OFFICIALLY ON VACATION

It was a long day of driving . . . Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and finally South Carolina.  We started our day in Caldwell, Ohio and we are ending our day by walking on the Boardwalk at Myrtle Beach.  We are ready for a week of relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean and some fellowship with good friends.  The new boardwalk is really nice and busy for a Sunday evening . . . the sounds of the boardwalk are interesting but the sound of the surf is relaxing and just awesome.  As Marlene and I walk the boardwalk it finally hits me we are "Officially on Vacation!"

PICKED UP THE RENTAL CAR

Marlene and I drove to New Philadelphia to pick up our rental car for our Vacation to Myrtle Beach.  Enterprise only had one guy working the rental counter and of course they were really busy.  I felt sorry for the guy but he was professional and good spirited.  He showed us a few possibilities (Chevrolet Cobalt and KIA Forte') that were in the class we reserved.  I asked if either of them had cruise control? He checked both Cobalts as well as the Forte' but we were out of luck.  The only vehicle he knew he had on the lot with cruise control that he could upgrade us at no additional charge was a Chevrolet HHR but it needed an oil change and he couldn't send it out.  I believe it was Marlene had noticed a red Nissan parked on the side edge of the parking lot and she asked if it was spoken for or was it a customers car. It was funny the rental agent said he didn't know were it came from but when he checked the computer it was in their inventory.  We walked out to the car with him and he found the keys on the floor board and he said "someone must have dropped it off last night" and "yes, it had cruise control".  He opened up and the car and let Marlene and I look at it - Marlene liked it immediately.  He told us that if we wanted it we could have it but that it needed to be cleaned up and wanted to know if we were willing to wait a few minutes.  We thanked him for working with us and that we didn't mind waiting.  Marlene was sold on it because of it's size and of course it is her favorite color "RED" and she promised to help me drive this year.  It looks like we will be driving a Red Nissan Versa to Myrtle Beach.  God is Good even in the little things!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Luke 2:8-20

⁸ And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 ¹³ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 ¹⁴ “Glory to God in the highest,
   and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
 ¹⁵ When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
 ¹⁶ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. ¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. ¹⁹ But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

When I think of Christmas . . . I can remember “The Living Christmas Tree” at Byesville Assembly of God filled with a mass choir and adults and children acting out the Christmas Story.  But for now let us step out of the world of the cute and the dramatic for a second and into what happened with the shepherds.

Shepherds were hired hands from lower class families or maybe even newcomers to the land.  We need to understand that they were not at the very bottom of the social order and they were not involved in an unholy job by any means (not like being a pig farmer), and don’t forget about King David – The Shepherd King!  Each day they faced weather challenges, dirty and rough surroundings, long hours and little pay – a hard life!  The lived out in the fields most of the time, leaving them with very few friends and the friends they do have our also shepherds.  They just could not leave the flock because of the ever present dangers of predators or theft.  These shepherds were just working that night doing what they always did keeping watch over their flock that night – yes, they had to work through “holiday” too!

Have you ever wondered, why the Angels brought these tidings of great joy to the shepherds? Luke is silent on the matter.  Did it have something to do with their poverty? But there were other people in the area that had even less than this group of shepherds.  The truth is we do not even know how many shepherds . . . was it two, three, four, five or more.  My impression is that the Heavenly Multitude, well, they were making a lot of noise! Such big doings for such a little baby.  All I know is that when the shepherds heard what the heavenly host had to say about the baby born in a manger, they booked it to find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes.  Maybe they let the Angels watch the flocks for a while?

The infant Jesus had already come out before the shepherds were told, so he was laying there in his feedbox crib.  When the shepherds arrived and saw that the choir wasn't joking, they understood that the rest of what they were told was true too: the child was a Savior.  The Messiah, their rescuer, had come. God had taken action, and came into their presence.  So now they started picking up on the angels' carol, praising God to all who were nearby along the way back.
God came to us as a Baby (Jesus), Died on a Cross as an Adult and lives as God with Us . . . Let’s spread the Good News!!

GOD IS ABLE TO SUCCOR YOU WHEN TEMPTED

TEXT: Hebrews 2:16-18

 

INTRODUCTION

God the Son has suffered and been tempted. Therefore He can aid those who are sorely tempted and can make them stronger as a result.

STRESS IS NECESSARY PART OF GROWTH

Even Christ endured this process (Hebrews 2:10). As Captain of your salvation, He was perfected through sufferings. In the perfecting process He learned obedience (Hebrews 5:8-9).

 

You can expect some stress (1 Peter 4:12-13). Don’t be surprised if fiery trials come. They are to try you and prepare you for future glory.

