Welcome to the final #SheSharesTruth of the Lent season. Can we just state the obvious here and say what a tremendous blessing these Fridays have been? You have opened your hearts and your notebooks, your blogs and your instagram feeds, and you have encouraged this community with your insight and vulnerability and love for God’s Word. We are so grateful for you!
If #SheSharesTruth is new to you, you can read more about the heart behind it here, and peruse the list of last week’s shares here.
The short version: As writers we’ve discovered that one of the most effective ways to learn from the Word is to study it and share it – to teach what we’ve learned to others. So each week during Lent, we’ve assigned a portion of Scripture (this week 1 Corinthians 2:1-5) for you to study and write about. And on #SheReadsTruth Fridays we share what we’ve learned by writing in our own spaces and linking to that here.
Here’s the plan:
- Write your devotional/reflections/response to 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 on your personal blog. (Or on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #SheSharesTruth and #SheReadsTruth; or even write the comments section here.) Use the graphics below in your post if you’d like!
- Link to this post so your readers can know about the #SheSharesTruth experiment too.
- Share the link to your post/Facebook update/Instagram below in the LinkyTool below.
- Visit each other’s links – at least one or two (maybe the two people who linked up before you?). Comment there – tell them you see them and hear them!
**Please share your heart, sisters. Our desire is not for this to be a time of comparison or sizing up writing abilities or spiritual maturity. Eloquence and insight are lovely, but we know that is not the thing our God calls us to. So, let’s not call each other to that either. Sister, if you feel ill-equipped – GOOD! If you feel like you have so much to learn – GREAT. SO DO WE! Every single time we sit down to write. And if we don’t, are hearts are not in the right place. Let this be a safe place to learn and share and love each other WELL.
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51 thoughts on "#SheSharesTruth | 1 Corinthians 2:1-5"
This site rocks !. I constantly encountered a new challenge & different listed here. Many thanks for that data.
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
Reading some of the posts today has been a blessing. I love you sisters all around the world in this community. I appreciate you all.
Do check out my take on 2 Cor 2:1-5, I'm #20 "No smoke machines" or go on: http://the-goodsoil.com/the-daily-seed/
Love you all xoxo
I've deeply loved this new Friday tradition. It feels so much more like community when we're all sharing with each other!
I'm #53 above or you can find it here – The Sin of Self-Help | Thoughts on 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 – http://ouryellowdoor.wordpress.com/2014/04/11/sin…
My reflection (sorry for the length, I type as I think):
This passage is beautiful. I LOVE the Voice's version of it:
"My brothers and sisters, I did not pose as an expert with all the answers. I did not pretend to explain the mystery of God with eloquent speech and human wisdom. 2 I claimed to know nothing with certainty other than the reality that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Liberating King, who was crucified on our behalf. 3 I was moved to utter despair during my time with you. I would find myself trembling in dread and fear. 4 The sermons I preached were not delivered with the kind of persuasive elegance some have come to expect, but they were effective because I relied on God’s Spirit to demonstrate God’s power. 5 If this were not so, your faith would be based on human wisdom and not the power of God."
What really sticks out to me is verse 2: "I claimed to know nothing with certainty other than the reality that Jesus is the Anointed One, the Liberating King, who was crucified on our behalf." It reminds me of this past summer.
Amidst many talks about theology, Christ, and the church, I found myself crying in the backseat of an acquaintance's car. Our friend had been going on with complaints about the Church and how he felt unwelcomed both in modern church culture and in the world. This hurt. I loved this kid, and to hear him talk about all Christians as if they were all the fake people who made him feel outcast made me feel more than disrespected. I tried talking eloquently about church culture, gave my own thoughts on society, and cited verses that came to mind and heart, but he was a brick wall to all of it. Realizing that nothing I knew could change His heart like Christ could, I cried and spat off what was really going on inside of me: that he was not truly justified in his thoughts about the church. That I loved him, that we loved him, and that it was completely wrong for him to not recognize and appreciate the loyalty we, his friends, had to him because Christ had loved us first. Being with people I had not known long, it was uncomfortable, but provided the reality that we all needed:
We were teenagers, asking honest questions, but also giving our own proud opinions about a God who we could not even fathom.
