*Above Only Devotional* TUES, NOV 20 *Demonstrating the Spirit and Power of God* _1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV), 1Thessalonians 1:5_

*Above Only Devotional*

TUES, NOV 20

*Demonstrating the Spirit and Power of God*

_1 Corinthians 2:4-5 (NIV), 1Thessalonians 1:5_
_My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power.

*For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake._

One of the reasons why God has given us His Spirit is for us to give witness or evidence to the life and power of Christ, Acts 1:8. We don't just reflect this witness by speaking words only, we reflect it by manifesting God's miraculous power and living holy and supernatural lives. The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation, Rom.1:16. Because we believe this gospel of Christ, we are entitled to experience God's power in our lives and as we preach it. So many believers fail to experience the power of God's spirit in their lives simply because they are not expecting it. You have to expect the Holy Spirit to manifest God's power in your life continually and expect His power to flow through your words as you speak and preach the gospel. Expect great miracles to happen!.

Another reason some believers do not experience the power of God's spirit is because their confidence is in their human efforts and abilities. Just as walking in the Spirit requires maintaining a Christ consciousness, demonstrating the Spirit and His power also requires maintaining a Christ consciousness. Peter conceded that it was not their power or holiness that caused the lame man to walk. Rather, God had simply glorified Christ in the man's life because they exercised faith in the name of Christ, Acts 3:12-16. You don't receive the Spirit or manifest His power by obeying the law but by believing in Christ, Gal.3:2&5. The righteousness of the law will get you nowhere in God; but the righteousness of faith is about believing in Jesus and by speaking His word, you will experience His power, Rom.10:5-11.

PRAYER FOCUS:
Thank God for His power that is at work in your life because of your faith in Christ. Speak life to situations around you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR READING PLAN
JEREMIAH 42-43; JAMES 5