Read: 1 Corinthians 2:1-16
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. (v. 5 KJV)
The calla lilies were not blooming, and the leaves were shriveling. Likewise, the green pepper plants were not blooming. In contrast, the tomatoes were tall with an abundance of tiny tomatoes. I studied how some plants were struggling. I had bought tomatoes and garden vegetable fertilizers and assumed my plants would thrive if I followed the instructions on the packages. Midsummer, I was concerned because some plants were not thriving. After more research, I learned that I needed to use the tomato fertilizer on the calla lilies and green pepper plants. I was soon rewarded with healthy thriving plants with blooms and fruit!
Daily Scripture reading and devotionals feed me encouragement. They yield understanding and words to speak God’s wisdom through the Spirit moving in our minds (vv. 12-13). We can expect to harvest a life of service to the Father because of the gifts given to us by the Spirit (v. 13). Looking at this experience, I appreciate the mind God created in me that is like his. He gives me thinking and reasoning skills. I can figure out how to solve problems and speak words of wisdom because like all believers, I too have “the mind of Christ” (v. 16).
Being able to think like God is somewhat like applying the correct fertilizer. The yield will be fruits of service we are pleased to harvest for him. —Betty Kobes
As you pray, ask for an increasing desire to grow in wisdom and understanding as God speaks through your heart through the Spirit.
About the Author
Betty Kobes attended Kuyper College (formerly Reformed Bible College) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and received a bachelor of science in education and religion from Upper Iowa University. She served as teacher for 34 years in Christian and public schools. She is a member of the Immanuel Reformed Church in Belmond, Iowa, where she is active in Praise Team singing, teaching, and the Pleasant Prairie Classis Leadership Team, along with home activities of writing, gardening, walking, biking, and quilting.
