Interesting Recitation

 


I like minister Joel Osteen.  I used to listen to him on the way to work back when people actually used to GO to work (HA!  I can imagine Max telling his kids someday – “You know kids, Grandma used to actually have to travel to a place to work!...)  Anyway back to Joel, I liked the fact that his message was ALWAYS positive and ALWAYS inspirational.  It was a wonderful start to my morning.

Each broadcast would start with a corny “Dad” joke, and when that was finished, Joel would lead a congregation (so large that they now meet in what used to be the Houston Astrodome), in a very interesting recitation that started like this:

This is my Bible.  I am what it says I am; I have what it says I have; and I can do what it says I can do...

That’s nice – but basically meaningless UNLESS you know what the Bible says you are, what it says you have, and what it tells you that you can do.  So – let’s explore that notion.

WHAT ARE YOU –

You are a child of God – “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:12)

You are loved - “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

You are not alone – “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)

WHAT DO YOU HAVE –

You have His protection – “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, and protection, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

You have His provision – “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

You have the Spirit of God in you – “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY YOU CAN DO –

You can move mountains – “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21)

You can do ANYTHING with Him at your side – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13)

Today - I hope you remember these Bible promises and know that: You are what it says you are, You have what it says you have, and You can do what it says you can do!

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