After that evening, I got into my own car and cried again for a longer amount of time at the fact that I truly knew nothing. That every opinion I had on society and how to live in it was just that– an opinion. The only thing I knew without a doubt in that moment was God's love for us, made real by the blood of His own son.
How often do I still try to complicate or add on to the gospel in my life? Try to tie it to my lifestyle or my foolish causes when it should be changing ME– When the gospel itself should be my ONLY true cause? Lord, forgive me for making all of this about me. I don't know all of the answers, and I don't have to. All I need to know is You, and You crucified for me. Bring me back to the heart of worship, Jesus, and make me like Paul, with much fear and trembling, unsure of all things but the truth of Your Saving Love.
I do love The Voice translation of these verses!! So beautifully written. Sometimes with all of the distractions, and opinions in this world swirling around us, all we really need to remember is that He died for us, and He will always love us.
Love the sharing. Mine for the day: http://thedaysgetsweeter.blogspot.com/2014/04/she…
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 #shesharestruth
In 1 Corinthians, we find Paul writing his second letter to Corinth—a Grecian island, located along the Middle Eastern trade routes—a superhighway for trade in goods, culture, and information. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians was deeply misunderstood, which led Corinth down a path of moral destruction. The first letter, of which much is not known, was wordy and rather complicated in its preaching to the new believers in Corinth.
Realizing what had happened, Paul’s purpose for writing his second letter was to simplify his message to the Corinthians, to break it down so that they would understand that their faith should not rest in the wisdom of the world, but in the power of the Lord.
What I find interesting about the first part of Paul’s letter is v.3—and I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling. It’s possible that Paul is referencing his bodily presence, which was described as ‘a man of little stature, thin haired, crooked legs, unibrow, hooked nose…but FULL OF GRACE.’ (From a passage in the 2nd century document, The Acts of Paul and Thecla)
Paul is not physically an imposing or grand figure, yet God called him to preach an unbelievably important message.
As we near Holy Week, Paul’s letter to the Corinthians not only reminds me that my faith should rest solely in the power of God (a great power that we celebrate when His son rises on the third day), but also that He can use anyone to share His message. From a burning bush to a man of small stature and a hooked nose, for no rhyme or reason other than that He is Lord, and He is good. So very good. Praise be to God.
Beautiful! Isn't that encouraging? Many times I either get proud about something in me– and attractiveness I possess, any intellect or knowledge I have, any skill in writing I've been gifted with– and other times, I feel completely insufficient and unusable by God (usually when I have to speak up about something or actually act on something). But in both cases, we're only looking at ourselves! It's about Him. He can use whoever He wants for whatever He wants. Period. There is no other logic behind being used by God. Praise you, Lord, that NONE of this is about US!
I am totally going to miss the #shesharestruth assignments. Maybe I should keep it up on my own, would that be ok? It has been really powerful in helping me study and digest God's word. I hope we can do a fun assignment like this again. I missed a couple of weeks due to my own schedule but I am grateful for the assignments I was able to do. Thank you!
http://www.niasimone21.tumblr.com
Thank you all, sisters, for opening up and sharing your hearts here. There is true freedom in this place – we know we are daughters of the King & we love each other as such! I haven't been commenting as much during this devotional series of meditation & confession, but as always, the Lord's done a great work in my heart. I'm so blessed to be able to share these studies with each of you, knowing that even though we don't see each other face to face, we still share the same Scripture each day, & yet see a different piece of God's character & heart. That's why I love this – we see bits of our Father in each other that we wouldn't have otherwise seen. God's grace abounds!
