Greg Durante Podcast

We have been given the power and the authority in the name of Jesus to do miracles. It is one of the pieces of evidence that God is working in us, making us a living testimony for others to believe in Jesus as well. Let us live in this truth, that the One who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world.

There is nothing in this world that is more powerful than a Christian living in a lifestyle of worship, aided by the power of the Holy Spirit indwelling in the believer. This is reflected in his actions and words, as well as in every little thing he does. Serving God is briefly summarized in that. Serving God is not just about mere presence and actions, but more importantly, it is led and instructed by the Holy Spirit, and that is when we can say that we are serving God in spirit and truth.

There are many things in the world that can overthrow our confidence. A simple act or gesture can make or break our day, and perhaps, some major life decisions, too. We sometimes tend to think that there are no ways to break through; thus, we begin to get stuck in defeat mode. But, one look at the Savior, one word of surrender and repentance, can turn the tide. Let's get our focus on God when things overwhelm us. No waves are too high when our Savior walks on water. No mountains are too lofty when it's only His footstool. No storm is strong enough not to obey the voice of the Creator. Take authority and claim the victory!

The Bible says in Psalm 90:2, "Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." This verse talks about how God stays the same from the very beginning, even til the end. And that, along with that, are His characteristics. His goodness, His grace, His faithfulness, and all the other attributes. His Word and His promises stand, even when things around us seem to fall apart, because His faithfulness does not depend on man, or events, or circumstances in our life, but in Him only. He will do that which He has promised because He honors His Word greatly.

A gift is a freely given item given to someone whom the giver believes is worthy to receive it. God deemed us worthy to receive the greatest gift of salvation through Christ, though we have failed to believe in Him many times. He just asks us to receive and believe Jesus Christ, the greatest gift, which connects us again to God, having paid the ultimate price that forever sealed us as children of God, giving us more than salvation, but peace, blessings, joy, and love.

Just like the old Christmas carol, which talks about the many wonderful things about Christ, perhaps the most excellent response is to adore Him altogether. Just think about the Son of God, seated at the right hand of the Father, who once left His majestic abode to live with us, humans, one of just the many creations of God, and then teaching us, healing us, making us whole, dying for us on the cross, all done unselfishly so that we may be called again as children of God. Imagine that with all His glory in heaven, He was despised at the cross until death and redeemed us from condemnation to eternal punishment in hell, unto His eternal glory in heaven. That is why the only suiting and most excellent response is to come and adore Him.

During His lifetime on earth, Jesus never missed a beat of His Father's will. Why? because He is always in communication with His Father. There was no clock or watch during his time, but His prayer time must have been so intense and long that it would reflect in the miracles He performed each day. He makes prayer His focus. As followers of Christ, we must apply and observe this characteristic of Jesus to make prayer our main business. So when we face troubles and problems in this world, we know what to do and whom we can run to.

We cannot control situations in life. There are ups and downs, lefts and rights, and forward and backward stances. What we can control is how we will react. But it's not always easy to stay on a good path. That's why we need something to get a grasp on. That's where faith comes in. And when a household, in Christians, this means, the church family, operates in faith in God, nothing can stand against its members. Operating in faith means loving one another, lifting one another in prayer, protecting against false teachers, leading like how Jesus leads His followers, etc. As long as Christ is in the center, everything will be in place and in perspective.

The blood of the Lamb, the meek and lowly in heart disposition, of the One who shed it, for the redemption of our sins, is still continuously cleansing us from all sins and has forever granted us eternal life, to those who will believe and receive. Its power has also given us access to the throne of God so that we can live there forever. There is now no condemnation, in the powerful blood of Jesus Christ. 

The Word of God is alive and active. And God Himself is not a man that He should lie. He is faithful and true. If you can think of all the times He saved you, provided for you, protected you, and lifted you, know that He will do it repeatedly because He loves us that much. Be fully convinced that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. 

The fullness of the Holy Spirit means that we obey what he says. We will not have our way. It means that we are fully surrendered to His cause. We may ask, or doubt a bit, but eventually, will carry out His tasks for us. And in obedience, faith grows and matures, because, in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, we can experience miracles and breakthroughs which no man can do.

When faced with persecution and troubles, the easiest way is to retaliate especially when the ego is touched. But, it was when we became a weapon for the enemy, for we allowed ourselves to give in to the plan of the evil one. Hard as it may seem, fighting battles with and in love, is always a win-win for both sides. Carry love as a weapon always, it may not be the toughest or the strongest or even the sharpest, but it is the most powerful of all that can melt down a hardened heart.

Is there anything hard to do for God? He can do it because He is the living God. There is nothing impossible for Him. We can think out of the box but there will come a time when our mind will limit us because it is, limited. But not God, who created all things, the universe, and everything in it. We cannot even fathom what lies beyond the galaxies and the darkness beyond, but not God, the Creator. He is able to do anything because He is that all-powerful.

Enlarge your tent. Tear down old walls and build new ones. Make room for more space for God to move, and then move. God has prepared greater things for you. See beyond what you see around you now. There is far more to it. God is waiting on the other side of your problems with your reward. Press on. Take faith along. 

God does what He pleases. And what pleases God is to bless His children and make His plans come forth. But we must make an effort to let Him do it in our lives. We must obey, trust, love, and worship Him because when He is lifted high in our lives, we make a way for Him to do His good plans for us. 

Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the Son of God. Even here on Earth, He displayed compelling and significant evidence that He is God. Though some say He is a prophet or a teacher, His miracles alone cannot argue His divine nature. The Bible also, talks about Him, even in the beginning and end. 

For God to sanctify you is for you to be set apart. When God blesses you, He wants you to trust Him only, even amid unbelievable circumstances and situations. Trust His Word. Trust His promises. That in the middle of trials, there will be an answer. That in the darkness, there is light. That in lack, there is fullness. That in every negative situation, there is something that God has prepared. Because His Word said that when the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. God will make a way and make the crooked path straight.

We may be hard-pressed on every side, but problems and trials are normal. The good thing is that we have the Word of God and prayer as our weapons. Soaking in these puts one in a better position to shield and wield his attack. The anointing we will receive will prepare us to be our best in the battle.

Everyone experiences the same trials and problems while here on earth. It may not be at the same time or circumstances, but still, nothing is new under the sun, just as the wise man told us in the book of Proverbs. But the confidence of the Christians lies in the everlasting truth that there is also nothing in this world that can separate us from the love of God. This truth, once believed and applied, just as any truth on earth is, will free any man from doubts, worries, troubles, and anxieties. And there are so many truths in His Word and in His promises, that will keep us grounded, standing steadily, amidst the turbulence and chaos, life may bring. 

Accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior makes Him the Lord and Savior of our lives and a Shepherd who guides, cares, protects, leads, watches over, and tends to us. He is also the Bishop of our souls, who advises, teaches, and mentors us about the Word of God and the will of the Father. We have someone we can follow in Jesus, who will always give whatever we need to strengthen our walk of faith.