Tú decides, fuerza o poder - Ps. Oscar Herrera | Un Lugar Cerca De Ti

How to Make 2024 the Best Year Yet?

Setting Intentions for the New Year

• Many people desire to have a better year in 2024 than previous years, with some hoping it will be the best year of their lives. However, the speaker suggests that it's more realistic to aim for "the best year so far" rather than an absolute peak.

• In January, the speaker typically provides teachings aimed at helping church members achieve their best year yet, often focusing on new habits or planning strategies. This practice has been consistent over several years.

Importance of Spiritual Guidance

• The speaker reflects on past themes such as habit formation and financial management based on biblical principles, emphasizing that many verses address how to handle money effectively. This year's focus was initially aligned with these topics until a spiritual prompting changed direction.

• A strong internal voice urged the speaker to allow God to work in their lives this year instead of solely relying on personal efforts and strategies. The emphasis is placed on divine intervention being paramount over human endeavors.

Biblical Reference: Zechariah 4:6

• The message centers around Zechariah 4:6, which states that success is not achieved through might or power but by God's Spirit. This verse serves as a reminder that human strength alone is insufficient for significant accomplishments.

• The historical context involves Zerubbabel leading the Israelites back from Babylonian captivity under King Cyrus's decree to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple, highlighting God's favor in restoring His people despite challenges faced during reconstruction efforts.

Personal Application of Scripture

• The speaker encourages listeners to personalize scripture by substituting their names into biblical passages, reinforcing that God's promises apply individually and collectively within faith communities. This exercise aims to strengthen personal faith and reliance on divine support rather than self-sufficiency alone.

• Emphasizing humility before God’s power, the speaker notes that while Zerubbabel had notable lineage (descendant of King David), it was ultimately God's spirit that would enable him—and by extension all believers—to accomplish great things in life and ministry without relying solely on personal attributes or strengths.

The Importance of Seeking God Beyond Emergencies

The Curiosity of Human Nature

• The speaker questions why people often wait for tragic events to seek God's power, highlighting a tendency to turn to faith only in times of crisis.

Seeking God in Times of Trouble

• Individuals often seek divine help after receiving bad news, such as job loss or family issues, rather than maintaining a consistent relationship with God.

Habitual Faith vs. Emergency Faith

• Relying on God should be a habitual practice; those who only seek Him during emergencies may lack the faith needed when they truly need help.

Misplaced Priorities in Seeking Help

• Some individuals approach God like an emergency contact, seeking assistance only when in trouble and neglecting daily communication and reliance on His power.

Daily Access to God's Power

• The speaker emphasizes that God's power is available every day, urging listeners to choose between relying on their strength or God's power throughout the year.

Deciding Between Personal Strength and Divine Power

Individual Responsibility in Faith

• Each person must decide whether they will rely on their own strength or embrace the power of God, stressing that faith cannot be inherited from parents.

Biblical Assurance from Zechariah

• Reference is made to Zechariah 8:6, where God reassures His people that what seems impossible for them is possible for Him, especially when facing adversity.

Repetition as Emphasis from God

• The speaker notes that when God repeats Himself in scripture, it signifies importance; He wants believers to understand their limitations versus His limitless power.

Understanding the Source of True Power

Jesus' Promise of Power through the Holy Spirit

• Jesus tells His disciples they will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon them, indicating that true empowerment comes from spiritual connection rather than personal ability.

Continuous Availability of Divine Power

• Even if one feels accomplished or powerful already, there is always more divine power available than one can imagine; believers are encouraged not to underestimate this resource.

Living by the Spirit for Empowerment

• To live empowered by God's spirit means maintaining a relationship with the Holy Spirit; all believers receive this gift upon accepting Jesus as their Savior.

What Does It Mean to Be Born Again?

The Power of God in Believers

• The speaker introduces the concept of being "born again," emphasizing that it grants believers the power of God through the Holy Spirit.

• A reference is made to Simon the Sorcerer from Acts 8:18, who, despite accepting Christ, attempted to buy the power of the Holy Spirit with money.

• Simon's desire for this divine power highlights his previous experience with dark powers and his realization that God's power surpasses all others.

Understanding Spiritual Authority

• Peter rebukes Simon harshly, indicating that true spiritual authority cannot be bought or sold; it is a gift from God.

• The contrast between Simon's former dark powers and the superior power of God illustrates a significant transformation upon receiving Christ.

The Spirit of Power

• In 2 Timothy 1:7, Paul reassures Timothy that God has not given him a spirit of fear but one of power, love, and self-discipline.

• The distinction between "spirit" (lowercase) referring to human spirit versus "Spirit" (uppercase) referring to God's Spirit is emphasized.

Human Composition According to Divine Design

• The speaker explains humanity's design as comprising spirit, soul, and body. This triune nature reflects how individuals interact with both physical and spiritual realms.

• Upon accepting Christ, one's previously dead spirit becomes alive and begins communion with God's Spirit.