My link is #24 above – an Instagram post – you can also find me @katsmith1026 there :)
"We see bits of our Father in each other that we wouldn't have otherwise seen. God's grace abounds!" That it does, Kat! The Lord never fails to show me something new about himself each day on SRT, here. You girls have been the answer to my prayers when I asked for friends/fellowship with girls/women who both Loved Christ honestly and loved me honestly. I look back at the countless studies we've all done together, how God changed me piece by piece each day… and how he is still doing that now. Lord, I thank you for the good work you've been doing in all of our lives using SRT! I thank you for bringing a group of women who seek you together, so that we could see you in a whole new way each day through discussion with each other! Be blessed, girls! Submit yourself to Him and be His vessel today. xoxo
Been such a blessing to share with you all in this way, and to have you share your stories and perspectives with all of us. My devo for the day: "It's About What You Say, Not How Well You Say It" http://alabamaheartindianasoul.blogspot.com/2014/…
So grateful for all of the blog postings. This exercise has taught me more than I thought possible. Thank you God for the insights, both outside and in.
"My Deliberate Purpose"
http://www.melissaemma.blogspot.com
Happy Friday Sisters! xo
Unfortunately we stopped sharing today. Im extremely happy and grateful for the opportunity of sharing in this wonderful commmunity. SheReadsTruth the best is yet to come. it has been a blessing to myself and the other ladies. God bless you all, your family, friends and loved ones. May the passion for Gods true Word continues to burn inside you all as He reveals Himself to us with every read. Thank you again. Have a blessed Esaster!
#SheSharesTruth will be back as the schedule allows! We love it, too. xoxo
Sharing the gospel has never been something easy for me. I get really scared. I get afraid of rejection, of what people might think and sometimes I don’t even know why I’m afraid.
This morning I identified with Paul in 1 Corinthians 3:2 when he said: ”For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified”. God does not need person that knows how to talk using all the synonims in Thesaurus and express with eloquence, if you know what Jesus did for you, you already know enough to win a life for the kingdom. Then he continues in verse 3: ”I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.” (Yeah, it is Paul talking, that great man used by God.)This man felt scared but fear did not stop him, and it is there where I fail sometimes. I’ve heard that fear is a common thing when we are going to talk about the gospel, and it is a good thing because it leads us to trust the Lord not our own understanding. I’m not gonna lie, sometimes I’m looking for this ”cool” words to present Jesus, in order for people to get more interested on him. But, today I learned that the message is one: Jesus, the King, came and died for us, who were wallowing in our sins. He love us first, he drew near first. And it does not matter how many times this message has been preached, this is the message that saved me, that saved you and the only hope for those who still don’t know him.
Yes. I love this, Gabriela. "He loved us first, he drew near first… this is the message that saved me, that saved you and the only hope for those who still don't know him." We sometimes forget that we are not God's salesmen; we are not trying to put a nice tagline on the gospel to make it look more attractive to the world– that'd be conforming the gospel to the World, which is no gospel at all! Whoever Christ determines to save will be saved by the true gospel, and those whose hearts don't, won't. In the end, we are only tools used by Christ to get the word out, and He is in full control over who accepts it and who doesn't.
"When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God." I Corinthians 2:1-5
I think this describes our experience in this community! It is amazing to think the so-eloquent-Paul also experienced being a "nervous Nellie" when it came to his powerful preaching! And God used it to bring others, even us, to deeper faith in the power of God…and what God can do, even through us! And that happens by focusing on Knowing Jesus, and him crucified. Wow!
B"That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Cor 2:5)
The Testimony of God needs not wisdom. Confessing Christ and His crucifiction is enough. Paul was with the Corinthians during their afflictions and trials in the flesh but so was Christ in the Spirit.
Your preaching and testimony need not be in the wisdom of men for it is of God, hence those not of God would not understand it for it proves His Spirit and power which the natural man does not possess. Your faith should not be rooted in men's wisdom but in the power of God where it is unmoveable. All wisdom comes from God, knowledge and understanding proceedeth out of His mouth. When you speak, preach or teach, rely not on yourself but the Holy Spirit which dwells within you. As such he that has hears will hear. If its not in their heart to receive your word it will not be received. Dont let that deter your testimony.
