Exceedingly Abundantly
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21
 
I had two words bubble up in me today and I began to sing them. Unfortunately, I only knew those two words and the melody that came with them. I didn’t know the name of the song or even the artist. So, I began a search and after finding several references, I selected one and the first choice was the right choice. As I continued to listen, the song ministered to me and encouraged my heart. Here are some of the words, “Exceedingly abundantly, above all, all you can ask or think, according to the power that works in you. God is able to do just what he said he would do.” The lyrics to the song, like our scripture today, let us know that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Can you imagine how the bubble up went on into a full blown praise? How the spirit of the Lord orchestrates and blesses me is a discussion for another day!
 
In this passage, Paul continues his talk with the Ephesians and is praying that they will come to a realization as to who they are in Christ. He reminds them that you’ve heard, from me, about the grace of God that has been given to you. You understand all that has been afforded to you in Christ and you have been made heirs to His promise. This gift and this grace were given to all of us by the effectual working of God’s power so that we would be strengthened by His might and by His Spirit for our growth. He wanted them to grasp what had been done for them and to take hold of it by faith and in turn, get rooted and grounded with what you’ve been taught. Stop living beneath what God provided and receive all that He has for you.
 
Paul gives such powerful words to get them (and us) motivated about the wealth they possessed. He wanted them to remain faithful in prayer, be humble and continue to reverence God in their hearts as they continued live and walk in His presence. He lets them know that when you do this, God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above anything you could possibly fathom. Just like the Ephesians, we cannot even comprehend naturally what He can and is able to do for us, yet, God is able to provide us with what we need to sustain our lives. He has given us this wonderful indwelling keeping power; power that helps to keep us in His will, teaches, counsels, and guides us along this way, which is the evidence of the exceeding greatness of the power of God.
 
The definition of exceedingly means "to an unusually high degree or measure" and abundantly means "plentiful, but personally I like, "to present in great quantities." I believe God is going to make evident (tangibly) to us in unusually great quantities above all that we can ask and or think possible for our lives, especially, when we are walking in faith and obedient to the will and the word of God. He is not only able but willing to do for us according to His riches in glory. The lyrics went on to say, “God is able to do just what He said he would do. He's gonna fulfill every promise to you. Don't give up on God, cause He won't give up on you, He's able.”
 
God by His power; the power that’s working within us is able to carry out His purpose and do far above all that we would dare to ask or think; even beyond our desires, our thoughts, our hopes, or our dreams. Now, can you see why I got so excited about those two words together? My two words for today, exceedingly abundantly!
 
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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Not in the Wisdom of Men
Cynde Layne Wilkerson
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. I Corinthians 2:2-5
 
In our vast search for information, the internet has become a handy and convenient tool. However, it is crucial that we are able to discern the content, especially, when searching for biblical insight or history.  Case and point: I stumbled across a site that truly vexed my spirit and as I read the discussions that were posted, some of the questions, as well as the answers at first glance, met all the acceptable conditions for attracting real people with real questions, looking for real answers from a man who claimed to be a pastor. By all standards, as I mentioned, the site gave the “appearance” of being legitimate and he sounded convincing by the stimulating words that provoked thought. However, as I continued to read his responses to the questions posted, I realized that he was clearly leading people astray with his persuasive and well-expressed wording. He offered scripture to support himself and gave answers that would appease the readers because he sounded so wonderful and full of knowledge.
 
It was apparent that he did not have the wisdom or the knowledge of God, because his was speaking clearly of his own wisdom. He disputed responses that were biblically based and sound, and spirit-filled answers from others because it contradicted what he was saying. I am thankful for those who were willing to speak up and give truthful responses so that the readers could have something to seek God for in the furtherance of their studies. I left the site needless to say, a bit upset but not before posting a comment along with the scripture in II Timothy 4:2-4: "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction..." Now, we would be naïve to think that these types of sites are not in existence because anyone can create a website, post their thoughts and share their belief system. The web is the place where anything goes and we take everything at face value, including the gospel. Unfortunately, if we don’t know our Bible or don’t have an understanding of the word, or not have the spirit of God to help us, the information given can actually seem valid and could possibly lead one astray.
 
Now, Paul was speaking to the Corinthians to let them know that I determined that I know nothing, even though he was an educated and well versed man. He said truly all I can really attest to is that I know Christ and Christ crucified. He told them even though I was weak among you, fearful and trembling I still preached not of myself, and not on my own but in the wisdom and the power of the Holy Ghost!  
 
We are living in a time when people are searching and looking for truths and the word tells us that there will be those who will falsely mislead. As believers, we are carrying this truth and God has entrusted us to deposit that truth. Pastors, teachers, evangelists, or ministers are not expected to deliver disrespectful babble, idle and ungodly chatter or vain and empty words. And certainly, not deliberately deceive others according to what we think; nor our opinions, causing others who are not mature in the word or converted to miss the mark regarding the faith, but everything should be by the word of God.  The word is not up for any private interpretations (2 Peter 1:20-21). If we are going to speak wisdom among the people, let’s speak in the wisdom, in the power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost so that we are not speaking with enticing words of our own wisdom. We have to be aware of what is circulating, so that we can address it because our faith is not in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God!
 
Until the morning, be blessed,
Cynde
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