WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12
Scripture: I Corinthians 4:18-21

Verses 18-21 state, “Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the LORD wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” Paul is facing opposition in the church at Corinth. In his first epistle to the Corinthians he is telling them that he is coming very, very shortly, and when he comes there is going to be conflict. They are going to find out whether the power to terrorize evil is present with him or not. He even says that the kingdom of God is not in word but it is in power. Then he gives them the choice. Shall I come to you with a rod? Paul acts like he can bring the Sword of the Lord at any time and at any moment. He can bring a rod of iron if needed. He can move God’s hand at any point, any place, or any time and that God will back up his ministry with a sword, with a rod, with single death, with double-death, with whatever is needed to overcome evil in that place. Where is that in today’s church? Where is that authority? Where is the platform? Where is the relationship? Where is this dimension pioneered in front of us so the church can walk into it? Perhaps this Word at Work is your introduction! God is calling the church to walk where Paul walked! Where Paul walked in the New Testament is where Jesus walks in the book of Revelation and it is where you and I must walk in the last days!