by Kelly Dixon
Reading: 1 Corinthians 2
I am nervous every time I prepare myself to speak in front of people. It doesn't matter if there are five people in the audience or 500 (haven't had this opportunity yet, but looking forward to it). My nerves will be on edge. Butterflies begin to go throughout my body seemingly like they are infiltrating my system trying to immobilize me so that I am unable to speak for the Lord. Before each opportunity, I give myself a pep talk and try my best to overcome the jitters. However, usually this doesn't work until I give it over to the Lord, which many times happens right before I speak. At the top of all my notes I put in big letters – PRAY – to remind me that I am to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to fill me and use me to speak His words not my own. It is during these times that I am aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the room.In 1 Corinthians 2, Paul talks about the Holy Spirit and how He guides believers in the understanding of God's Word, ways and wisdom. In verse 14, he plainly states that unbelievers are unable to understand the things we believers speak about. Believers can evaluate what is being said because the Holy Spirit is within them guiding them. We have been given the Spirit of God so that we can understand God and His message to each of us personally. When I open myself up to allow the Lord to use me as a vessel speaking for Him, His Spirit is ministering in many ways throughout the room. He is ministering through me by using my mouth. He is ministering to each listener's heart by confirming the truth that is being spoken. One of the great things about our awesome God is that He has given us more than a window to Him. He has given His full Spirit to reside within us from the moment of salvation and fully available at all times.
Recognition of the Holy Spirit within us is imperative for a believer to bring glory to the Lord. We must recognize when we are speaking to an unbeliever that they will neither understand nor accept the things that come from the Spirit. Therefore, we must speak simply and bring them only the message of Christ who died to save them from their sins. Accepting of the truth of Jesus' salvation is when they too will receive the Holy Spirit and be able to understand God's truth further. However, when we are speaking to fellow believers we must go even deeper. First of all, we must realize personally that the Holy Spirit is guiding us each step of the way revealing to us the desire the Lord has for us. Desires of a perfect plan for our lives. Desires that bring healing in our lives and ultimately glory to Him. Secondly, we must realize that God's Spirit resides in all other believers. In recognizing this, we can discuss and assist each other in the things of the Lord; things that bring us closer to Him and lead toward our common goal of furthering Christ not only in our lives but in the lives of each other.
Are you recognizing the Holy Spirit at work in your life? Are you daily opening yourself up to Him so He may use you to minister His love to this world? Draw closer to Jesus by embracing His Spirit that guides you to better understanding of the truths within the heart of the Father. Daily spend time in God's Word and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in understanding the Word. Attend places where the Word of God is being preached and studied. Make discovery of God's heart and desire for your life a priority. In doing so, you will not only draw closer to Christ, but bring glory to Him as well.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me in recognizing Your Spirit within me. Give me a desire to draw deeper into Your Word where I will see Your ways and desires. In Jesus Name, Amen.
