9/3/08

In the Power of the Holy Spirit


Jesus began working in His hometown Nazareth by moving in the power of the Holy Spirit, reading the Bible, and proclaiming the good news to the poor. Jesus prophetically and fearlessly challenged His hometown folk, although this filled them with indignation and even endangered His life. If you're working for the Lord anywhere, especially in your hometown, see if you're doing it Jesus' way. For example, when St. Paul began His work in Corinth, "it was in weakness and fear, and with much trepidation. Can you relate to this? Following the example of Jesus, Paul chose to move in the power of the Holy Spirit. Rather than trying to hide his fears behind a facade of "macho-ministry," Paul spoke to the Corinthians with no particular eloquence, no persuasive force, and no "wise" argumentation. He relied only on "the convincing power of the Holy Spirit" and determined to "speak of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified.

To help Paul overcome his fears, "one night in a vision the Lord said to Paul: 'Do not be afraid. Go on speaking and do not be silenced, for I am with you' " (Acts 18:9-10).
Paul's work followed the pattern of Jesus' ministry. Jesus, Paul, and you have had tough jobs. Don't make it tougher. Do your work Jesus' way. Do it in the power of the Holy Spirit. Don't give in to fear. Proclaim the good news of the crucified and risen Jesus to all nations, especially to the poor. Work for, with, and in Jesus........ "Your faith rests not on the wisdom of men but on the power of God."

3 comments:

Nan said...

Father Please Pray for my brother David. He has a depression, and lost his faith. Also struggled with drug addiction. Everyday he talks about how he hates life, wants to die. And has no motivation to do anything. It breaks my heart. He needs spiritual healing. Please Father pray for him that he may enjoy the wonderful gift of life and the blessings Lord gave us. I really wish he could find himself and believe he has a purpose. I do not want to lose him. Thank you.

Unknown said...

dear father please pray for my intentions and pease give me the strenght to accept the things i cant change and the things i need to accept please have me in your prayers and guide me with gods heavenly love..

Nan said...

Dear Father,
My brother keeps on relapsing. Please give him the strength to quit once and for all. He is such a good person. Let him find peace and may God lead the rest of his life.

Thank you Father.