Paul was a scholar and an orator of the highest degree; he was not speaking here out of a deep sense of humility, but was saying that when he preached the gospel, he would veil the power of God if he impressed people with the excellency of his speech. Belief in Jesus is a miracle produced only by the effectiveness of redemption, not by impressive speech, nor by wooing and persuading, but only by the sheer unaided power of God. The creative power of redemption comes through the preaching of the gospel, but never because of the personality of the preacher.Real and effective fasting by a preacher is not fasting from food, but fasting from eloquence, from impressive diction, and from everything else that might hinder the gospel of God being presented. The preacher is there as the representative of God— “…as though God were pleading through us…” (2 Corinthians 5:20). He is there to present the gospel of God. If it is only because of my preaching that people desire to be better, they will never get close to Jesus Christ. Anything that flatters me in my preaching of the gospel will result in making me a traitor to Jesus, and I prevent the creative power of His redemption from doing its work.“And I, if I am lifted up…, will draw all peoples to Myself” (John 12:32).

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July 17 2015

Journal Entry for Today-JDV

Lord, I get this devotional; that we should not try to use elaborate music, words, or anything else when we talk about You to others.  We should simply allow you to show through our lives. Is this the message for me today?

And God says…”Yes that is the message for today, however, how you allow Me to show through you is another issue altogether. Allowing Me to live and show through you starts with a surrender of your own talent and skills, and does not begin and or end with a special time or day for telling others about Me.  Sharing your faith is less a revival, invitation song or a time to share the four spiritual laws than it is a time to simply live out your life surrendered, and connected to Me. Some of your most powerful words and “silent” testimony will come when you are not even aware of it, when you live your life out in a surrendered and connected state; when you are simply living your life. Seek first the kingdom of God, and everything else will be provided, including your life testimony. Acknowledge Me in all your ways and I will make your paths straight. And when you are surrendered and connected with Me, they will always see Me in you.”