 

Trials are to strengthen you (1 Peter 5:10). After you have suffered a while, you will be matured, established, strengthened, and settled.

 

THE STRESS IS NEVER INTOLERABLE

Temptations come to all (1 Corinthians 10:13). Whatever temptation you face, it is not unique but common to mankind.

 

God knows how much you can stand (1 Corinthians 10:13). He will not permit you to be tempted more than you can endure.

 

There is always a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). God will show you the way out, soon or late. Until He does, He can give you grace to bear the situation.

 

SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT IS NEEDED FOR GROWTH

Newborn Christians need milk (1 Peter 2:2). Desire the pure milk of God’s Word that you may grow thereby.

 

Working Christians need meat (Hebrews 5:12–14). Don’t be satisfied forever with baby food (“the first principles” of the Word). Practice eating “strong meat”; study the Word and

learn to teach it.

 

With maturity comes stability (Ephesians 4:13–15). When you become full-grown in the Lord, you will not be tossed about by temptation or false teachings.

 

DIVINE HELP IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE

There is grace to help you (2 Corinthians 9:8). God is able to pour His grace on you so you will have plenty for every circumstance.

 

There is power to keep you (Jude 24). God can keep you from falling until you stand before His throne at last.

 

There is armor to protect you (Ephesians 6:11). If you wear God’s armor, you can stand against every attack.

 

There is a high priest to hear you (Hebrews 5:1-6). Your high priest is not impervious to your pain. He understands your struggles, for He was tempted as you are. Therefore if you come boldly to His throne in prayer, you may obtain His help in every time of need.

 

CONCLUSION

If Christians are not supported when they are tempted, it is not because succor is unavailable but simply because they do not ask for it.

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU

TEXT: Hebrews 7:23–28 

INTRODUCTION

You must recognize, believe, and expect that which God is able to do for you before He actually can direct these blessings to you. One of the blessings He can bestow is salvation. I am so thankful that Jesus Saved Me! Where would you really be today if it were not for God's Love and the Sacrifice of His Son Jesus on the Cross for you.

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU BECAUSE HE IS FOREVER

Our Lord is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Revelation 1:8). Jesus, being inseparable from the Godhead, is almighty. He is eternal, and He is our Savior.

Death could not stop Jesus (Revelation 1:18). He was dead, but now He is alive for evermore, and He has the keys of hell and of death.

He is all you need (1 Corinthians 1:30). Jesus will become to you wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. You are limited in understanding and holiness; you cannot save yourself; but He can. He is your all-sufficient Redeemer.  GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU BECAUSE

HE MADE A PERFECT WAY

Jesus is the way to God (John 14:6). No man can come to the Father except through Jesus.

He has a permanent priesthood (Hebrews 7:24). Jewish high priests came and went, but Jesus abides in the priestly office forever.

Therefore He can save all who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25). He saved Luke, the beloved physician; Paul, the religious bigot; Matthew, the tax collector; Mary Magdalene, the fallen woman.

He does not respect one sinner above another (Acts 10:34).  

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU  BECAUSE CHRIST'S PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT

Jesus, your high priest, is the beloved Son in whom the Father is well pleased (Matthew 3:17). When He makes intercession for you, God will be attentive and favorable (Hebrews 7:25). 

Unlike other high priests, Jesus is sinless (Hebrews 7:26) (Hebrews 4:15). Other high priests had to offer sacrifices each day for their own sins as well as for the sins of others, but not Jesus(Hebrews 7:27). He is holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. 

GOD IS ABLE TO SAVE YOU BECAUSE CHRIST IS CONSECRATED FOR EVERMORE

He “has been made perfect forever” (Hebrews 7:28). Other high priests (like all ministers of today) are frail and imperfect, but Christ was made perfect through His sufferings (Hebrews 2:10). You can safely depend on Him.

He can save you for evermore (Hebrews 7:25). The Amplified Version says He saves “completely, perfectly, finally and for all time and eternity.”

CONCLUSION

Looking again at Hebrews 7:25 we see Christ is able to save you if you will come to God through Him. But it depends on you. He is able — but are you willing?

GOD IS ABLE TO PERFORM ALL HE PROMISED

TEXT:  Romans 4:16–21

INTRODUCTION

Though all the natural circumstances indicated Abraham and Sarah would remain childless, but he believed God would miraculously give him a son. He was “fully persuaded, that what [God] had promised, he was able also to perform” (Romans 4:21).  Abraham and Sarah were not spring chickens when God Performed His Promise but I believe in the end they were up for the challenge.