#SheSharesTruth #SheReadsTruth
Another humbling but worthwhile exercise this week, ladies. Link #4 above or here:
https://www.facebook.com/stinav96/posts/101522846…
I look forward to reading your posts, and thank you, SRT, for the opportunity to share!
Good early morning to you, Sisters! THE LINKY IS ACTIVE! Sorry for the wait! And fear not – #SheSharesTruth will definitely be back in the future. We LOVE hearing from all of you!!
I too have been incredibly blessed and found such joy in not only studying and writing, but also reading other posts. I too hope to continue the Friday devotionals, what a wonderful idea! Blessings girls! I have loved getting to know all of you! http://laurenreneesosey.wordpress.com/2014/04/10/…
My first week writing-I really hope it stays, but I also know I'll still write if not! Thanks for inviting me :)
https://beautifulnotuseful.wordpress.com/2014/04/…
This has been such a helpful and encouraging challenge for Lent and I've really enjoyed reading what everyone has shared.
Here's my blog for this week: http://everythingthroughhim.wordpress.com/2014/04…
Is the link not open?
I hope this is not the last time we share. It’s forced me to look at verses I normally wouldn’t!
http://bit.ly/1kbuyt6
Linky was tardy today ;) It's up now!
Everything that everyone else has already said. So blessed by what God has done in my life through this community. So encouraged by all you sisters. Cyber hugs to the max.
No link yet so heres my bloggie: http://www.shewhofears.com/2014/04/shesharestruth…
Linky tool is back! Sorry about that. Glad you shared! xo
I have learned so much through the #SheSharesTruth Fridays and I hope we can have them back again soon:) It's been great connecting with so many of my sisters like this. <3 I don't see a LinkyTool thingy so here:
http://roarsofalioness.webs.com/apps/blog/show/42…
Linky is back! Sorry for the delay. xo
This has been a phenomenal experience. The SRT community is full of amazing women, and this "experiment" was a beautiful testament to power of this community and the hearts of the women that gather here. Thank you ladies for all of your inspiring words that last few weeks!
http://amhobkirk.wordpress.com/2014/04/11/sheread…
I love #shesharestruth and it was #shereadstruth that got me blogging in the first place. I find writing my thoughts on what I read and hear preached incredibly helpful. Many of the commenters have blogs- try clicking on their names to read more!
Can’t see a linky yet so posting blog post here: http://livelaughandlovegod.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04…
Sorry about that — this time it was a human error, not a technical one. ;) It's up now!
I'm sad to see it go, too! I have learned so much and have been rocked to the core by some of the posts that I have read. Thanks everyone for sharing your hearts! And all the girls at She Reads Truth for giving us this community in the first place :) http://legacyofbeauty.com/we-are-the-testimony/
I must say that I have been blessed enormously by the #SheSharesTruth activity and I am sad to see it go. I hope that it makes an appearance again sometime in the future because it wonderful!! How honored I feel to read and soak in the hearts of my SRT Sisters. The transparency shown through everyone's posts is humbling. I have never felt like I've known so much about people I have never met (the virtual conference is going to be nice but a real live conference is going to be amazing! I'm speaking it into the atmosphere. lol). As we approach the end of our Lenten season I am grateful that we have a renewed, refreshed, and revamped mission to put Christ first in all that we do because He paid the ULTIMATE sacrifice for us. Love you all!! Please check out and enjoy my blog post: http://scj816.blogspot.com/2014/04/glory-only-in-…
Keep sharing a devotional on Fridays! It has been a great discipline for me and I seriously have learned a TON from studying, too. If you enjoy it, stick with it!
http://www.shewhofears.com
Yes, keep sharing! #SheSharesTRuth is not going away forever — just until after Easter. We've loved this, too, and we plan to keep it going as the reading plan schedule allows! xoxo