Monday:
Unfortunately, one of the most striking similarities that most churchgoers share with the non-Christian world is their ability to complain about the way the church operates.
We all do it from time to time. But think positively for a minute:
- If you could create the perfect church, what would it look like? (How would it be run? How would people act, reach out, worship, pray, and so on?)
- Now consider this question: Could that perfect church be accomplished through human talent and strength? Or would it require the power of the Holy Spirit? Why?
Tuesday: Read Philipians 2:1-11
- What does it mean to be of one mind? Does it mean to be a “cookie cutter Christian” where the whole church views everything the same exact way? Or does this get at our motives?
- How might you become low so that God may be glorified?
Wednesday: Read 1 Corinthians 1: 26— 2: 5.
When Paul wrote his first letter to the church in Corinth, he had to address factions that were dividing the church. Groups were forming around attractive personalities (Paul, Apollos, Cephas). In order to address their preoccupation with human personalities and wisdom, Paul brought their focus back to the power of God, rather than the brilliance of men.
- How does Paul describe human effort as compared to the power of God? 5. According to this passage, why is it so important to rely on the power of the Spirit? (See especially 2: 5.)
- Think about the way you minister to the people around you. Can you say along with Paul, “My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Cor. 2: 4– 5)? Why, or why not?
Thursday: Pause
Time is perhaps the most valuable thing we have today. Give God some time right now to reflect on what God might have in store for you. Think and pray about what your Big, Hairy, Audacious, God-purpose (BHAG). You have one more chance to work on your Catching Fire card and offer it up this coming weekend. You might not know what your God-purpose is, but we can work together on it. find the card here: https://faithpointum.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/catching-fire-card.pdf
Friday: We absolutely need to step beyond our own abilities. It’s much safer to stay where we’re comfortable, but our lack of confidence in God’s power does not bring Him any glory. You get praised for using your natural talents well. God gets praised when His power accomplishes the humanly impossible.
- Have you ever walked away from a ministry opportunity because it would take you beyond your natural talents? In what areas would you need the Spirit to empower you in a situation like that?
- Do you believe that the Spirit would “come through” for you in that type of situation? Why, or why not?
Saturday: Create
- Look back over this week’s scriptures and devotions.
- Draw, paint or write your understanding of the Spirit. How has your understanding changed after this series?