MEN MAKE PROMISES THEY DO NOT KEEP

Laban broke his promise to Jacob (Genesis 29:18-19). Laban promised that if Jacob served him 7 years, he could have Rachel. Jacob served 7 years, but Laban deceived him and gave him Leah instead of Rachel. If we look to man we will be disappointed. 

Men break their promises to God (Ecclesiastes 5:5). It is better not to vow than to make a vow and then fail to keep it. I don't like it when someone pants you to promise the world and you know their is a good possibility you will not be able to fulfill it.

Keeping one’s promise may be difficult (Romans 7:18). Paul said, “I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.” “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Life seems to happen and sometimes it makes it impossible to do all the things you wanted to do.  When we came to First Assembly of God five years ago, I didn't promise to be here forever but as long as the Lord wanted me to be here.  In some ways it is ironic, we had people promise they would support Marlene and I in our ministry here at Uhrichsville no matter what! The irony is none of them are still here. My friend and board member Ray went to his Reward and heaven and the others didn't keep their promise.

FAILURE TO KEEP A PROMISE MAY BE PUNISHED

Some Jews were hoarding corn (Nehemiah 5:2). There was a shortage of food in Jerusalem, so the leading Jews were keeping it for their own families.

Other Jews mortgaged all their possessions to survive (Nehemiah 5:3). They mortgaged lands, vineyards, and houses to buy the corn they needed.

Some even sold their children into slavery (Nehemiah 5:4-5). They complained to Nehemiah that since they had lost their lands and vineyards, they had no way to buy their children back from the nobles and rulers.

Nehemiah extracted a promise from the leading Jews (Nehemiah 5:12). The nobles and rulers promised him they would restore everything (without enough usury) and would let everyone have enough provisions.

Nehemiah threatened punishment if they broke their promise (Nehemiah 5:13). He shook his lap and said, “So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labor, that performeth not this promise.”

GOD IS MORE DEPENDABLE THAN MEN

He always keeps His Word (Numbers 23:19). “God is not a man, that he should lie. … Hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?”

He is always faithful (Hebrews 10:23) (Hebrews 11:11). You can count on God’s faithfulness. He will keep His promises to you as He did to Sarah.

He is always able (Jeremiah 32:27). He is Lord over everything; there is nothing too hard for Him.

YOU MAY DEPEND ON HIM TO PERFORM HIS PROMISES

You may be confident (Philippians 1:6). God will finish the work of grace He has begun in you. He will never cease until you see Him face to face. We are believing that God is going to finish the work he started here at First Assembly of God.

You may rest assured (Psalm 4:8). No need to lie awake and worry. God will keep you safe while you sleep. As Christians, we do not need to worry about tomorrow.  It is time we put things in the the Lord's hands.

You may count on it (1 Kings 8:56). As Solomon said, not one word of all God’s good promise failed. God kept His promises to Moses, and He will do the same for you.

CONCLUSION

God is able, and He is faithful, but you must be fully persuaded of this. When you are, you will have a peace and a strength that only comes from this quiet confidence in God.

GOD IS ABLE TO MAKE YOU STAND

TEXT: 1 Corinthians 16:13

INTRODUCTION

 In the New American Standard Bible the text reads, “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”  A little over a year ago Marlene and I along with the Randy and Char, and many of you took a Stand.  We need to continue to Stand and allow the Lord to use us to accomplish the work that God started here at First Assembly of God over 86 years ago.  It is time we Win our Community for the Lord!!

TAKE YOU STAND BY FAITH

Your stand in divine grace is by faith (Romans 5:2).  It is by faith you have access to this place of favor with God.  You do not stand on your own merit.  We can't stand alone . . . we need the Lord to Help us and that was one of the reasons the Lord sent the Holy Spirit to be our helper.  It is essential for us to grow in faith daily through the Word and through Prayer.

To continue to stand you must grow in grace (2 Peter 3:18).  The longer you are saved, the more your faith grows and the more firmly you can stand.  Like a growing tree your roots go down into God and His Word, and you grow strong.  But yet many Christians today lack the Spiritual Depth even after years of attending Church. 

STAND IN GOD-GIVEN STRENGTH

Your own strength is insufficient (2 Corinthians 3:5). “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,” Paul said. “Our sufficiency is of God.”

You face opposition (1 Peter 5:9).  Your adversary the devil seeks to overcome you.  You must resist him “steadfast in the faith.”

There are defensive weapons to help you stand (Ephesians 6:13).  God provides the spiritual armor.  You must put all of it on and never surrender.

