Believe #5: More than just a Slogan!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13, NKJV)

When I came up with the name "4:13 Ministries: Doing All Things through Christ," it wasn't because it sounded god or because it was popular and one of the most quotes scriptures a person will ever hear. It was because I believed the words written in this 4th chapter and 13th verse of the book of Philippians with every ounce of my being. They are words that have become a reality to me, words that have enabled me to realize and accept the strength being offered to me so that change could be effectuated in my life. They are words that have helped me be rid of things that I never thought I would be able to do without.

It is time for this scripture to be more than just a scripture that people quote at appropriate times. It's time for it to be more than just words on t-shirts, wristbands, and bumper stickers. It's time for it to be more than just a slogan athletes write on their shoes before big games. It's time for these words to be a deeply rooted belief that we live by and stand on when we find ourselves up against something stronger than us.

These are words I had to rely on to be rid of my gambling addiction, to be rid of my hatred for people who I feel have forgotten ne during my incarceration, to be rid of my selfishness and total lack of concern for the needs of anyone other than myself. These are words I have had to rely on to maintain my walk with God in a place where walking with God is considered to a show of weakness and where weakness is preyed upon. These are words that I rely on daily and live out daily. These words are a part of the lifeblood to my faith and an essential necessity for the man I have become.

Today, if these words are just a slogan to you, something said out of habit, something always said at the right time, around the right people; something that has become just more "religious correctness" in our lives, let's change that immediately. Today let's believe that we can overcome the traps of the world in which we live through Christ who strengthens us; let's believe that we can resist temptation and sin through sin who strengthens us; let's believe that we can do any and everything the Bible tells us is God's will for our lives through Christ who strengthens us.

And when we believe these things, let us do them. This scripture does not relieve any of us of any responsibility. In fact, by assuring us that Christ will strengthen us to do the things that are within in his will for our lives, it places that responsibility squarely on our shoulders. If we know and truly believe that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us, then we should do them. So, if you believe that you can do all things through Christ, then do them knowing that regardless of what you came against in the process of that doing, your Lord and Savior is going to strengthen you so that you can keep going. Today let's make Philippians 4:13 more than a slogan in our lives, let's make it a reality and so all things the Bible tells us to do, through Christ. He will surely strengthen us to do so.

Prayer for today: Father God, often we are faced with situations that we cannot handle on our own. Help us to remember that Christ is with us and gives us the strength to do what you ask of us. In his name, Amen.