“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.” (1 Thessalonians 1:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.”
There is nothing as powerful as the preached Word of God. In my lifetime I have been blessed to hear the best of the best! In this verse, the Apostle Paul was bragging on the church in Thessalonica just a little. They got it; not just the words they heard but the Word produced a powerful effect on both their hearts and lives.
I like how The Message Bible puts it: “When the message we preached came to you, it wasn’t just words. Something happened in you. The Holy Spirit put steel in your convictions.”
I’m so glad I heard the message as a child and because of the Word I have conviction of steel! It’s almost impossible to change steel. My house is built on The ROCK!
Prayer: My heritage is so valuable to me, Lord. Thank You for sending preachers my way to help forge my own personal convictions. Your Spirit is what keeps me tall and erect. In Jesus Name, Amen!
Devotion by Kaye Singleton
“And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed the Lord: therefore the name of the same place was called The Valley of Beracah, unto this day.” (2 Chronicles 20:26 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
“For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, and house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” (2 Corinthians 5:1 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
“And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you.” (Isaiah 46:5 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
“And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.” (Genesis 22:13 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible)
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5, Holy Bible, New King James).
“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12, Holy Bible, New Living Translation).
“And this is the promise that He has promised us—eternal life,” (1John 2:25, Holy Bible, New King James).