February 22, 2025

RELY ON THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

I came to you in weakness—timid and trembling. And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. I did this so you would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:3-5 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

The apostle Paul was a Roman citizen with a Jewish heritage. He was raised in a Roman city yet a Jewish family. He was educated by a famous Jewish rabbi named Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) and was a strict follower of the Jewish law as a Pharisee (Acts 23:6). Yet when Paul went forth to preach the gospel he did not depend on his heritage, citizenship, or education as his primary means of persuasion. 

I do not believe God is opposed to good education or studying the scriptures to understand the ways and purposes of God. But we should not rely on human intellect to be our chief tool in sharing the gospel with our world. 

It is easy for us as humans to limit the power of God to the understanding of our intellect. We sometimes unknowingly put God in a box. We think we have Him all figured out and try to convince others through our intellect of their need for God. 

But the transformation of lives should not be limited to intellectual information. While I believe the Holy Spirit does work through our intellect, I also believe there needs to be a transformation of the will and emotions. There is not enough power in the intellect alone to transform lives. 

When we rely on the presence and power of the Holy Spirit we can touch people in their mind, will, and emotions. 

We can expect the Holy Spirit to show up and help us when we make ourselves available. We are the temple of God, and the Spirit of God lives in us. When we bring a conversation that leads to God, we should expect thoughts and words that don’t come just from our intellect. 

This doesn’t mean I don’t need to know what the Bible says about key issues. When I study the scriptures for truth, I give the Holy Spirit more to work with in my intellect. But I also believe the Holy Spirit can give me thoughts and ideas that are beyond my education or experience. 

These are the moments when the power of God is revealed, and people are convicted not because of my superior intellect but because the Spirit is touching them.

Expect the Holy Spirit to direct you when you talk about Jesus with non-believers. Expect thoughts and words to come that are beyond your education or training. Rely on the Spirit so that God gets the glory.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit I want to be a bridge between You and my lost world. Help me to cease the opportunities You give me to have a spiritual conversation. Help me to have God-moments throughout each week. 

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”