YOU HAVE A STAKE IN THE VICTORY

If you stand true, there is a reward (Revelation 2:10).  The crown of everlasting life is for those who remain faithful to the end.  The soul you save will be your own.

By being true you encourage your elders (1 Thessalonians 3:8).  The Thessalonians brought joy to Paul by standing fast in the Lord.

Your steadfastness can save others also (Jude 23).  As a fireman braving the flames in a burning building, you may rescue souls from fiery judgment if you don’t retreat.

YOU ARE IN A PROTRACTED WAR

As long as you live, your enemy will oppose you (Ephesians 6:11).  You never dare be found without the armor, or you will fall before the wiles of the devil.

The enemy is devious (2 Corinthians 11:14).  Sometimes he comes as an angel of light.  He has learned from long experience how to find each one’s weak points.

You can be victorious (1 John 4:4).  God who dwells in you is greater than Satan, the prince of this world.  By His a power you can stand firm and win the war against sin.

CONCLUSION

You can be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing your effort is not in vain in the Lord.  You can have victory over sin, death, and the grave through our Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:57-58).

GOD IS ABLE TO KEEP YOU FROM FALLING

TEXT: Jude 20-25


INTRODUCTION
It is possible for one who has been saved to fall back into sin; but it need not happen, for keeping power is available.  We need to rely upon the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.  The Bible does not teach us that once we are saved we will always be saved.   

GOD WANTS YOU NOT TO FALL
There is no doubt about His keeping power (Jude 24).  He is able to keep you from falling if you ask His help.  We have a hard time asking for help . . . a pride thing.  My wife will tell you, when we travel and we some how get lost the last thing I will do is stop and get directions.  But when all else fails and I am tired of my wife telling me to stop . . . I stop and ask, "can you Help me?" 

There is no need to have any sin in your life (Jude 24).  God can present you faultless before His throne of glory.  “Without a single fault” (New Living Translation).  “Without blemish” (American Standard Version). 

Your victory over sin will cause Him to rejoice (Jude 24).  It will give Him “exceeding joy” — so He desires very much that you should never fall. 


BUT IT IS POSSIBLE TO FALL
Pride can be one’s downfall (Proverbs 16:18).  Pride leads to destruction.  The haughtier one’s spirit, the farther he will fall; but the one who is meek and lowly is safe, for he has no distance to fall.

Unbelief can cause one to fall (Hebrews 4:11).  The Israelites did not believe God could bring them into the Promised Land, so God let them perish in the wilderness.

Love of money can make one fall (1 Timothy 6:9).  Those who are rich fall into temptation and are snared.  Their lusts can lure them to destruction.

Strong men have fallen (Acts 1:25;  1 Corinthians 10:8;  Hebrews 3:17).  One of Christ’s 12 closest friends fell, as did Achan, Saul, David, and many other servants of God. 


THEREFORE YOU NEED TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS
Walk circumspectly (Ephesians 5:15-16).  “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil” (NASB).  Keep on the move; be so busy serving God you have no time for questionable activities.

Keep your eyes open (Matthew 15:14).  Don’t let Satan blind your mind with his lies, or you will fall in the ditch.  Be alert.

Develop roots by reading the Word (Luke 8:13).  Don’t be one who in time of temptation falls away because he has no root.  Take God’s Word to heart; meditate upon it; let the Spirit soak your heart so you can grow strong with the Word.

Make your calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10).  If you partake of the divine nature and acquire faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, “ye shall never fall.”


MUCH DEPENDS ON WHETHER YOU STUMBLE
If you stumble, your own eternal destiny is at stake (2 Peter 3:17).  Be careful, or you may be led away with the error of the wicked and fall from your own steadfastness.

You may be a stumbling block to others (Romans 14:13).  It is a serious thing to put an occasion to fall in your brother’s path.  It is better to lean over backward and forfeit your personal liberty in some matters (verse 21) than to let your liberty become a stumbling block to others (1 Corinthians 8:9).

Always live in God’s clear light (John 11:9).  A man who walks in daylight sees where he is going and does not stumble.  Neither does he cause others to stumble (1 John 2:10).


CONCLUSION
The warning is clear: “Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). But having heeded the warning you may assure yourself you need never fall, for the Lord is “able to keep you from falling” and to “bring you, sinless and perfect, into his glorious presence with mighty shouts of everlasting joy” (Living Bible).

GOD IS ABLE TO BUILD YOU UP

TEXT: Acts 20:32

INTRODUCTION 

Paul told the Ephesian elders that the gracious Word of God could build them His sanctified people.

