Wisdom of The Spirit: WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE

My message and my proclamation were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of spirit and power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God. - 1 Corinthians 2:4-5

We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand the things freely given us by God. And we speak about them not with words taught by human wisdom, but with words taught by the Spirit, describing spiritual realities in spiritual terms. - 1 Corinthians 2:12-13

"Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, `I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." -- Matthew 9:12-13

Prayer

I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. And I am the foremost of sinners; but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience for an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

To the King of ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

-- 1 Timothy 1: 12 - 17

My spirit blesses the Lord, the great King! (Tobit 13:15)

I give thanks to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, who gave me a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of my heart enlightened, that I may know what is the hope to which he has called me (Ephesians 1: 16-18).

I stir into flame the gift of God that I have for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control. I am not ashamed of my testimony to our Lord but bear my share of the hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God (2 Tim 1:6-8).

Peoples will declare their wisdom, and the congregation proclaims their praise (Sirach 44:15).

And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17).

And John bore witness, "I saw the Spirit descend as a dove from heaven, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him; but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, `He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God" (John 1:32-34).

Wisdom of The Spirit

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Friday, February 29, 2008

WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE