On Sunday, Pastor Jenan preached an inspiring and encouraging message about Being Empowered by God, according to Ephesians 3:16, “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being” 

Empowerment by God happens through 
1. His Word, 2. Fasting & Prayer, 3. Speaking in Tongues 

1. God is a Man of His Word. His Word says that supernatural strength comes from the Holy Spirit (=Helper) to live the abundant life – not only materially and in health but also spiritually (3 John 1:2). But to receive this we need to submit to the Holy Spirit, and not rebel when He shows us our flaws. 
Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil; His response was three times, “It is written”. When we look at the “armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13-16) we notice that each part of it is based on the Word of God. Hebrews 1:3 tells us that all things are sustained by the Word of God. In John 4:50 we have an example of a man believing in the spoken word of God (Jesus) and receiving according to that word. John 14:26 promises us that the Holy Spirit will remind us of what Jesus has said. But if you do not know the Word of God, how can the Holy Spirit remind you of it? 

2. We are to “pray without ceasing” to stay connected with our God. Don’t take your own authority (e.g. as a husband, employer) above the authority of Jesus. Always seek God before approaching a situation (Esther 4:13-16). At times the Holy Spirit needs to inspire us, keep us from blowing up, or empower us to witness to the glory of God. That is why we need to communicate with Him always (Psalms 91). 

3. Speaking in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is often regarded as “weird” but since it is a gift of God (James 1:17), meant to build you up (1 Corinthians 14:4), we need to know the lie of the devil, and oppose it (Mark 16:15-18). When we pray in tongues, we pray in the perfect will of God (Romans 8:26). Jesus did not leave us as orphans but left us the Holy Spirit.

Sometimes difficult things do not happen to you but for you (“All things work together for good…” Romans 8:28). Don’t forget that the Lord Himself goes before you (Deuteronomy 31:8)