S) "4 and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God. "
1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NASB)
O) There are several places where Paul refers to his lack of skill, when it comes to speaking. What he did have, though, was faith and conviction - both at incredible levels. He saw amazing miracles because of it, and more importantly, he saw amazing salvation come to those that heard him speak. Last month, as I read through the book of Acts, one thing was clear throughout, that Paul wasn't concerned with having all of the right words. He simply told his testimony of the power of Jesus Christ and the people to whom he spoke also saw the power of the Holy Spirit at the name of Jesus Christ.
A) Too often, as I try to share the Gospel, I get tripped up on having all of the right words. I need to keep a correct mindset and remember that my words can do little to convince people. Taking that further, though, I don't want anyone convinced solely on my words! It is way to easy for that faith to be shaken. When faith is built on seeing the power of God at work, though, that testimony will establish a faith that will stand. Like Paul's ministry, I don't need to always feel a pressure to facilitate some kind of miracle, though. Simply sharing an honest account of the miracles that I, myself, have experienced and seen, that can often be enough.
P) Father, forgive me for the times I've tried to do it all myself. Help me rely on You alone, when I am trying to minister to some one. Alone, I can certainly do nothing. With You, I can do all things, but I still need to acknowledge that it is all about You working through me. Holy Spirit, lead me in all things and most importantly, lead me when I am sharing the Gospel. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
A) Too often, as I try to share the Gospel, I get tripped up on having all of the right words. I need to keep a correct mindset and remember that my words can do little to convince people. Taking that further, though, I don't want anyone convinced solely on my words! It is way to easy for that faith to be shaken. When faith is built on seeing the power of God at work, though, that testimony will establish a faith that will stand. Like Paul's ministry, I don't need to always feel a pressure to facilitate some kind of miracle, though. Simply sharing an honest account of the miracles that I, myself, have experienced and seen, that can often be enough.
P) Father, forgive me for the times I've tried to do it all myself. Help me rely on You alone, when I am trying to minister to some one. Alone, I can certainly do nothing. With You, I can do all things, but I still need to acknowledge that it is all about You working through me. Holy Spirit, lead me in all things and most importantly, lead me when I am sharing the Gospel. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Very beautifully said
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