THE FIRST STEP CONCERNS THE INNER MAN

God will strengthen you with power through His Spirit abiding in the inner man (Ephesians 3:16). The power of the Holy Spirit within will energize you for outward living of the Christian life. It will enable you to do what God wants you to do.

He will renew your inner man each day (2 Corinthians 4:16).  Though your natural strength may seem depleted by the attrition of life’s daily grind, your spiritual strength will be replenished by the constant renewing of your inner man.

Your faith must be in God, not in yourself (2 Corinthians 1:8–10).  You can be hopeful in trouble and joyful in adversity if you depend on the Lord, as Paul did.  He was burdened beyond his strength, but the God who raises the dead changed his great despair into a great deliverance.

THE SECOND STEP IS YOUR ACT OF FAITH

You should count the cost (Luke 14:28). Determine that by God’s grace you will go through and never turn back.

Trust God to supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19).  Believe He will give you strength and grace to persevere.

Take courage from the victories others have won (Hebrews 11:32–34).  Noah, Abraham, Moses, and all God’s servants won His blessing by taking the step of faith.

THE THIRD STEP IS THE SPIRITUAL RESULT

You become a tabernacle in which God abides (Ephesians 2:22).  God is able to dwell in your life when you have made yourself ready.

You are able to accomplish tasks for Him (2 Timothy 2:15).  Training is not an end in itself but a means to an end. The athlete trains so he may race.  The student trains so he may teach.  God trains you for a life mission.

THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE IS TO DEVELOP LOVE

You learn to love God more fully (Luke 10:27).  God’s love saves you and changes you so you may love Him with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.

You learn to love your fellowman (Luke 10:27).  By loving your neighbor as yourself you prove you have been built up to the divine standard.

CONCLUSION

The Holy Spirit will build you into a strong, mature believer if you cooperate with Him.  The world will know you are His servant if you love others (John 13:35) but if you don’t, your profession is meaningless (1 John 3:14-15).  Learn to love.

GOD IS ABLE TO DO MUCH MORE THAN YOU EXPECT

TEXT: Ephesians 3:20-21

INTRODUCTION
Reading these verses in the New International Version will surely quicken your heartbeat: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21).


Perhaps you expect too little.
Abraham underestimated God’s mercy (Genesis 18:32). He might havepressed for Sodom to be spared if there were only 4 righteous, but he stopped at 10.

Then he said, "May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak just once more. What if only ten can be found there?" He answered, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it" (Genesis 18:32).

Sarah underestimated God’s promise (Genesis 18:12). She laughed in unbelief, forgetting that nothing is too hard for the Lord (verse 14).

10 Then the LORD said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance to the tent, which was behind him. 1112 So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?" Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing.  13 Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' 14 Is anything too hard for the LORD ? I will return to you at the appointed time next year and Sarah will have a son. (Genesis 18:10-14).

The 10 spies underestimated God’s power (Numbers 13:31). They saw the giants in Canaan and said the land would devour them. Joshua and Caleb saw One who was greater than the giants, and they said, “We are well able to overcome it” (Numbers 13:30).

30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it" 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are" (Numbers 13:30-31).

God wants you to raise your expectations.
Have the faith of the three young Hebrews (Daniel 3:17). They said, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace.”

17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king (Daniel 3:17).

Believe the promise of God (Mark 9:23). If all things are possible to him who believes, why be content with small successes?

23" 'If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes" (Mark 9:23).

Call on God for greater things (Jeremiah 33:3). He will answer and show you greater, mightier things than you have ever known.

3 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know' (Jeremiah 33:3).

Volunteer for a bigger task (Joshua 14:12). Though he was 85, Caleb asked for a mountain that he might drive out the giants (the Anakim) and claim it for his family’s possession.

12 Now give me this hill country that the LORD promised me that day. You yourself heard then that the Anakites were there and their cities were large and fortified, but, the LORD helping me, I will drive them out just as he said" (Joshua 14:12).

Realize there is infinite power at work in you.
Infinite ability (John 14:12). Jesus said the works He did His servants may do — and greater works — through the Holy Spirit.

12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father (John 14:12).

Infinite love (Romans 8:32). If God loved you so much He gave His Son to die for you, will He not freely give you all things? If He has already given you the greatest Gift, will He withhold any lesser gift?

32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (Romans 8:32).

Infinite grace (2 Corinthians 9:8). God is able to make all grace abound unto you that you in turn may abound to every good work; for His grace is always sufficient, whatever the circumstances.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Conclusion
You may expect too little from the Lord, but never too much. By His grace you can be and have and accomplish much more than you have ever imagined. The possibilities are as great as the faith you exercise. You can expect greater things from God when you attempt greater things for God.