Overcoming Fear Through Spiritual Strength

• Individuals often seek spiritual experiences when disconnected from Christ due to their innate awareness of spiritual needs.

• Emphasizing that believers should not succumb to cowardice but instead embrace their inherent strength through communion with the Holy Spirit.

True Strength Lies Within

• Physical strength can be deceptive; true resilience comes from a strong spirit rather than mere mental or physical prowess.

• A powerful spirit enables believers to overcome challenges by instilling confidence in God's presence and support.

The Power of the Spirit

The Relationship Between Spirit and Body

• The spirit communicates with the body, emphasizing that true strength comes from the spirit rather than physical efforts like exercising or dieting.

• It is highlighted that the same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead also revitalizes our bodies, indicating a profound connection between spiritual power and physical vitality.

Choosing Between Strength and Power

• A call to action is made for individuals to decide whether they will rely on their own strength or embrace God's power in 2024.

• The speaker emphasizes that God's spirit provides not only power but also love, enabling us to overcome discouragement and foster relationships.

Self-Control Through Divine Power

• The importance of self-discipline is discussed; many defeats stem from a lack of self-control in various aspects of life.

• God’s power aids in achieving self-control, allowing individuals to experience victories instead of failures.

Understanding God’s Exceeding Power

• Ephesians 3:20 is introduced as a key verse about God's ability to exceed our expectations through His power working within us.

• The speaker reassures that if we allow God's power to work in us, it can lead to unprecedented blessings and abundance in our lives.

Transformative Nature of God’s Power

• Emphasis is placed on how God's power first transforms individuals internally before manifesting externally as blessings or excesses.

• Instead of waiting for miraculous events, believers are encouraged to live daily under the influence of God’s transformative power.

Connection with Christ for Fruitfulness

• John 15:5 illustrates that remaining connected to Christ leads to abundant fruitfulness; separation results in a lack of divine power.

• Being disconnected from Christ means losing access to His transformative power, which affects all areas of life including thoughts and actions.

Role of the Holy Spirit

• John 14:26 describes three roles of the Holy Spirit: providing comfort, teaching, and reminding believers of Jesus' teachings.

What Does Jesus Say About the Holy Spirit?

The Power of God and Its Ordinary Nature

• Jesús explains that when the Holy Spirit comes, three significant things will happen, challenging religious paradigms held by Christians.

• While extraordinary manifestations of God's power are acknowledged, Jesus emphasizes that believers can experience God's power in ordinary ways in their daily lives.

• The example of the prophet Elijah illustrates that God's presence is not always found in dramatic events but often in subtle whispers.

Understanding God's Presence

• After powerful natural phenomena like a whirlwind and an earthquake, Elijah recognizes that God was not present in these displays but rather in a gentle whisper.

• This suggests that while extraordinary events may occur, it is the quiet workings of God’s power that prepare individuals for greater challenges ahead.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

• When the Holy Spirit arrives, its first role is to provide comfort to believers amidst increasing cultural discouragement and challenges they face daily.

• In times of difficulty, people may feel overwhelmed; however, the Holy Spirit reassures them with God's enduring presence and support.

Overcoming Discouragement

• Cultural trends show a rise in chronic discouragement among people; this negativity burdens souls and detracts from peace.

• Recognizing one's limitations is essential; believers should rely on God’s strength instead of their own weaknesses to find hope.

Empowerment Through Christ

• Believers can do all things through Christ who strengthens them; acknowledging this divine empowerment shifts focus from personal inadequacies to reliance on God’s capabilities.

• The Holy Spirit teaches believers by transforming their thoughts and beliefs, requiring significant divine power to change perspectives from pessimism to faith.

Time's Urgency and Spiritual Awareness

• As time progresses rapidly, there is an urgent need for spiritual awareness; understanding life through God's perspective becomes crucial.

• The Holy Spirit works within each believer's mind to help them perceive life as God does rather than through limited human understanding.

Memory and Divine Assistance

• Acknowledging human forgetfulness highlights the necessity for divine assistance; believers can remember truths through the power of the Holy Spirit rather than solely relying on their cognitive abilities.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives

The Power of Remembrance

• The Holy Spirit enhances our memory, helping us to remember God's word and teachings. This remembrance is powerful and significant for spiritual growth.

• An example is given where the Holy Spirit will remind individuals of their achievements, emphasizing that success comes from divine power rather than personal strength.

Divine Assistance in Achievements

• The speaker asserts that material possessions, like a new house, are acquired through God's power, not merely through financial means. This highlights reliance on divine support.

Assurance of God’s Support

• Romans 8:31 is referenced to illustrate that if God is with us, no one can stand against us. This assurance stems from connecting one's spirit with the Holy Spirit.

Importance of Maintaining Connection with the Holy Spirit

• A warning is issued about "quenching" or neglecting the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives. While the Holy Spirit remains constant, our relationship can diminish if we do not actively engage.

Final Encouragement

• The speaker encourages attendees to embrace Jesus and maintain an active relationship with the Holy Spirit to avoid disconnecting from its guidance and support.