Today’s Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:2, NIV- “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
What do we truly know? Most of us do not even know ourselves. Are we being lazy-minded or focused? Paul was not ashamed of his weaknesses and lack of knowledge. In 1 Corinthians 2:1 he stated that he did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom.
He came only armed with presenting Jesus Christ. I have often thought and said that I am only a “one-trick pony” when it comes to my presentation of affirmations of God. It really is all I know. Paul has helped me to embrace my limitations. I cannot pretend to be someone I am not or pretend to be who others want me to be.
This is all I have. Jesus Christ. I can relate to Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 2:3 “I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling.” (NIV) I do recall the very first time I put myself out there on social media probably fifteen years ago. Afraid that I may offend or come across as self-righteous I just took one of the affirmations I had collected from scriptures and posted the one liner.
Mind you, I did not call it an affirmation of God. I just posted. One of the very first comments I received was from a high school friend who responded with a “Tom, what a wonderful affirmation.” I was shocked that someone knew what an affirmation was and thought to myself, “they do get it.”
That friend long ago removed themselves from social media but in that moment, they revealed to me that what Jesus was giving to me would be understood and received by others. Here I am pushing two decades later and affirmations from God are all I have and all I know. I do not know any of this without Jesus.
Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection saved me. His Holy Spirit spoke and directed me to find these affirmations. It is all I have. I once told my children that this was the only inheritance, they would receive from me because it is all I have. Paul assures me that this is enough. All we need is Jesus Christ.
I am confident that Jesus Christ manifests Himself in anyone willing to receive Him in their own unique way. Be your own part of the body of Christ that God is calling you. It is enough.
Because it is all we have we simply demonstrate the Holy Spirit’s power. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 2:5 that he kept his message plain so we would trust not in human wisdom but in the power of God. We can trust the power of God. As Paul stated in 1 Corinthians 2:7, “the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God—his plan that was previously hidden, even though he made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.” (NLT)
Each of us carry the mysteries of God that He knew before the world began. It was enough then and it is enough now. Not everyone will understand us, but some will get it. Thankfully, we are encouraged and spurred on by those who get it. So let us not be shy in our encouragement of the gifts we identify in others. You may be the only person the Spirit moves to encourage them in that moment.
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9, NKJV. When we love God, He will fill us with what He has prepared for us.
What has God filled you with? Do not be afraid. Give what you have, and the love of God will be recognized.
Today’s Prayer: Almighty God. Thank You for Jesus and Your Holy Spirit who empower us. Thank you for removing the burden of human wisdom so that we can live in the power of the Holy Spirit. Use each of us LORD to carry Your mysteries so others will come to understand You. Help us to freely give away what Your Spirit has freely given to us. Help us to speak in the words Your Spirit has given us so others too may be free to live in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Leave a Reply