August 26

Job 4:1-6:10
Psalm 103:15-22
Proverbs 21:6-7
1 Corinthians 1:20-2:9

It Lacks That
My speech and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom but with a powerful demonstration by the Spirit.
—1 Corinthians 2:4

Much of modern-day Christianity is lacking power and conviction because it lacks a close encounter with this aspect of the Spirit’s resources. If we are to experience the fullness of the Spirit in our lives, then we must open ourselves to everything He wants to give us. We must not pick and choose and say, “I’ll take this but not that,” for in order to be God’s true representatives in this world, we must know Him in all His fullness.

I watched a man on television one day examine a beautiful painting. He studied it for a few moments and said, “Its perspective is good, the coloring is fine, the tones are excellent, the idea behind it is to be commended, but it lacks … that.”

The same can be said of a lot of Christian activity in this generation. Our preaching is correct, our worship services are well-structured, our music is fine, our organization is superb, but it lacks one thing—the throbbing power of the Holy Spirit. Without the power of the Spirit in our midst, we are preaching unquickened truth—truth that doesn’t fall upon the soul with convicting, sobering, awakening, converting power. Our Christianity is not bad—it is just dull. The Holy Spirit, when accepted and obeyed, turns insipidity into inspiration, dullness into dancing, and mediocrity into magnificence. If we are not careful, we may find ourselves in court one of these days accused of contravening the Trade Descriptions Act!

Prayer
Ouch, Lord, this hurts! But I know from experience that You hurt me in order to heal me. Begin with me today, and set me on fire that others may catch it, too! Amen.

Further Study
Ac 19:21-41; Eph 3:19; 5:18
How did the Holy Spirit give Paul holy boldness?
What was Paul’s exhortation to the Ephesian church?

Every Day with Jesus Daily Bible – August 26