Wind & Fire - ReflectionsSample

Written by Javier De La Rosa - Discipleship Minister at City on a Hill Melbourne

“And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV)

When Paul first preached the gospel in Corinth, he didn’t rely on flashy words, clever arguments, or impressive displays. Instead, he came in weakness and fear, leaning entirely on the Spirit’s power. His point was clear: the transformative power of God does not come through human strength, it comes through His Spirit.

This passage reminds us that the gifts of the Spirit are not meant to glorify us; they are tools for making God present in the lives of others. Whether your gift is teaching, exhortation, worship, prayer, or prophecy, its purpose is to point others to Jesus and build up the church. The Spirit works through your life, not to showcase your abilities, but to manifest God’s presence in the hearts of those around you.

Think of it this way: when you exercise your spiritual gifts in faith, even small acts, praying for someone, sharing God’s Word, offering encouragement, can become channels through which the Spirit moves powerfully. God delights in using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things when we rely on Him.

Reflect:

Based on today’s reading:

How is the Holy Spirit inviting me to respond today, for God’s glory and the good of others?

Pray:

Holy Spirit, thank You for Your power at work within me. Teach me to rely on You, not on my own strength. Help me to use the gifts You have given me to bring Your presence, encouragement, and life to those around me. May Your power be made perfect in my weakness. Amen.