Honor Releases the Power of God

Both riches and honor come from You, and You rule over all, and in Your hand is power and might; and it lies in Your hand to make great and to strengthen everyone.

1 Chronicles 29:12

According to Donald C. Stamps, The Kingdom of God is an assertion of God’s power in action because God is beginning His spiritual rule on earth in the hearts of His people. It is not a political or social rule but spiritual. Everyone is confronted with the decision whether or not to submit to God’s rule. Entry into God’s Kingdom is, “Repent ye and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). Your salvation is fundamental and necessary to enter Heaven and see the manifestation of God’s power on earth.

God’s power in the world and in our lives is set in motion with our deliverance from sin and continues into miracles and healing when we live a life of honor. The scene in 1 Chronicles is an assembly of the all the princes of Israel, the captains, the stewards and the mighty men. David was nearing the end of his reign as King. He was passing power to his son Solomon. David made it clear to the assembly and to his son that if he wanted God’s blessings and wanted to see God’s power, he was to live a life of honor. David described honor by a life of obedience and faithfulness to God. David said in verse 9, As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father and serve Him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts, and understand every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

You see, David had learned the hard way that God’s power is released through honor and that dishonor brings shame and heartache.

Ephesians 4:23-32 speaks of putting on the new life. In these verses there is a list of things that come with new life, a life of honor. Here they are: speak truth, deal with what you are angry about today, labor with your hands, be tenderhearted, forgive and let no corrupt communication come out of your mouth. Verse 30 says, Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. The Holy Spirit lives inside the believer and can experience grief or sorrow especially when we ignore His presence or His still small voice. Newness in life everlasting is a life of honor. A life of honor releases the power of God.

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth. Acts 1:8

Pastor Julia Scott