January 6, 1999, Wednesday

Why do some individuals have the special artisitic abilites

and others are not able to understand it? Are there really

those that are self-made wealthy individuals? Is the power

one has artistically important, the power to gain wealth

important, or the power of our human effort important?

Moses used the example of a very talented man that had

the artistic ability to work with the precious metals--

"God has filled him with His power and given him skill,

ability, and understanding for every kind of artistic

work" (Exo 35:31). Moses understood that all special

abilities any person may have in life is because God

has given that power to them.

Moses explained to his people the reason for so many

difficulties, and wanted them to know that God had in

mind a better future in store for them and not harm--

"He sent hardships on you to test you, so that in the

end he could bless you with good things. So then, you

must never think that you have made yourselves wealthy

by your own power and strength" (Deut 8:17). It is the

power of God that gives us any resource to accomplish

whatever goal that we start.

Jesus put the concept of human power and effort into

perspective wih His disciples as He explained His word-

"What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no

use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's

life-giving Spirit" (John 6:63). The power and effort

of a man can not accomplish anything eternally useful

apart from God's power and word.

Let us remember who is all powerful and all sufficient.

God's Name is Jehová El Shaddai. He is the God who does

not give us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and

a sound mind. His power can give us all we need to live a

righteous life. Lift your hands to the most powerful God

of all the universe. You can Trust Him Today for strength

and power in your life!