The Spirit of power
And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 Corinthians 2:1
I have always wanted to be a great orator. To be a public speaker that was especially eloquent in delivering a great message. Sadly, I have not yet developed that skill yet, but I will continue to grow in that area. I do find encouragement in today’s key verse, though. Written to the church in Corinth, Paul says that he did not speak to them in excellence of speech or wisdom when he was with them in person. He basically says that he, the apostle Paul, who wrote a huge part of the New Testament was not a gifted preacher. Yet he was a gifted communicator. We know this because he started many of the first New Testament churches and discipled many of the people he converted to Christianity. You cannot do that without communicating. So how was he so successful in his ministry?
If you continue to read through verse 5 in this chapter, you will see that Paul’s ministry was so effective because of the presence of the Holy Spirit and the demonstration of His power. Paul kept in touch with the churches when he was not with them, but he determined to only look at Jesus and Him crucified when he was with them. (Verse 2) Paul had decided that the people of Corinth should not have faith in him, but in the power of God so he preached the gospel by demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit.
This should be our starting ground as we minister and speak the good news of God’s Salvation in Jesus. Start with the power of the Holy Spirit for what the need may be at the time. The scripture says to desire the best gift (see 1 Corinthians 12:31) and that would be the gift that is needed at the current time you are talking to someone about salvation. You may have to start out small, but that’s ok. Listen closely to His leading and make yourself available to reach out to others who are hurting. He will lead you into all truth and He will start right where you are. (John 16 :13)
Today I want to encourage you to start out your day by praying: Holy Spirit, I yield and submit to your direction today. Lead me to those who are lost and hurting and give me words and boldness to touch their lives. Let your power flow through me so that I can lead them back to You. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen. Now be ready and watching for the opportunities that He opens for you today at work, home and wherever you go. Be His witness today in demonstration and power and let the Spirit reach through your life into the lives of those around you.
Today’s scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 2:1-5
The Daily Dose 