Feb 17

The power of the gospel lies in the message itself, not in the one who speaks it. Paul is quick to point this out, as he reminds the ones to whom he gave it, the Corinthians:

"I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling" (1 Cor. 2:3).

Paul was not afraid to be seen as weak and of no account. In fact, he reminds his listeners of this very thing, to draw attention away from himself and focus it on the message he brings and the One who gave it to him. He further elaborates:

"My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power" (v. 4).

The world is full of motivational speakers and religious preachers. What the world needs is not more persuasive speakers but more speakers filled with the Holy Spirit and his life and power. Then those words will be full of life and power and the ability to change the lives of those who hear those words.

We need more than inspiration when we hear a message from a pulpit or from anyone who claims to speak for Christ, if only to a neighbor over the backyard fence: We need power from God himself so that those who hear us will know at once that God lives in us.

" . . . so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power" (1 Cor. 2:5).

Scripture for today: 1 Cor. 2:4, 5
Thought for today: A faith that relies on the wisdom of men will die because all men must die. But a wisdom that rests upon the eternal Word of God will live forever.
Prayer for today: Eternal God, I ask you to shore up the foundation of my faith in you, that I might be found to be relying upon you and your sure, eternal Word, and not upon my own thoughts about you or anyone else's ideas of you.

FEB 17