walk, or so we think, and so we go through life operating in a base level in our relationship with God. For the security and safety of walking we forgo being clothed with power from on high so that we might soar with God in the work and ministry He is doing in the world and our own neighbourhood.

“..But stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49

God makes it clear we are not even fit for ministry until we have been clothed with power from on high. Do you desire that for your own life? Are you prepared to do whatever is required so we can receive the power from on high?

If we want to soar with God we must also be prepared to do the ground work. Flying a plane is the end result of many hours spent on the ground preparing the plane to fly. For every hour in the air there are many more spend on the ground. In MAF PNG for instance there are 26 pilots and 124 grounds staff!

The same is true for us as individuals and as a church. If we want to soar with God and be clothed with power we must first do the ground work in prayer.

God has so much more for us. Let’s not be content to walk when we can fly. Let not be content with our own strength when we can have power from on high.

Can I encourage you church to seek God like never before. Seek to know Him. Seek to be filled with Him. May we together know and experience what Paul prayed for.

“.. That you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms. Now he is far above any ruler or authority or power or leader or anything else—not only in this world but also in the world to come. God has put all things under the authority of Christ and has made him head over all things for the benefit of the church. And the church is his body; it is made full and complete by Christ, who fills all things everywhere with himself.” Eph 1:19-23