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FIRST-PERSON: An infinite power source

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EL CAJON, Calif. (BP) — The subterranean world beneath northern California is boiling hot — hot enough to produce vast caverns of superheated steam. This area, known as The Geysers, is one of the most active geothermal spots on earth.

Sitting directly atop The Geysers are buildings that house some of the world’s most innovative power generators. Workers have drilled wells two miles deep into the scalding earthen chambers beneath the generators, and as the steam escapes through the wells it turns huge turbines and produces electricity. The Geysers supply nearly 60 percent of the electrical demands from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Oregon border.

Welcome to the world of renewable energy.

I’m not a scientist or a politician, but I’m interested in being an outspoken advocate for the best source of renewable energy, and that’s spiritual energy. Paul the apostle told the Colossians, “He is the one we proclaim…. I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:28-29, NIV 1984).

The apostle Peter wrote, “His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).

Left to ourselves, we face frequent power outages juggling the demands of work and home and even ministry. We need renewable energy on the inside. If you want to pursue what the Bible has to say about this, open a concordance to the word “power,” which occurs nearly 300 times in the Bible. There’s something about reading Bible verses about spiritual power that imparts strength to us.

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Psalm 62:11 says, “Power belongs to God.” According to Psalm 65:6, God is “clothed with power.” Jeremiah 10:12 says that God “made the earth by His power.” Psalm 66:7 says that He “rules by His power forever.”

We can only live for Him effectively when we tap into the infinite source of His power. We’re to be strong in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).

Feeling weak?

On earth, we grow tired in body, mind and soul. While our outward self is perishing, our inward self can be renewed daily with God’s renewable energy. Psalm 68:35 says, “The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people.”

In studying the word “power” in the Bible, you’ll find secrets to tapping into God’s renewable energy. The first is through praise. We often praise God for His love and grace but fail to rejoice in His power and worship Him for His omnipotence. When King David was surrounded by his enemies, he wrote, “I will sing of Your power; Yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning” (Psalm 59:16).

Second, we renew our strength by reading Scripture. The Bible is God’s powerful Word to us; as Psalm 29:4 says, “The voice of the Lord is powerful.”

Third, we renew our strength by waiting on the Lord. The prophet Isaiah said, “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31). It refreshes us when we let go and let God, trusting Him to work according to His own timetable.

Fourth, be filled with the Spirit. One of the greatest benedictions of the Bible says, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).

Fifth, we need a daily walk with Christ. When we are walking closely with Christ, we are near the power center for the entire cosmos. He radiates “the power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:24).

Sixth, we encounter raw power in our lives as we share the Gospel; as the apostle Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God….” (Romans 1:16).

Finally, cling to the cross. “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,” Paul noted, “but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Remembering those generators at The Geysers, think of God’s power as vast, endless reserves of geothermal energy. Claim His power to do greater things in your life than ever before!